CAT 2017 VARC Slot 1 Question Paper(Available):Download Solutions with Answer Key

The passage primarily aims to correct a misconception regarding the historical development of maps, particularly the idea that the orientation of maps has always been the same, with north at the top. The passage explains that for much of human history, different cultures placed different directions at the top of their maps. It further clarifies that early European explorers, such as Columbus, did not necessarily think of north as the top direction, contrary to popular belief.


Thus, the passage's primary goal is to correct the misconception about how the standard orientation of maps with north at the top came about. Quick Tip: Always look for the passage's central theme when answering such questions. Here, the focus is on correcting a common misconception rather than exploring myths or critiquing methodologies.

The passage explains that early maps were not consistently oriented with north at the top. The reasons for this varied across different cultures and time periods. Some of the reasons mentioned in the passage include:


- North was often associated with darkness, making it less desirable to place at the top (Option A).

- East was often considered a more positive or important direction due to its association with the sunrise (Option D).

- For religious reasons, some civilisations placed east or south at the top of their maps (Option C).


However, the passage specifically mentions that south was not necessarily considered superior or more positive by the emperors; instead, the positioning was influenced by the emperor's location in the northern part of the country (Chinese maps) rather than a preference for south.


Thus, the correct answer is (B) because it is the exception — south was not favoured by emperors as the reason for north not being at the top. Quick Tip: Look for exceptions in the wording of the question. The correct answer should be the one that does not fit with the explanations provided in the passage.

The passage provides several insights into the cultural and historical factors that influenced early Chinese map-making. One key point emphasized in the passage is that the placement of north at the top of Chinese maps was not due to technological advancements, such as the invention of the compass or an awareness of magnetic north. In fact, the passage notes that the early Chinese compasses were oriented to point south, not north.

Instead, the passage explains that the reason for placing north at the top was symbolic and linked to the emperor’s position. The emperor, who lived in the northern part of China, was placed at the top of the map. This map orientation symbolized the emperor's elevated status and the subjugation of his subjects, who looked "up" to him. The emperor's location and the direction of the map reflect a cultural belief system and social hierarchy, rather than practical navigation or geographical considerations.

Thus, the correct answer is (B) because the primary reason for placing north at the top of Chinese maps was to show respect to the emperor. Quick Tip: When analyzing cultural influences on historical practices, always focus on the symbolic and societal factors mentioned in the passage. In this case, respect for the emperor was a key motivator for map orientation.

The passage makes it clear that the explorers like Columbus and Magellan did not consider north as the "top" direction in their mental maps or navigation practices. In fact, Columbus and other European explorers navigated with a mindset that aligned with medieval Christian maps. These maps placed east at the top for religious reasons, particularly the association with the Garden of Eden and Jerusalem, which was considered the "center" of the world.

The passage specifically mentions that Columbus described his journey in accordance with the idea of "paradise" being in the east, which demonstrates that his maps, and thus his navigation, were based on the medieval belief system of positioning the east as the most important direction. This religious-based orientation was a central part of the worldview at the time.

Therefore, the correct answer is (C), as European explorers used an eastward orientation for religious reasons, rather than the modern practice of placing north at the top of maps. Quick Tip: When analyzing the practices of historical figures, especially explorers, be mindful of the cultural and religious beliefs of the time. In this case, the religious symbolism of east played a key role in their map-making.

The passage thoroughly discusses how the idea of placing north at the top of maps gradually emerged, but it does not explicitly point to one single factor as the “biggest contributory factor.” The passage mentions several influences, including cultural preferences, religious beliefs, and geographic orientations. It explains that early maps did not follow a standard convention, and different cultures preferred different orientations based on their worldview, such as placing east at the top in Christian maps or south in early Islamic maps.

While the passage references the role of explorers like Columbus and the influence of Christian maps, it does not definitively declare any one of these factors as the largest or most significant in determining the modern north-up orientation. Therefore, the correct answer is (D), as the biggest contributory factor is not stated explicitly in the passage. Quick Tip: In some cases, passages may provide multiple contributing factors without explicitly ranking them. In such cases, choose the answer that correctly reflects this ambiguity.

The passage explains that natural phenomena, such as the position of the sun, played a significant role in determining the orientations of early maps. Specifically, it mentions that early Egyptian maps placed east at the top, the direction of sunrise, which clearly demonstrates the influence of natural phenomena on map-making. The eastward orientation reflected the importance of the sun’s rising in Egyptian culture and their understanding of the natural world.

While other civilizations also incorporated natural phenomena into their map-making (e.g., Islamic maps with Mecca at the center), the passage highlights the early Egyptians' use of the sun’s position as the key influence on map orientation. Therefore, the correct answer is (A). Quick Tip: When dealing with questions about natural phenomena influencing map-making, always look for references to the sun, winds, or other natural elements that may have guided map orientations.

In the passage, the printing press is likened to the Internet for its ability to spread knowledge and ideas quickly and efficiently. The passage emphasizes that, before the printing press, it took a long time (up to a year) for monks to produce a single book. However, with the advent of the printing press, one machine could produce thousands of pages in a single day, dramatically increasing the availability of information and ideas. The printing press, like the Internet, allowed for the rapid distribution of knowledge, empowering people with information that was once confined to a few.


This makes Option (A) the correct answer, as the passage stresses that both the printing press and the Internet revolutionized the way information was accessed and shared. Quick Tip: When looking for the key similarity between two technological advancements, focus on the role of information sharing and accessibility, as these are often central to their impact.

The passage highlights the significant contributions of the printing press, emphasizing its role in promoting political views, enabling access to medical and religious texts, and speeding up the production of books and pamphlets. However, there is no mention in the passage that the printing press allowed people to perform various tasks simultaneously. This ability to multitask is more relevant to modern technologies, like smartphones and computers, not the printing press.

Thus, the correct answer is (D). Quick Tip: When answering questions about historical technologies, focus on their direct impact and the specific abilities they provided, avoiding the inclusion of capabilities that are more relevant to modern technologies.

In the passage, the author refers to Steve Jobs predicting that the introduction of the iPhone would lead to the decline of printed books. Jobs believed that digital media, like e-books, would take over, making printed books obsolete. This idea aligns with the statement in Option (C), where reading printed books is expected to become a thing of the past due to the advent of digital devices like the iPhone.

Thus, the correct answer is (C). Quick Tip: When considering predictions about technology, focus on the most significant changes anticipated by the inventor or developer. In this case, Steve Jobs foresaw a digital revolution in reading, impacting printed books.

In the passage, the author expresses uncertainty about whether the iPhone will achieve the same level of societal transformation as the printing press. He highlights that despite the hopes associated with the iPhone and the Internet, there are still significant challenges, such as the suppression of free speech in closed societies like North Korea, China, and Iran. This suppression prevents the iPhone from fully achieving the role of the printing press in spreading information and promoting freedom.


Thus, the correct answer is (C), as it reflects the author's doubts about the iPhone's ability to overcome these societal barriers. Quick Tip: Look for key phrases in the passage that indicate uncertainty or limitation, especially in contexts where the technology’s potential is being questioned.

The passage connects the invention of the printing press to the spread of revolutionary ideas, specifically freedom and democracy. It explains how the printing press allowed information to be disseminated quickly, exposing people to new ideas and contributing to social and political change. This spread of information is directly linked to the French and American revolutions, as the ideas of freedom and democracy were widely circulated through printed materials.


Therefore, the correct answer is (B), as it highlights the role of the printing press in promoting these transformative ideas. Quick Tip: When looking at causes for major events in history, focus on how the dissemination of ideas through technology, like the printing press, influenced social and political change.

The passage discusses the iPhone and the Internet, acknowledging their significant impact on society but also expressing doubt about whether they have achieved the same transformative effects as the printing press. The author points out that while the iPhone and the Internet have revolutionized various aspects of life, they have not necessarily opened people’s minds to the same extent that the printing press did, especially in the realms of religion and democracy. Therefore, the conclusion is that the iPhone and the Internet have not yet been as successful in broadening minds as the printing press.


Thus, the correct answer is (B), as it reflects the author's comparison of the iPhone's impact with that of the printing press. Quick Tip: Always pay attention to the concluding statements of a passage, especially when comparing the impact of different technologies or periods in history.

The passage discusses the decline of shopping malls and their transformation from thriving community hubs to centers of commercialism that are now facing closure. A central point of the passage is the loss of the social functions that malls once served. The author highlights that malls were not just places for shopping, but social spaces where people from all walks of life could gather, meet, and spend time together. The passage mentions how malls were central to social interactions, where people could work, shop, have fun, and socialize. However, with the advent of digital lives, efficient online shopping, and a shift in societal patterns, people no longer see the need for physical malls in the same way.


Thus, the correct answer is (C) because the passage centers on how malls once performed vital social functions that have now been lost. Quick Tip: Focus on the central idea of the passage, especially when the question asks for a summary of the main theme. Look for how the author describes changes over time, as in the case of malls losing their social relevance.

The author mentions that Amazon’s distribution centers are located near malls that the company helped close down. This juxtaposition serves to highlight the irony in the situation. While Amazon has contributed to the decline of physical retail spaces by popularizing online shopping, it has simultaneously set up distribution centers close to these same malls. This irony is central to the author's point about how digital shopping has reshaped the retail landscape.


Thus, the correct answer is (A), as it emphasizes the irony in Amazon's role in both helping to shut down malls and establishing nearby distribution centers. Quick Tip: When a question highlights a paradox or contradiction, look for options that suggest irony or contrast, as in this case where Amazon both contributes to the decline of malls and benefits from their proximity.

The phrase "real estate developers once stumbled over themselves to court" implies that real estate developers were once extremely eager and competitive to attract brand-name anchor outlets to their malls. The expression "stumbled over themselves" suggests a sense of urgency and eagerness in their efforts to secure these outlets, which were crucial for the success of the mall.


Thus, the correct answer is (B), as it captures the idea that developers were actively competing and collaborating to bring in these anchor outlets. Quick Tip: When you encounter phrases that describe extreme eagerness or competition, look for options that suggest rivalry or collaboration in achieving a goal, as seen in this case with real estate developers.

The passage describes the mall as an "ecosystem unto itself" because it served multiple functions beyond just shopping. Malls were places where people could come together for various social activities, such as meeting friends, hanging out, and engaging in social interactions, while also shopping for both necessary and unnecessary items. This dual function of commerce and community gathering is why the author describes malls as ecosystems.


Thus, the correct answer is (C), as the mall served both commercial and social purposes. Quick Tip: When a passage describes a place or concept as an "ecosystem," look for the option that reflects a combination of different roles or functions, not just a singular purpose.

The passage refers to malls as America’s "public square" because they were central places where people from all walks of life could gather and interact. This idea of the mall as a "public square" reflects its role as a social gathering space, much like how people used to congregate in central squares or marketplaces in earlier societies. Malls provided a shared space where people could meet for various reasons—shopping, socializing, or simply passing time.


Thus, the correct answer is (D), which highlights the mall's function as a social gathering space for everyone. Quick Tip: When answering questions about social spaces or community functions, focus on options that emphasize interaction, gathering, and shared experiences.

The author’s use of the phrase "Perfume clouds in the department stores" serves to evoke nostalgic memories of the sensory experiences one associates with malls, such as distinctive smells. The phrase paints a vivid picture of what it was like to visit these malls, specifically highlighting the sensory details that made them memorable for visitors. This is not about the technical aspects like the variety of products available or the smell of food, but rather about creating a mental image of the mall environment.


Thus, the correct answer is (A), as it emphasizes the author’s goal of evoking memories and painting a sensory picture of the mall experience. Quick Tip: When a passage uses vivid imagery, focus on how the author uses sensory details to evoke emotions or memories. Look for options that describe these experiences in a nostalgic or descriptive manner.

In their classic 1969 paper, Ehrlich and Raven argued against the traditional view proposed by Ernst Mayr, which emphasized physical separation (isolation) as the primary cause of speciation. Through their study of checkerspot butterflies in the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, they demonstrated that even in close proximity, populations within a species could evolve differently without the need for geographic isolation. Instead, they highlighted the importance of natural selection in driving evolutionary divergence. According to Ehrlich and Raven, natural selection, through factors such as mate choice, disease, or predation, played a larger role in speciation than isolation.


Thus, the correct answer is (C), as it reflects their argument that isolation was a contributing factor but not as crucial to speciation as natural selection. Quick Tip: When a question asks for the central idea of an argument, focus on the key factors emphasized by the authors. In this case, Ehrlich and Raven prioritized natural selection over isolation as the main driver of speciation.

The passage discusses the challenges posed by Ehrlich and Raven to Ernst Mayr’s ideas on speciation, with Ehrlich being the author of The Population Bomb. However, the book itself is primarily focused on issues related to population control, environmental issues, and the implications of human population growth, rather than directly questioning ideas about species diversity. While Ehrlich and Raven’s work did question aspects of evolutionary biology, the statement in Option (B) is not consistent with the passage's focus.


- Option (A) is true: Gene flow is discussed in the context of how it may contribute to evolutionary divergence in the butterfly populations.

- Option (C) is true: The passage implies that evolutionary changes take place over long periods of time and often imperceptibly.

- Option (D) is true: The passage describes how checkerspot butterflies exhibited divergence within a single population, despite their close proximity.


Therefore, the correct answer is (B), as it is not consistent with the passage's argument about Ehrlich's work and its relationship to species diversity. Quick Tip: When a question asks for the statement that is "EXCEPT," identify the one piece of information that does not align with the passage’s content. Focus on context, especially when the question refers to broader works like The Population Bomb.

The author discusses the work of Mayr, Ehrlich, and Raven to show that the causes of speciation are a matter of debate in the scientific community. The passage outlines how Mayr's ideas about speciation, which involve isolation and physical barriers, were challenged by Ehrlich and Raven, who emphasized the role of natural selection in speciation. This demonstrates that scientists continue to debate the mechanisms of speciation and that there isn't a unanimous consensus.


Thus, the correct answer is (C), as it reflects the ongoing debate in the scientific community regarding the causes of speciation. Quick Tip: When looking for an answer that addresses scientific debates, focus on options that reflect differing viewpoints and the complexity of the subject. In this case, the passage highlights that speciation mechanisms are still under discussion.

The first paragraph of the passage focuses on the fact that while the Olympic Games generate significant revenue, the economic benefits to the host city are uncertain and typically materialize only over the long term. The passage discusses the high operating costs involved in hosting the Games and the fact that the bulk of the revenue generated goes to the International Olympic Committee and related organizations. The benefits to the host city are linked to the value of the Games as an advertisement, improvements to infrastructure, and the long-term use of new facilities. However, these benefits depend on several factors and are not guaranteed in the short term.


Thus, the correct answer is (C), as the passage explains that the economic benefits for host cities, if they exist, are more likely to accrue over the long term. Quick Tip: When asked about the central point of a paragraph, focus on the primary argument or conclusion the author is making. In this case, the passage emphasizes the delayed and uncertain economic benefits for host cities.

The passage discusses how sports facilities built for the Olympics often remain underused after the event. One of the main reasons given is that the scale of these facilities and the high costs of operating them make it difficult for cities to sustain them once the Games are over. These large facilities require significant maintenance and operational funds, which many cities struggle to provide once the temporary excitement of the Games has passed.


Thus, the correct answer is (A), as the scale and operational costs are cited as major factors contributing to the underutilization of Olympic facilities. Quick Tip: Look for answers that highlight practical issues such as financial sustainability or logistical challenges when analyzing the long-term impact of events like the Olympics.

The author emphasizes the negative impacts of hosting the Olympic Games on the host city, focusing on the economic and social costs. The passage mentions that the Games lead to the diversion of valuable urban land (Option A), the demolition of residential areas (Option B), and the misallocation of financial resources that could have been used elsewhere (Option C). However, while the passage mentions the challenges of infrastructure, it does not specifically mention the influx of visitors as a major burden, making Option (D) the exception.


Thus, the correct answer is (D), as the influx of visitors is not highlighted as a major issue in the passage. Quick Tip: When looking for an exception, focus on what is not discussed in the passage, even if it seems like a possible answer. The exception typically aligns with an idea not covered in the main argument.

In this paragraph, the author reflects on the nature of a "classic." The key idea is that a classic transcends the shared humanity or universality often associated with timeless works. Instead, a classic offers access to radically different forms of human consciousness, going beyond the universal and contemporary to expand the range of possibilities for what it means to be human. The focus is on exploring the new and different, rather than reinforcing universal human experiences.


Thus, the correct answer is (C), as it reflects the paragraph’s emphasis on the classic offering access to new and different forms of human consciousness. Quick Tip: Look for the key concept in the passage about how the author views a "classic." In this case, the focus is on expanding the understanding of what it means to be human through exploring the new and different.

The passage stresses that when translating Indian texts into English, an Indian translator has an advantage because they understand the cultural elements of the text better than a westerner would. While language fluency is important, the real challenge in translation comes from interpreting cultural nuances. Therefore, the passage suggests that Indian translators are better placed to handle these cultural aspects without posing problems related to the quality of the language.


Thus, the correct answer is (C), which emphasizes that Indian translators should handle Indian texts to avoid cultural misinterpretation. Quick Tip: When summarizing arguments in a passage about cultural understanding in translation, focus on the connection between language fluency and cultural comprehension, as these are key factors in successful translation.

The paragraph explains how global warming, by melting glaciers and thermally expanding the volume of sea water, increases atmospheric moisture. This added moisture fuels storms, making them more powerful and destructive. The explanation emphasizes the role of global warming in enhancing the destructive power of modern storms, including Harvey, due to the increase in water vapour in the atmosphere, which happens faster as the sea water volume expands.


Thus, the correct answer is (C), as it summarizes the link between global warming, sea water expansion, and the increase in storm power. Quick Tip: When asked for a summary, look for the option that connects the cause (global warming) and the effect (more destructive storms) clearly. In this case, the link is through the expansion of sea water and the increase in atmospheric moisture.

The correct order of the sentences can be determined by analyzing how the ideas flow logically from one to another:


- Sentence 5 introduces the metaphor that tradition is the opposite of innovation, setting up the thematic context.

- Sentence 4 then elaborates on the truism that traditions are not handed down unchanged but are invented, linking closely to the idea in Sentence 5.

- Sentence 1 follows by discussing how the process of handing down traditions involves contestation and not a passive transfer, expanding on the concept introduced in Sentence 4.

- Sentence 3 discusses how every generation selects from the past, making innovations, and ties the idea of innovation to tradition.

- Sentence 2 concludes by focusing on how Western scholars have shaped Indian tradition, showing how the selection of tradition is even more apparent in the context of Indian history.


Thus, the correct sequence is 5, 4, 1, 3, 2. Quick Tip: Look for the sentences that introduce a general idea or metaphor first, followed by sentences that elaborate on it or provide examples. This helps establish a clear flow of thought.

The proper order of the sentences logically connects the introduction of the research, the results, the disease, its cause, and the benefits of correcting the mutation:

- Sentence 1 introduces the groundbreaking work of scientists editing genes in human embryos.

- Sentence 5 follows by describing the recent results announced by scientists in Nature, where they fixed a specific genetic mutation.

- Sentence 2 provides the context for why this mutation is important: it causes sudden death in healthy athletes and affects many people.

- Sentence 4 elaborates on the cause of the disease, linking it to a mutation in a specific gene and explaining how it can be inherited.

- Sentence 3 concludes by discussing how correcting the mutation not only benefits the child’s health but also prevents transmission to future generations.


Thus, the correct order is 1, 5, 2, 4, 3.
Quick Tip: When sequencing sentences, look for a logical flow: first, introduce the topic, then describe the results, followed by the cause, and conclude with the implications of the findings.

The correct order follows a logical sequence of introducing the discovery, providing supporting evidence, and making conclusions about the findings:


- Sentence 5 introduces the key discovery that DNA from Bronze Age skeletons suggests the black plague could have emerged as early as 3,000 BCE.

- Sentence 4 follows by explaining the methodology of analyzing the DNA from the skeletons, identifying the bacterium that causes the disease.

- Sentence 1 presents the study’s conclusion, suggesting that the disease may have driven human migrations across Europe and Asia.

- Sentence 2 gives context to the findings by providing details about the oldest sample, which was from southeast Russia around 5,000 years ago.

- Sentence 3 wraps up the discussion, explaining how the age of the skeletons corresponds to a time of mass migration, reinforcing the idea that a pandemic could have driven these migrations.


Thus, the correct order is 5, 4, 1, 2, 3. Quick Tip: When sequencing sentences, look for a natural progression from introduction (discovery) to evidence (methodology and findings), followed by analysis and conclusions.

The correct order of the sentences logically connects the idea of self-expression in both past and present, leading to the ease of sharing personal information today:


- Sentence 3 introduces the idea of documenting presence, referencing family albums, and how it connects to the current phenomenon of digital documentation.

- Sentence 2 builds on this by stating that there is nothing new about framing who we are or what we want, exemplified in platforms like Facebook.

- Sentence 1 expands the concept of self-expression by noting how social media has made this process easier with tools for creating, sharing, and consuming content.

- Sentence 4 takes this further by highlighting how we are empowered to share our lives as if we are celebrities, with ease and minimal effort.

- Sentence 5 concludes with the unprecedented aspect of social media: the ease of broadcasting personal news and the unpredictable responses that can come from it.


Thus, the correct order is 3, 2, 1, 4, 5. Quick Tip: When sequencing sentences, look for the progression of ideas from general concepts to specific examples. Start with historical context, then move to current trends, and finally discuss the unique aspects of the phenomenon.

The four sentences in the paragraph focus on the idea that researchers observe babies’ reactions to language to understand how they begin to learn it. The odd sentence out is (3), as it is a general statement about the belief that babies react to language from birth, which doesn't tie into the observation and study process described in the other sentences.


- Sentences 1, 2, 4, and 5 logically follow from one another, describing the process of studying babies’ reactions to language, how researchers observe subtle signs, and how repeated viewings of recordings help spot these signs.

- Sentence 3 is a generalization without specific reference to the methods of observation, making it the odd one out.


Thus, the correct answer is (3). Quick Tip: When identifying the odd sentence, look for the one that doesn't follow the same theme or doesn't connect logically with the others in the paragraph.

The odd sentence is (4) because it does not fit with the focus on the study of exercise’s impact on the brain and mind, as the other sentences do. Sentence 4 introduces a new idea about the technology-driven world and how it has reduced movement in modern life, which, while related to physical activity, doesn't align with the detailed exploration of the biological and neurological aspects of exercise described in the other sentences.


- Sentences 1, 2, 3, and 5 focus on the scientific findings related to how exercise impacts brain cells and mental processes.

- Sentence 4 is more about societal changes and technological influences, making it the odd one out.


Thus, the correct answer is (4). Quick Tip: When identifying the odd sentence, focus on whether it continues the theme or introduces a completely new idea that doesn't align with the rest of the paragraph.

The odd sentence is (1) because it does not focus on the processes or evidence related to the loss of water on Mars, as the other sentences do. Instead, Sentence 1 only mentions that the water was lost without specifying how or why, making it more general and disconnected from the rest of the paragraph, which focuses on scientific explanations and findings.


- Sentences 2, 3, 4, and 5 are closely related, as they explain the loss of water on Mars and the possible presence of liquid water remaining on the planet, drawing from scientific data and studies.


Thus, the correct answer is (1). Quick Tip: When identifying the odd sentence, look for one that doesn't fit the specific theme or level of detail introduced in the rest of the paragraph. In this case, Sentence 1 is too general and lacks the specific scientific context provided by the others.