Verbal Ability - Question of the Day

Question:-
The question below contains a paragraph followed by alternative summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the paragraph.

It has long been held that decisions made collectively by large groups of people are more likely to turn out to be accurate than decisions made by individuals. The idea goes back to the “jury theorem” of Nicolas de Condorcet, an 18th-century French philosopher who was one of the first to apply mathematics to the social sciences. Now it is becoming clear that group decisions are also extremely valuable for the success of social animals, such as ants, bees, birds and dolphins.

OPTIONS

1)The jury theorem of Nicolas de Condorcet suggests that consensus decisions made by social animals and groups of people are more likely to be accurate.

2)Collective decisions of groups of people are more likely to be accurate according to the jury theorem of Nicolas de Condorcet. Now it is becoming clear that group decisions are valuable to other social animals too.
3)By applying mathematics to social sciences Nicolas de Condorcet through “jury theorem” suggests the importance of collective decisions for social animals including man.
4)The jury theorem of Nicolas de Condorcet, which applies mathematics to social sciences, suggests that consensus decisions made by social animals and groups of people are more likely to be accurate.

5)Consensus decisions are more likely to be accurate according to the jury theorem of Nicolas de Condorcet. Now it is becoming clear that group decisions are valuable to other animals too.


Solution
The passage states that when groups of people make decisions, the decisions are more likely to be accurate. The idea can be traced to Nicolas de Condorcet of 18th century. Now it is understood that other social animals too find collective decisions valuable.
Option 1 clubs social animals and groups of people together. The theorem was not applicable to social animals.
Options 3 and 4 are incorrect in saying that “by applying mathematics ...” – the paragraph uses this information merely to introduce the philosopher.
Option 5 is incorrect because it states “animals” without trying to distinguish between “social animals”.
The option that comes closest to capturing the essence of the paragraph is option 2.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

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Quantitave Ability-Question of the Day

Question:-

Consider the set S of the unit’s digit of all numbers which are expressible as the sum of exactly two prime numbers. How many digits do not occur in S?

OPTIONS

1) 0
2) 1
3) 4
4) 6

Solution


First, we note that we can find prime numbers ending with every possible odd digit – for example, 11, 3, 5, 7 and 19. We can add any two of these to get numbers ending with every possible even digit, so all even digits are necessarily members of S.
Now, 2 is also a prime number. By adding 2 to prime numbers ending with all possible odd digits, we will get numbers that are the sum of two prime numbers and end with all possible odd digits. Hence, all odd digits are also members of S.
Since S contains all odd and even digits, there is no digit which is not a member of S.
Hence, option 1.

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Verbal Ability - Question of the Day

Question:-
Mark the error(s) in the following sentences.

For many years, (i) it was thought about all of our brain cells (neurons) (ii) are produced before birth, or exceptionally, up to one or two years after birth, but then the process supposedly stopped. From then on, most brain scientists believed, brain circuits (iii) could only be modified by altering the synapses, or contacts between existing cells. In this view,  the total complement of cells,(iv) anatomically organized by function and forming major pathways, (v) constituted the brain’s “hardware.”

OPTIONS

1) i, ii, iv
2) ii, iii, v
3) i, ii
4) i, iii, v
5) ii, iv,

Solution
There is no error in phrases iii, iv and v.
There are grammatical errors in phrases i and ii.
In phrase i, the error is in the use of the preposition ‘about’ after ‘thought’. In this sentence, the correct usage would have been ‘thought that’. This is because ‘that’ introduces the main clause in the sentence.
In phrase ii, while making an adverb from the adjective ‘exceptional’, one has to only add ‘–ly’ to make ‘exceptionally’. ‘Exceptionably’ is wrong usage.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

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Quantitave Ability-Question of the Day

Question:-
Consider the set S of the unit’s digit of all numbers which are expressible as the sum of exactly two prime numbers. How many digits do not occur in S?

OPTIONS

1) 0
2) 1
3) 4
4) 6
Solution
First, we note that we can find prime numbers ending with every possible odd digit – for example, 11, 3, 5, 7 and 19. We can add any two of these to get numbers ending with every possible even digit, so all even digits are necessarily members of S.
Now, 2 is also a prime number. By adding 2 to prime numbers ending with all possible odd digits, we will get numbers that are the sum of two prime numbers and end with all possible odd digits. Hence, all odd digits are also members of S.
Since S contains all odd and even digits, there is no digit which is not a member of S.
Hence, option 1.

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Verbal Ability - Question of the Day

Question-


The following question has a paragraph from which the last sentence has been deleted. From the given options, choose the one that completes the paragraph in the most appropriate way.

If the hoardings were anything to go by, swamis of various stripes were the advertisers of the year at the Maha Kumbh Mela held at  Haridwar. Eschewing the one size fits all approach, each swami had something unique on offer. They promised to rescue Hinduism and Hindus from grave peril, railed against global warming, flaunted their many social service initiatives, and for the religiously undecided, offered an entirely secular package of peace, love and spiritual happiness. ____.

OPTIONS

1) A slew of 360 degree initiatives included mini ashrams and ready access to the babas or swamis in question.
2) In short, everything that one would have expected brands to do.
3) A comprehensive marketing programme indeed!
4) A possible reason was to retain the focus on the spiritual side of Haridwar and the Kumbh Mela.
5) For all that, Haridwar is by no stretch of imagination a brand averse city.

Solution
The paragraph conveys that at the Kumbh Mela, “swamis ... were the advertisers of the year”. This idea is brought to closure by option 3.
Option 1 helps to continue the paragraph by stating more of what was on offer. It does not help to close it.
Options 2 and 5 are inappropriate in concluding about brands and even about Haridwar with sweeping statements, whereas the paragraph merely talks about swamis advertising.
Option 4 raises the question about who has to retain the focus – the purpose of the paragraph is not to wonder why swamis were advertising heavily. Option 4 may be related to the paragraph but does not logically close it.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

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Verbal Ability - Question Of the Day

Question -
The question below contains a paragraph followed by alternative summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the paragraph.

Cognitive dissonance refers to the mental conflict that occurs when beliefs or assumptions are contradicted by new information. The unease or tension that the conflict arouses in a person is relieved by one of several defensive maneuvers: the person rejects, explains away, or avoids the new information, persuades himself that no conflict really exists, reconciles the differences, or resorts to any other defensive means of preserving stability or order in his conception of the world and of himself.

OPTIONS

1) Cognitive dissonance arises when a person maintains stability through rejection, denial, explanation, reconciliation of new information or other such defensive measures.
2) In cognitive dissonance a person experiences conflicts due to the rejection, denial, explanation or reconciliation of new information that contradict his beliefs.
3) Cognitive dissonance is a mental conflict when new information contradicts beliefs. The person may then reject, deny, explain, or reconcile such information to maintain stability.
4) In cognitive dissonance a person rejects, denies, explains, or reconciles as a defensive manoeuvre the threat to his established beliefs that cause conflict.
5) Cognitive dissonance is the defensive manoeuvre to preserve stability in oneself through rejection, denial, explanation, or reconciliation when beliefs are challenged by new information.


Solution
The gist of the paragraph is: Cognitive dissonance refers to the mental conflict that arises when new facts contradict beliefs. One tries to overcome this conflict by various defensive maneuvers like rejection, denial etc.  
Option 3 captures this essence.
All other options mistakenly refer to cognitive dissonance as the rejection or denial or the conflict due to rejection, denial etc.
Rejection or denial is a defensive measure towards the conflict called cognitive dissonance. 
Nor is it a defensive maneuver as option 5 puts it.
Option 4 misses out on the mental conflict part.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

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Verbal Ability - Question Of the Day

Question-

The following question has a paragraph from which the last sentence has been deleted. From the given options, choose the one that completes the paragraph in the most appropriate way.

People may be attracted to those who have similar attitudes, values, and beliefs and even marry them – at least in part – on the basis of this similarity because attitudes are highly visible and salient characteristics and they are fundamental to the way people lead their lives. Personality-related characteristics, on the other hand, take much longer to be known. However, once people are in a committed relationship, it is primarily personality similarity that influences marital happiness because being in a committed relationship entails regular interaction and requires extensive coordination in dealing with tasks, issues and problems of daily living. ____.

OPTIONS

1) But Nature doesn’t really care whether they get along or not, as long as the two procreate.
2) That is why we try to choose someone with the same interests as we, someone from a similar background, with the same values, and with whom we have a lot in common.
3) Hence couples with similar temperaments tend to get along better, and that similar attitudes and beliefs are not an important factor.
4) Where personality similarity is likely to facilitate this process, personality differences may result in more friction and conflict in daily life.
5) Exceptions generally do not arise when some external factors, like interference of in-laws, is playing a role in the couple’s unhappiness, not their personalities.

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Verbal Ability - Question of the Day

Question-
Fill in the blanks in the passage with the most appropriate set of words from the options for each blank.
Although many genetic and environmental causes of autism have been ____, its theory of causation is still incomplete. The genetics of autism is complex. Genetic linkage analysis has been inconclusive; many association analyses have had inadequate power For each autistic individual, mutations in more than one gene may be ___. Mutations in different sets of genes may be involved in different autistic individuals. There may be _____ interactions among mutations in several genes, or between the environment and mutated genes. By ____ genetic markers inherited with autism in family studies, numerous candidate genes have been located, most of which encode proteins involved in neural development and function.

OPTIONS

1) suggested, possible, unequal, removing
2) insinuated, acquited, obvious, identifying
3) proposed, possible, unequal, eliminating
4) insinuated, involved, obvious,  isolating.
5) proposed, implicated, significant, identifying.

Solution
‘Insinuate’ means ‘to hint’ or ‘imply’ which does not fit in the context’.
‘Suggested’ or ‘proposed’ can fit in blank 1.
Also, in blank 2, acquitted is inappropriate. This eliminates options 2 and 4.
In blank 4, numerous candidate genes cannot be located by ‘isolating’, 'removing' or 'eliminating them'. To locate a gene or a gene marker, we need to ‘identify’ or ‘locate’ it rather than ‘eliminate’ or 'remove' it.
Hence, the correct answer is option 5.

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Quantitave Ability-Question of the Day

Question-
Five numbers to be added are entered in different columns in an excel sheet. While writing the formula to calculate their sum, a user enters the wrong formula three times. First, he multiplies the numbers in order by 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 before adding to get the result 1, then he multiplies the numbers in order by 3, 3, 7, 8 and 10 before adding to get the result 4. Finally, he multiplies them in order by 3, 2, 5, 5 and 6 before adding to get the sum 8. What is their actual sum?

OPTIONS

1)2
2)4
3)5
4)Cannot be determined


Solution
Let the numbers in order be a, b, c, d and e. 

It is given that 
a + 2b + 3c + 4d + 5e = 1              … (i)
3a + 3b + 7c + 8d + 10e = 4          … (ii)
3a + 2b + 5c + 5d + 6e = 8            … (iii)

Subtracting the equation (i) from (ii), we get
2a + b + 4c + 4d + 5e = 3              … (iv)

Subtracting equation (iv) from (iii), we get
a + b + c + d + e = 5

Thus, the actual value of the sum is 5.
Hence, option 3.

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Verbal Ability-Question of the Day

Question-
The question below consists of a set of labelled sentences. These sentences, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Choose the most logical order of sentences from among the options.
A. This is fundamentally wrong.
B. The sex functions, when properly controlled and led into the proper channels, are a most essential and legitimate form of physical self-expression.
C. This discussion of these Avoided Subjects, in Plain English, is intended to give the salient facts regarding sex in a direct, straightforward manner, bearing in mind the true purpose of normal sex activities.
D. Its activities are not obscene, but nature's own means to certain legitimate ends.
E. Sex affects the very root of all human life.
F. The veil of secrecy with which they are so often shrouded tends to create an altogether false impression regarding them.

OPTIONS

1) EDABFC
2) FCAEDB
3) BAFDEC
4) AEDBFC
5) CFBDEA

Solution
Statement A states ‘this is fundamentally wrong’. Now all the other statements talk about the same idea of sex being considered a taboo, which it is not. It means that statement A cannot be placed in-between the other 5 statements. Hence statement A should be placed either at the beginning of the paragraph, meaning it refuted something else spoken of in the previous statement (which we don’t know as it is not given) and now presents the case why understanding sex is important. Conversely statement A can be placed as the last statement, following which a case could be presented, refuting everything presented in the passage.
In either case, statement A needs to be presented either at the start or the end. Only options 4 and 5 satisfy that condition. This eliminates options 1, 2 and 3.
Option 5 flows beautifully with C-F-B. Then statement D talks of ‘Its activities’ which means statement D is pointing out at something singular. But all that the preceding statement B talks about is ‘the sex functions’ which is in plural form. A plural noun cannot connect with a singular pronoun. It creates an error of consistency. This eliminates option 5.
Option 4 does not present any technical flaw and flows well with the ideas presented.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

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Verbal Ability - Question of the Day

Question-
The question below contains a paragraph followed by alternative summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the paragraph.
The signing of a treaty between the US and Russia on reducing their strategic nuclear arsenals is most welcome, even if the larger aim of nuclear disarmament remains distant. Cutting their nuclear arsenals by a third over seven years - down to 1,550 warheads from the 2,200 allowed by the 1991 strategic arms reduction treaty - still leaves enough to destroy the world several times over.

OPTIONS

1) In spite of the treaty between the US and Russia to reduce their nuclear arsenals down to 1550, the larger aim of nuclear disarmament remains distant.
2) Though the new treaty between the US and Russia on reducing nuclear warheads is a positive step, the larger aim of nuclear disarmament is still distant.
3) Though the new treaty between the US and Russia will reduce their nuclear arsenals to below 1991 levels, they are still sufficient to destroy the world several times over.
4) Though the new treaty between the US and Russia will reduce their nuclear arsenals to 1550 warheads, they are still sufficient to destroy the world several times over.
5) The treaty between the US and Russia on reducing the nuclear  warheads from 2200 to 1550 over seven years leaves them still enough to destroy the world several times over.

Solution
The gist of the paragraph is not the numbers. It is the treaty that is a positive step (most welcome), but the goal of the treaty also is total nuclear disarmament- that still remains distant.
Almost all options capture the specific event and the details well, but the essence is captured by option 2 only.
The other options fail to mention the ‘most welcome’ aspect.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

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Verbal Ability - Question of the Day

Question:-

The question below contains a number of sentences. Each sentence has pairs of word(s)/phrases that are highlighted. From the highlighted word(s)/phrase(s), select the most appropriate word(s)/phrase(s) to form correct sentences. Then, from the options given, choose the best one.
i. He marshalled [A]/ marsheled [B] all his strength to complete the last stretch of the marathon.
ii. Rick told my sister and myself [A]/ me [B] about her solo plane ride.
iii. The committee was not prepared for the truncated [A] / trenchant [B] comments of the public.
iv. His appeal for bail was mitigated [A] / militated [B] by all the evidence presented by the prosecution.
v. It is customary to greet the Emir with obeisance [A] / obsequiousness [B].

OPTIONS

1) ABAAB
2) BABBA
3) ABBAA
4) AAABB
5) BBBAA

Solution
“marshalled” is a verb meaning 'to gather up or together'. "marsheled" as a word does not exist in the English language.
“Myself” is a reflexive pronoun and in the case of the above sentence is incorrect.
“Truncated” means curtailed or cut-short and “trenchant” means forceful and keen. If the committee was not prepared, the comments had to be incisive and sharp - not cut-short.
“Militate” means to influence toward or against a change. “Mitigate” means to lessen, weaken.
“Obeisance” is respect and homage paid someone. “Obsequiousness” is an eagerness to obey.
Hence the correct answer is option 3.

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Verbal Ability - Question of the Day

Question:-
Fill in the blanks in the passage with the most appropriate set of words from the options for each blank.

Thousands of civilians are trapped, with ____ supplies of clean water and food. Hundreds are alleged to have been killed or ___. Considering the fact that the two previous offensives in Swat failed, leaving the locals slightly furious, the current one may not achieve much. It risks leaving Swatis more ___ with their government and more ___ than ever, hardening the Taliban’s hold over the region.

OPTIONS

1) meager, mutilated, dejected, melancholy
2) dwindling, maimed, angry, vengeful
3) bountiful, handicapped, wrathful, vengeful
4) waning, maimed, angrier, malevolent
5) declining, incapacitated, mirthful, vindictive

Solution
‘Supplies of clean water and food’ in this context cannot be ‘bountiful’ when civilians are trapped. Thus, option 3 is eliminated.
‘Mutilated’, ‘maimed’ and ‘incapacitated’ all  mean ‘to deprive the use of some body part by wounding’ and fit into the second blank.
The Swatis cannot be ‘mirthful’,  which means ‘joyous’, eliminating option 5.
'More angrier' is incorrect grammar due to double comparison. Eliminate option 4.
Option 1 is eliminated since the Swatis were angry with their government and not sad. ‘Dejected’ and ‘melancholy’ both mean ‘sad’ or ‘depressed’.
‘Malevolent’ means ‘to wish harm to others’ whereas ‘vengeful’ means ‘to seek vengeance’ or become ‘revengeful’.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

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Verbal Ability-Question of the Day

Question:-
The question below consists of a set of labelled parts of sentences. These sentences, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Choose the most logical order of sentences from among the options.
    A. and apparently the most remote from all useful application
    B. and in the succeeding one, perhaps, by proper simplification and reduction to tables
    C. become in the next age the bases of profound physical inquiries
    D. it happens that truths which are at one period the most abstract
    E. in mathematical science, more than in all others
    F. furnish their ready and daily aid to the artist and the sailor

OPTIONS
1) EDACBF
2) DCEFBA
3) FEDACB
4) AFBDCE

Solution
This question tests the test-taker’s appreciation of the subtleties of language and sentence structure - how ideas are proceeded in a given statement.
In option 2 the flow of ideas from C to E and from E to F has an abrupt change. Also the idea of ‘ in the succeeding one’ presented in B does not connect with anything spoken of in F, the previous statement. This eliminates option 2
Option 4 may appear compelling but has a problem in the flow of ideas from A to F. The word’ furnish’ in F does not connect with anything in the previous statement A. It should have been ‘furnishing’ instead of ‘furnish’ so that all the ideas spoken of in statements A, F and B can be attributed to ‘the truths’ in D. This eliminates option 4.
Similarly option 3 should have begun with ‘furnishing’ in statement F instead of ‘furnish’. This eliminates option 3.
By elimination, option 1 is the best option. There is a smooth flow of ideas in each succeeding statement and the sentence logically ends with statement F connecting well with the preceding statement B.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

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Quantitative Ability-Question of the Day

Question:-
In a class in a certain school, there are 25 students. Four students are appointed monitors every day. At the end of a term, it is found that every possible pair of students have been monitors together exactly once. How many days are there in the term?

OPTIONS
1) 30
2) 50
3) 60
4) 75
5) None of these

Solution
Every possible pair of students have been monitors together exactly once.
∴ Number of days in the term = ( Total number of unique pairs possible in the class)/(Number of pairs formed per day) 
Since a unique pair will be formed when 2 students are selected as monitors on a given day, the total number of unique pairs possible in the class is the same as the total number of ways in which 2 students can be selected from 25 students. 
Total number of ways of selecting 2 students from 25 students will be -

Every day, 4 students are selected as monitors.
Therefore, number of pairs formed per day will be =

∴ Number of days in the term = 300/6 = 50
Hence, option 2.

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Verbal Ability-Question of the Day

Question:-
The question below contains a number of sentences. Each sentence has pairs of word(s)/phrases that are highlighted. From the highlighted word(s)/phrase(s), select the most appropriate word(s)/phrase(s) to form correct sentences. Then, from the options given, choose the best one.
    1. The scholarship will take the form of a partial fee waver (A) waiver (B)
    2. Be weary (A) wary (B) of emails claiming that you've won a prize.
    3. My doctor prescribed antibiotics, which didn't work and made me feel very nauseous (A) nauseated (B).
    4. Two bright new stars appeared on the horizon lightening (A) lightning (B) the gloom.
    5. All this is the enemy equipment or materiel (A) material (B) captured or found on the battlefield.

OPTIONS

1) AAABA
2) BBBAB
3) AAAAB
4) BAABA
5) BBBAA

Solution
“Waiver” means the act of relinquishing. “Waver” is a person who waves.
“Weary” means tired; “wary” means cautious. These words are not interchangeable.
Traditionalists insist that “nauseous” should be used to describe something that makes you want to throw up: something nauseating. When one feels like vomiting, one is “nauseated”.
“Lightening” means become lighter or less dark; brighten. “Lightning” goes with thunder.
One of the meanings of “Materiel” is arms, ammunition, and equipment in general. In the above context, enemy “material” has no meaning.
Hence, the correct answer is option 5.

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Quantitative Ability-Question of the Day

Question:-
If the roots of the equation x^3 + 2x^2 – 3x + 1 = 0 are A, B and C, and the roots of the equation x^3 + px^2 + qx + r = 0 are (A + B), (B + C) and (C + A), what is the value of the product pr?

OPTIONS
1) 28
2) −5
3) 1
4) 5
5) –28

Solution
From observation of the coefficients of the second equation, we can see that the product of its roots is –r.
Hence, (A + B)(B + C)(C + A) = −r, or (A + B + C − C)(A + B + C − A)(A + B + C – B) = −r
On observing the coefficients of the first equation, we can see that the sum of its roots is −2.
∴  A + B + C = −2
Hence, (−2 – C)(−2 – A)(−2 – B) = −r, or (2 + A)(2 + B)(2 + C) = r
Thus, (2 + A)(4 + 2B + 2C + BC) = r
∴ 8 + 4(A + B + C) + 2(AB + BC + AC) + ABC = r
From the first equation, AB + BC + AC = –3
∴ 8 + 4(−2) + 2(–3) – 1 = r
∴ r = –7
From the second equation, we can write –p = A + B + B + C + C + A = 2(A + B + C) = 2(−2) = –4
∴ p = 4
∴ pr = 4 × (–7) = –28
Hence, option 5.


.

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Verbal Ability-Question of the Day

Question :-
Answer the question based on the passage given below.

It doesn’t have a high decibel splash on TV but whenever it does appear it stands out by virtue of the plain Jane, no frills, talking about the functional attributes of the product amidst the glitz and glamour of the other television commercials. These infomercials are not a recent phenomenon. But the objective is to help consumers, particularly housewives, make purchase decisions. Today there are many brands competing in the same space. How does one choose one over the other? It is increasingly tough for the housewife. That is where this format comes in handy.
The infomercials are based on which of the following assumptions?

OPTIONS
1) Consumers, especially housewives, are weary of celebrities explaining the product attributes.
2) Infomercials will bring down the cost of commercials and hence the selling price and attract consumers.
3) Consumers, especially housewives, no longer pay attention to the glitz and glamour of television commercials.
4) Glitz and glamour do not stand out any more in the heavily cluttered world of TV commercials.
5) A product's functional attributes facilitate purchase decisions of consumers, especially of housewives.

Solution
Infomercials consist of no frills, the plain Jane explaining the functional attributes of the product. Companies believe that this information about the product will help consumers especially house wives to make purchase decisions. The assumption, hence, is that these decisions are driven by product attributes.
Option 1 is eliminated by ‘weary of’ – it may be difficult to make a choice – but ‘weary of’ is uncertain.
Option 2 (cost) is not implied anywhere in the data.
In option 3, ‘no longer pay attention to glitz etc.’ cannot justify emphasis on product attributes. Option 4 may be partially true, but still does not justify the emphasis on product attributes.
Hence, the correct answer is option 5.

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Verbal Ability-Question of the Day

QUESTION:-
Fill in the blanks in the passage with the most appropriate set of words from the options for each blank.

Many medical conditions associated with growing older, such as cataracts and blocked arteries, can nowadays be readily treated. But aching bones still leave researchers ____. Early prediction brings benefits because if people know they are ____ to osteoarthritis in their knees, there are things that they can do to ____ it. Reducing _____, so less stress is placed on the knees, exercising and consuming certain diets can all help.

OPTIONS

1) bewildered, pregnable, aggravate, weight
2) bewildered, assailable, alleviate, load
3) perplexed, susceptible, exacerbate, fat
4) perplexed, vulnerable, mitigate, weight
5) enlightened, susceptible, extenuate, mass

Solution
Researchers are not able to readily treat aching bones. This cannot leave them ‘enlightened’. Thus, option 5 is eliminated.
‘Exacerbate’ means ‘to increase the severity’ and 'aggravate' means 'to worsen'. Both these words offer an opposite stance to what is required in blank 3. Eliminate options 1 and 3.
For the last blank, between options 2 and 4, 'weight' is a better fit than 'load' which is a slightly informal/ casual way of presenting the same meaning. The entire sentence is not casual or informal- it presents a very matter of fact scientific information.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

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Verbal Ability-Question of the Day

QUESTION-
The sentences below have to be sequenced so as to make a coherent paragraph. Choose the most appropriate sequence.
    A. The sudden rise of the Japanese nation from an insignificant position to a foremost rank in the comity of nations has startled the world.

    B. But among so many books, there has not yet been, so far as I know, a history of Japan, although a study of its history was most essential for the proper understanding of many of the problems relating to the Japanese people, such as the relation of the Imperial dynasty to the people, the family system, the position of Buddhism, the influence of the Chinese philosophy, etc. 

 C. At first, it was supposed that we had somehow undergone a sudden transformation, but it was gradually perceived that such could not be and was not the case; and a crop of books on Japan and the Japanese, deep and superficial, serious and fantastic, interesting and otherwise, has been put forth for the benefit of those who were curious to know the reason of this strange phenomenon.
  
  D. Except in the case of very few who had studied us intimately, we were a people but little raised above barbarism trying to imitate Western civilisation without any capacity for really assimilating or adapting it.

    E. It is trite to remark that if you wish to know really any people, it is necessary to have a thorough knowledge of their history, including their mythology, legends and folk-lore: customs, habits and traits of character, which to a superficial observer of a different nationality or race may seem odd and strange, sometimes even utterly subversive of ordinary ideas of morality, but which can be explained and will appear quite reasonable when they are traced back to their origin.

OPTIONS

1) ADCBE
2) CBADE
3) EADCB
4) CDBAE 
5) EDCBA

Solution
C-B is a definite pair here. The 'so many books' in B refers to 'a crop of books' in C. With that we can eliminate option 4.
Sentence E begins the paragraph as it is a general introductory sentence.
Sentences A, C and D are related as all of them talk about Japanese transformation.
A-C as a pair is not present in any of the options. But, D can follow A, as 'except' in D gives an exception of what is mentioned in A. Therefore A-D is a pair.
Therefore, the sequence is A-D-C-B.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

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