Master XAT Verbal Ability:  100+ Practice Questions, Tips, and Strategies to Ace the RC Section

Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is one of the most challenging MBA entrance exams in India, with its Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section posing unique difficulties due to its abstract passages, critical reasoning-heavy questions, grammar-based problems, tricky para jumbles, and poetry-based questions. Unlike other exams, XAT places a strong emphasis on logical consistency, inference-making, deep comprehension skills, and structural understanding of language, making it imperative to master Reading Comprehension (RC), grammar, para completion, and verbal reasoning to excel in this section.

You’ll encounter:

• 26 questions are asked in the exam.
  
• Question types including para jumbles, poems, inference, tone, fact-based, and critical reasoning.
  
  

Understanding the importance of this section is the first step toward mastering it.

Understanding the XAT Verbal Ability & RC Section

The Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section in XAT is designed to test your critical reading skills, comprehension abilities, and logical reasoning in language. This section includes:

• Reading Comprehension (RC) – Passages with inference-based, tone, main idea, and critical reasoning questions.
  
• Sentence Correction – Identifying grammatical errors and sentence improvement.
  
• Para Jumbles & Completion – Arranging jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
• Critical Reasoning – Strengthening/weaking arguments and evaluating assumptions.
  

Total: 24-26 questions (varies year to year) | Time: 50-55 minutes

Download  50 + Reading Comprehension Questions with Solutions

XAT Reading Comprehension Questions

Question Number: 01

Read the following statement carefully.

Failure is the sudden ____________  of nothingness in the ____________ of existence, and contemplating nothingness, while spiritually ____________ , doesn’t make much evolutionary sense.

Fill in the blanks meaningfully from the following options in the above statement. 

Options :

1. irruption, midst, enlightening

2. eruption, center, disturbing

3. emergence, empty, concerning

4. intrusion, dark, troubling

5. invasion, quiet, unsettling

Answer: Option 1

Explanation: 

The best option is 1. irruption, midst, enlightening

The sentence is talking about  failure as something that suddenly appears in existence, and how thinking about nothingness affects us.

For the first blank Irruption word best describes the sudden and forceful appearance of nothingness, emphasizing its disruptive nature. For the second blank Midst this word accurately conveys the idea of nothingness appearing unexpectedly within the ongoing flow of existence. For the third  blank Enlightening is the best fit;  while contemplating nothingness can be unsettling, it can also lead to profound insights and spiritual growth.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 1. 

Question Number: 02

Read the following sentences carefully. 

A. Somehow, my body had not only survived but been rejuvenated.
B. Neither Diane nor Nicole have their own apartment.
C. He had visiting his sister before he went for the study in the USA.

D.  She had been taking more than the recommended daily dose of the medicine.

E. The concert was delaying because of the artist’s illness.

F. He will do well on the exam, as long as he studies.

Which of the following sentences are grammatically CORRECT ?

1. A,B,C
2. B,C,F
3. A,D,F
4. D,E,F
5. A,E,F

Answer: Option 3

Explanation: 

The correct sentences are sentence A, D & F. Lets analyse and check the incorrect options:

Sentence B: The subject of the sentence  is Neither Diane nor Nicole, which is singular, so the correct verb should be ‘has’ instead of have.

Sentence C: This sentence is incorrect because had visiting is not grammatically correct. The correct form should be He had visited or He had been visiting.

Sentence E: Delaying is incorrect in this context. The correct form should be The concert was delayed because of the artist’s illness.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 3.

Question Number: 03

Read the following statements and answer the question that follows. 

A. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us.

B. They experience themself, their thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of their consciousness.

C.  Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of liberation and a foundation for inner security.

D. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.

E. A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space.

Which of the following combinations is the MOST logically ordered?

1. D, A, B, C, E
2. E, B, A, D, C
3. E, A, D, C. B
4. D, C, B, A, E
5. E, D, A, B,  C

Answer: Option 2

Explanation: 

The correct answer is Option 2;  E, B, A, D, C.

Sentence E is our anchor - it establishes that a human being is part of the universe. Then B naturally follows as it refers to how people experience themselves as separate from this whole, using they to continue the thought. Sentence A builds on this by calling this separation a delusion and a prison. Sentence D then provides the solution - we must free ourselves from this prison by expanding our compassion. Finally, C concludes by acknowledging this is an imperfect but worthwhile pursuit, with "this" referring back to the widening of compassion mentioned in D.

This gives us E→B→A→D→C (option 2) as the most logical flow.

The other options break this natural progression and create jarring transitions.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.

Question Number: 04

Read the passage carefully and answer the following question.

Some day soon, perhaps in forty years, there will be no one alive who has ever known me. That's when I will be truly dead - when I exist in no one's memory. I thought a lot about how someone very old is the last living individual to have known some person or cluster of people. When that person dies, the whole cluster dies, too, vanishes from the living memory. I wonder who that person will be for me. _________________________.

Which of the following sentences will be the concluding statement of this paragraph?

Options:

1. Who will be the last to remember my favorite food?
2. Will anyone bother to recall my childhood stories?
3. Whose death will make me truly dead?
4. What if no one even realizes I am gone?
5. Who will keep my social media profiles updated?

Answer: Option 3
Explanation:

The paragraph reflects a deeply introspective and philosophical tone, discussing the concept of mortality and how our existence persists through the memories of others. The third sentence which says whose death will make me truly dead" is the most fitting conclusion because it aligns perfectly with the central idea of being remembered and the eventual loss of that memory.

Options 1 and 2 focus on specific memories rather than complete erasure. Option 4 shifts to immediate recognition of death. Option 5 introduces an unrelated modern context about social media.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3.

Question Number: 05

Read the following statement carefully.

Islands are curious places and, in the natural world, their ____________ is an extremely impactful evolutionary force. They are refuges, arks and laboratories for species and for strategies that are ____________ on the mainlands. This is why so many unique and ____________ species develop on islands.

Fill in the blanks meaningfully from the following options in the above statement. 

Options :

1. isolation, tenable, charismatic
2. insularity, tenable, dynamic
3. insularity, untenable, dull
4. distance, unfeasible, exceptional
5.  insularity, untenable, charismatic

Answer: Option 5

Explanation: 

This statement discusses how islands affect evolution and species development. Let's break it down:

The first blank needs to describe a defining characteristic of islands; insularity is the perfect scientific term for the isolated nature of islands.  The second blank describes strategies' viability on mainlands; untenable means not sustainable, which makes sense for mainland strategies.  The third blank should describe the unique species; charismatic appropriately describes unique species that develop on islands. 

Hence, the correct answer is Option 5. 

Question Number: 06

Read the following statements and answer the question that follows. 

First Sentence: Perhaps the greatest faculty our minds possess is the ability to cope with pain

A. Similarly, someone who hears traumatic news will often swoon or faint, this is the mind's way of protecting itself from pain by stepping through the first door.

B. Classic thinking teaches us of the doors of the mind, which everyone moves through according to their need.

C. Sleep marks passing time, giving us distance from the things that have hurt us.

D. When a person is wounded they will often fall unconscious.

E. One  being the door of sleep; it offers us a retreat from the world and all its pain.

Which of the following combinations is the MOST logically ordered (the first sentence has been given) ?

Options :

1. B, E, D, C, A

2. E, A, D, C, B

3. B, A, D, C, E

4. E, D, C, B, A

5. B, E, C, D, A

Answer : Option 5
Explanation:

The correct answer is Option 5;  B, E, C, D, A. Here's why:

Sentence B introduces the concept of "doors of the mind" - a framework for understanding how we cope with pain. Sentence E specifically describes the first door (sleep) as a retreat from pain. Sentence C elaborates on how sleep helps create distance from pain. Sentence D gives the first example of this coping mechanism - falling unconscious when wounded. Sentence A provides another example - fainting upon hearing traumatic news, explicitly referencing "the first door" mentioned earlier.

Hence, the correct answer is option 5.

Question Number: 07

Read the passage carefully and answer the following question.

Imagine a society that subjects people to conditions that make them terribly unhappy then gives them the drugs to take away their unhappiness. Science fiction is already happening to some extent in our own society. Instead of removing the conditions that make people depressed, modern society gives them antidepressant drugs. In effect antidepressants are a means of modifying an individual's internal state in such a way as to enable him to tolerate social conditions that he would otherwise find intolerable.

Which of the following statements can be BEST concluded from the passage?

Options :

1. Pharmaceutical companies are exploiting people by promoting antidepressants as quick fixes.
2. Science fiction literature accurately predicts the evolution of mental health treatments.
3. Antidepressant medications are ineffective at treating psychological conditions today.
4. Modern society focuses on treating symptoms instead of addressing systemic social causes.
5. Society should eliminate all drug-based treatments in favor of social condition reforms.

Answer: Option 4
Explanation:

The passage argues that instead of addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to depression and unhappiness, society primarily relies on medication to alleviate the symptoms. This highlights a focus on treating individual symptoms rather than tackling the root causes of the problem within the social system.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4.

Question Numbers : (8 to 9)

Read the following poem and answer the TWO questions that follow.

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I’ve tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.

Question Number: 08
Which of the following BEST captures the theme of the poem?

1. 
   The inevitability of human destruction.
2. The contrasting forces of love and hate.
3. The destructive nature of both desire and indifference.
4. The cyclical nature of creation and destruction.
5. The superiority of fire over ice in causing destruction.

Answer: Option 3

Explanation: 

The correct answer is Option 3; The destructive nature of both desire and indifference.

This option accurately captures the poem's central theme that both passionate emotions (symbolized by fire/desire) and cold detachment (symbolized by ice/hate) have equal potential for destruction. The poem draws parallels between human emotions and their destructive capabilities, showing how both extremes can lead to devastation.

Option 1 is too narrow; while destruction is discussed, the poem focuses more on its nature rather than its inevitability. Option 2 oversimplifies the metaphor; the poem specifically deals with desire and hate, not love. Option 4 misinterprets the poem; there's no mention of creation or cycles. Option 5.contradicts the poem's conclusion that both are equally capable of destruction.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3. 

Question Number: 09
Which of the following statements BEST interprets the lines I hold with those who favor fire. / But if it had to perish twice.

1. 
   The speaker initially favors fire but later acknowledges the destructive potential of ice.
2. The speaker believes fire is more potent but recognizes ice as an equally viable option.
3. The speaker prefers fire but concedes that ice could be a secondary cause of destruction.
4. The speaker's initial preference for fire is superseded by the realization of ice's destructive power.
5. The speaker acknowledges the possibility of multiple destructions, each with a different agent.

Answer: Option 1

Explanation: 

This captures the progression of thought in the poem - the speaker initially aligns with "fire" (desire) as a destructive force but then acknowledges ice (hate) as an equally valid alternative. The phrase "if it had to perish twice" suggests a hypothetical second destruction, with ice being the agent.

Option 2 is too simplistic; misses the nuance of the "perish twice" concept. Option 3 contradicts the poem's conclusion about equal destructive potential. Option 4 misrepresents the speaker's view; there's no superseding, just acknowledgment. Option 5 is too literal an interpretation of "perish twice"; misses the metaphorical meaning.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 1. 

Question Number:10
Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

Deep down, we know this from instinct: we are happiest when immersed in our natural environment. There are countless examples of the healing power of spending time in nature. Numerous articles speak of the benefits of ‘forest bathing’; spending time in the woods has been scientifically shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and to improve sleep quality, thus nurturing both our physical and mental health. Our bodies instinctively know what we need: the thriving and unique biosphere that we have co-evolved with, that exists only here, on our home planet.

Which of the following statements can be BEST concluded from the passage?

1. 
   The innate human connection to nature is ephemeral and will fade over time as technology advances.
   
   
2. Scientifically studying the impacts of nature is unnecessary since humans instinctively know it makes them happy.
   
   
3. Modern lifestyles have severed human beings' innate bond with the natural world.
   
   
4. Human health ultimately depends on recognizing our co-evolution with Earth's unique biosphere.
   
   
5. Instincts and science both indicate the intrinsic benefits humans derive from natural environments.

Answer: Option 5
Explanation: 

The best conclusion is option 5.  Instincts and science both indicate the intrinsic benefits humans derive from natural environments. The passage cites instinct as well as scientific studies that demonstrate the positive impacts nature has on human health and happiness.

Option 1 suggests human connection to nature will disappear, which opposes the passage's claim it is innate. 2 undermines the importance of scientific evidence mentioned. Option 3 argues modern life has severed our bond with nature, which overstates the passage's implications. And option 4 narrowly focuses on human health while the passage refers to both mental and physical benefits. Only E encompasses the full scope of the passage's central conclusion.

Hence, the correct answer is option 5.

Question Number: 11

Read the following sentences carefully. 

A. He was very fast in spite of being terribly overweight.

B. They arrived late despite of leaving in plenty of time.
C. He broke the window with a rock.

D. I’m so bored about this small town.

E. I’m not worried about her. She’s living among friends.

F. She’s been caring of her mother for years.

Which of the following sentences have INCORRECT usage of prepositions?

Options :

1. B, E & F
2. B, C & D
3. A, C & E
4. B, D & F
5. C, D & F

Answer; Option 4
Explanation:

The correct answer is option 4; B, D & F. Let's analyze the sentences for incorrect preposition usage:

Sentence B: They arrived late despite of leaving in plenty of time.

The correct preposition is despite, not despite of.

Sentence D:  I’m so bored about this small town.

The correct preposition is with or of to express boredom. About is used to express opinions or thoughts.

Sentence F. She’s been caring of her mother for years.

The correct preposition is ‘for’ to express care or concern for someone. The correct sentence would be;  She's been caring for her mother for years.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 4. 

Question Numbers : (12 to 13)

Read the following poem and answer the TWO questions that follow.

Out of the night that covers me,

   Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

    For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

    I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

    My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

    Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

    Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

   How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

   I am the captain of my soul.

Question Number: 12
Which of the following rhetorical devices is MOST prominently used in the poem?

Options:

1. 
   Irony, as the poet expresses fear while claiming to be unafraid.
2. Hyperbole, exaggerating the severity of life's challenges.
3. Metaphor, comparing the poet’s soul to an unconquerable force.
4. Allusion, referencing mythical gods and divine beings.
5. Personification, attributing human qualities to fate and circumstances.

Answer: Option 3

Explanation: 

Metaphor is the dominant rhetorical device in this poem, particularly in comparing the poet's soul to an unconquerable force. The most prominent metaphors appear in the final stanza with master of my fate and captain of my soul, where the poet uses extended nautical/leadership metaphors to represent self-determination and control over one's destiny.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 3. 

Question Number: 13
Based on the poem, which of the following can be inferred about the poet’s attitude toward adversity?

Options:

1. 
   The poet believes adversity should be avoided at all costs.
2. The poet perceives adversity as a test of character and personal strength.
3. The poet thinks adversity is a divine punishment that must be accepted.
4. The poet believes adversity is meaningless and should be ignored.
5. The poet views adversity as an inevitable force that cannot be overcome.

Answer: Option 2

Explanation: 

The poet’s attitude is one of resilience. Despite facing challenges ("bludgeonings of chance"), the speaker remains strong and "unbowed," viewing adversity as a way to demonstrate personal strength and fortitude.

Option 1 isn't the correct answer because the poem doesn’t suggest avoiding adversity, but rather embracing it and confronting it with courage. Option 3 isn’t correct; the poem does not frame adversity as a punishment, but as a test of personal willpower and resilience. Option 4 is misleading; The poem emphasizes facing adversity head-on, not ignoring or dismissing it. Option 5 is not correct as the poet actually emphasizes overcoming adversity with strength, suggesting it can be conquered rather than simply endured.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2. 

Question Numbers : ( 14 to 15) 

Read the following passage and answer the TWO questions that follow.

Does acquiring knowledge destroy our sense of wonder? The rhetorical question is both polemical and accusatory, suggesting that acquiring knowledge—understood as justified true belief, per Plato’s epistemology—might lead to imaginative deprivation by asserting itself with undue confidence. The question also draws attention to the centrality of wonder that loses its splendour in the humdrum of the human condition. To answer this question, we must explore how wonder manifests in various realms, from the intellectual to the spiritual.

The intersection or convergence between disciplines and beyond generates a world of wonder. When disciplinary knowledge outsteps its bounds, it leaves behind a lot of mystifying wonder churned up in its wake. Think of science, and one is reminded of Richard Dawkins’s nirvanic vision, which celebrates the awe-inspiring complexity and beauty of the natural world. Think of art, and one is reminded of Virginia Woolf’s metaphor in “A Room of One’s Own”: “Fiction is like a spider’s web, attached ever so lightly perhaps, but still attached to life at all four corners.” While the disciplines of science and art illuminate wonder through tangible expressions, spirituality complements these fields by offering a more intangible yet profoundly enriching encounter with wonder.

Wonder is also triggered by intangibility. Tagore’s poetry, where the poet draws on the baul concept like “the unfamiliar bird,” connotes an aesthetics of wonder that calls for a refined sense of intuition as meanings are enveloped in a sense of mystical haze and necessitate a spiritual discovery. For a spiritual aspirant like the poet-philosopher Dilip Kumar Roy, wonder is a culmination of deepening wisdom where aspirants “merge into that immobile Silence.” Ultimately, wonder is not extinguished by knowledge but transformed by it, finding new expressions in disciplines, art, and spirituality. It is this dynamic interplay that keeps our sense of awe alive, urging us to continue seeking and discovering.

Question Number: 14
Which of the following best captures the role of spirituality in the context of wonder?

1. Spirituality opposes the intellectual and tangible expressions of wonder offered by science and art.
2. Spirituality complements science and art by offering a more intangible yet deeply profound dimension of wonder.
3. Spirituality diminishes the need for scientific and artistic wonder by providing a complete understanding of life.
4. Spirituality solely focuses on mystical and abstract ideas, disconnected from intellectual pursuits.
5. Spirituality transforms wonder into a rigid and dogmatic approach to understanding the unknown.

Answer: Option 2

Explanation: 

The passage explicitly presents spirituality as working alongside science and art, not in opposition to them. In the second paragraph, after discussing science and art, it states "spirituality complements these fields by offering a more intangible yet profoundly enriching encounter with wonder." This is exactly what Option 2 captures - spirituality adding another dimension to wonder while working in harmony with other approaches.

Option 1 contradicts the passage's message of complementarity by suggesting opposition. Option 3 goes too far by claiming spirituality makes other forms unnecessary. Option 4 misrepresents spirituality as being disconnected from intellectual pursuits, when the passage shows integration. Option 5 presents spirituality as rigid and dogmatic, which contradicts the passage's portrayal of it as enriching and profound

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.

Question Number: 15
Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the author’s argument that knowledge transforms rather than extinguishes wonder?

1. 
   Scientific discoveries often lead to new questions that inspire further exploration and curiosity.
2. Historical evidence shows that increased knowledge about the natural world has decreased people’s belief in mystical experiences.
3. Advances in knowledge often replace older myths and mysteries with clear, tangible explanations.
4. Artists often seek inspiration from knowledge gained through scientific or historical understanding.
5. Philosophers argue that true wonder lies in accepting the mysteries of life, not in seeking knowledge.

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation: 

This option perfectly aligns with the passage's conclusion that "wonder is not extinguished by knowledge but transformed by it." When scientific discoveries lead to new questions, they're literally transforming our wonder - answering some questions while opening up new areas of curiosity. This creates exactly the kind of "dynamic interplay" the passage describes as keeping "our sense of awe alive."

Why the other options are wrong:

Option 2 contradicts the passage by suggesting knowledge decreases wonder. Option 3 suggests knowledge eliminates mystery rather than transforming it. Option 4 is too narrow and doesn't address the transformation of wonder. Option 5 directly opposes the passage's argument by suggesting wonder and knowledge are incompatible

Hence, the correct answer is option 1. 

Question Numbers : ( 16 to 17) 

Read the following passage and answer the TWO questions that follow.

A well-educated person living in, say, sixteenth-century Florence could be proud of his city’s accomplishments and its place in the wider world. He would be aware, though, that his city’s accomplishments did not match those of Imperial Rome or Classical Greece. The remnants of Roman and Greek sculpture and architecture could still be seen; scholars assiduously studied the works of Aristotle, Plato and Archimedes; Roman law and Roman philosophy were widely admired. The gross evidence of history showed that human societies rose and fell and rose again. This evidence was understood as showing not just ebb and flow, but repetition or cyclicality. Here, for example, is Giulio Cesare Vanini, writing in 1616:

Again will Achilles go to Troy, rites and religions be reborn, human history repeat itself. Nothing exists today that did not exist long ago; what has been, shall be. This cyclical view of human affairs found further resonance in religious traditions, particularly Christianity.

The notion that human affairs are cyclical was further buttressed by Christianity. The Church emphasized cyclicality by matching its rites with the recurrence of the seasons: the birth of Christ in the despairing depths of winter, his death and resurrection in the first days of spring. The Bible itself suggests a world without progress, for the first few generations of humans are already farming, composing music, and building boats and towers (well, at least one of each). Together, these perspectives reinforce the enduring belief in the cyclical nature of human existence, shaping how past generations interpreted their place in the grand arc of history

Question Number: 16

The passage suggests that the 16th-century Florentines were likely to:

1. 
   Consider their city's achievements superior to those of Rome and Greece.
2. Feel a sense of cultural inferiority despite their own accomplishments.
3. Believe that their city was on the verge of surpassing the achievements of Rome and Greece.
4. Be indifferent to the accomplishments of past civilizations.
5. Seek to emulate the political and social structures of ancient Rome.

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation: 

The correct answer is Option 2; Feel a sense of cultural inferiority despite their own accomplishments.

The passage clearly states: A well-educated person living in, say, sixteenth-century Florence could be proud of his city's accomplishments and its place in the wider world. He would be aware, though, that his city's accomplishments did not match those of Imperial Rome or Classical Greece. This directly indicates that while Florentines were proud of their achievements, they recognized their cultural output as inferior to ancient civilizations. This is further reinforced by mentions of how they studied and admired Roman and Greek works.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.

Question Number: 17

Which of the following best describes the author's primary purpose in mentioning the "birth of Christ in the despairing depths of winter" and "his death and resurrection in the first days of spring"?

1. 
   To illustrate the cyclical nature of religious beliefs.
2. To argue that Christianity is inherently pessimistic about human progress.
3. To demonstrate the influence of religious traditions on the perception of cyclical history.
4. To criticize the emphasis on religious symbolism in 16th-century Florence.
5. To highlight the connection between religious beliefs and the changing seasons.

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation: 

The author mentions these Christian events specifically to show how religion reinforced the cyclical view of history. This is evident from the context: The Church emphasized cyclicality by matching its rites with the recurrence of the seasons. The examples of Christ's birth in winter and death/resurrection in spring are used to illustrate how Christianity embedded cyclical patterns into its fundamental narratives, thereby strengthening the broader cultural perception of history as cyclical.

This connects directly to the passage's broader theme about how different cultural elements (including religion) contributed to the cyclical understanding of human affairs.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3. 

Question Numbers : ( 18 to 20) 

Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow. 

The life of the city-dwelling Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus straddled the 3rd and 4th centuries BCE. His philosophy nowadays is popularly packaged as a kind of light hedonism: sensualist, joyful, a hint of luxury, a naughty second glass of wine. Though Epicurus himself was probably not quite the blinkered and unimaginative pleasure-seeker that these clichés suggest, they do give a flavour of his outlook.

For him, the purpose of human life is to achieve happiness. Epicurus construed this as an absence of pain rather than a positive programme of indulging oneself by, say, keeping up a rigorous schedule of orgies or downing flasks of opium on Tuesday mornings. He recognised that whatever temporary excitement such pursuits yield in the moment will probably be well counterbalanced by a severe price to pay later on. So instead, Epicurus recommended (somewhat disappointingly) that it is moderation that will lead to a release from pain and suffering, which in turn will bring a respectable measure of happiness and therefore a good life. Our limitations, our meagre certainties, are at the centre of Epicurus’ system of thought, and it is in this context of mitigating pain and accruing a gentle happiness that he believed the fear of death needs to be understood. Epicurus and his followers held that the fear of death is harmful to the enjoyment of our lives, and so showing why this fear isn’t well-founded contributes to the overall hedonic project of living well.

Without death, life would be nothing but a dire repetition, pointless and endless. Immeasurably long lives would eventually deflate into the most banal tedium. Millennia upon millennia upon millennia would have to be lived out and, even then, there would be an eternity to go. Eventually the most sublime and wondrous experiences possible would become punishing in their drab familiarity. Fortunately, this isn’t a possibility that need concern us too much. But confronting the alternative to death brings home the point – no matter how terrifying it might be, the fact of death makes life more brilliant and precious. The time we have together in this place is fleeting: let’s spend it well.

Question Number: 18

Which of the following can be most reasonably inferred from the passage about Epicurus’ view on the fear of death?

1. 
   Epicurus believed that fearing death enhances human motivation and achievement.
2. The fear of death diminishes the quality of life and should be rationally confronted.
3. Death is a concept too abstract for Epicurus to integrate into his philosophy.
4. The inevitability of death leads to despair, which is central to Epicurus’ philosophy.
5. Epicurus advocated for indulging in life’s pleasures to distract from the fear of death.

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation: 

The passage explicitly states that "Epicurus and his followers held that the fear of death is harmful to the enjoyment of our lives." This is crucial because it establishes a direct causal relationship between death anxiety and life quality. Moreover, the passage indicates that Epicurus believed "showing why this fear isn't well-founded contributes to the overall hedonic project of living well." This suggests a rational approach to confronting death anxiety, making Option 2 the perfect synthesis of these ideas.

Option 1 contradicts Epicurus' view that fear of death harms life enjoyment. Option 3 misrepresents Epicurus' clear engagement with death as a concept. Option 4 inverts his philosophy by suggesting despair is central

Option 5 contradicts his advocacy of moderation over indulgence.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2. 

Question Number: 19

According to the passage, why does Epicurus advocate moderation rather than indulgence?

1. 
   He believed indulgence in pleasures could lead to a life of regret and pain.
2. He sought to completely eliminate the concept of happiness based on pleasure.
3. He viewed moderation as a way to conform to societal expectations of morality.
4. He considered indulgence incompatible with his ideas about the fear of death.
5. He wanted to align his philosophy with the principles of religious asceticism.

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation: 

The passage mentions that Epicurus recognized the temporary excitement from indulgence often comes with a severe price later on. Instead, moderation helps avoid pain and suffering, leading to a balanced, happy life. Option 1 encapsulates this idea accurately. 

Option 2 contradicts his belief in happiness as life's purpose. Option 3 imposes modern moral considerations not present in the text. Option 4 creates a false connection with death fears. Option 5 introduces religious elements absent from the passage.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 1.

Question Number: 20

Which of the following statements best reflects the author's perspective on death?

1. 
   Death is an unfortunate but inevitable consequence of human existence.
2. The fear of death is the primary source of human suffering.
3. Death gives life its meaning and value.
4. Death should be embraced as a natural transition.
5. Our understanding of death is constantly evolving.

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation: 

The final paragraph presents a profound meditation on death's relationship to life's meaning. The author argues that "Without death, life would be nothing but a dire repetition" and that even the most sublime experiences would become "punishing in their drab familiarity." The conclusion that "the fact of death makes life more brilliant and precious" directly supports Option 3's assertion about death giving life meaning and value.

The sophistication of this argument becomes clear when we examine why other options fall short:

Option 1 misses the positive role the author attributes to death. Option 2 focuses on fear rather than death itself.

Option 4 oversimplifies the author's nuanced view. Option 5 introduces a dimension not addressed in the passage.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 3.

Question Numbers : ( 21 to 23) 

Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow. 

Humans would not be here but for pregnancy and childbirth. It is true for each of us and, more importantly, true for all of us, collectively. These uncomfortable, protracted and wonderful challenges not only shepherd us into the world, but also shape our behaviour, social structure and the trajectory of our evolution itself. The surprising part is that, while pregnancy and childbirth are fundamental and defining traits of mammals, they have driven us humans to be very un-mammalian indeed.

Popular notion often has it that natural selection works by seizing on fundamental traits and processes, and optimising them with each new beat of the generations and species. But that’s not always true. Instead of functioning as a refining, perfecting tool, evolution in the real world is all about trade-offs: life has limitations, and big changes in one area often mean sacrifices in others. We humans are the smartest, most complex animals on the planet, but we do not have the best or most optimised biology by any stretch, especially not when it comes to reproduction.

Witnessing our fellow mammals give birth, experiencing the rawness of sight, smell and sound, lays bare the biology before us. On the one hand is the disgust born of our evolutionary predilection to avoid blood and fluids of other animals – a necessary impulse in pre-sanitary times. No matter one’s willingness to embrace a positive view of bodily function, the stomach requires training against the mind when any human, for example a doctor, engages this evolutionary apparatus. The shame and avoidance we feel with all forms of bodily discharge are a sound and healthy part of our subconscious.

There is, however, a deeper discomfort that arises from watching our fellow mammals give birth – one notices a nonchalance compared with our own elaborate, painful and sacramental experience. A cow moos and lows in mild discomfort, as one might when feeling full after a good meal, but it does not compare with the suffering of a birthing human mother. The calf is birthed quickly, practically dropping to the ground after a short push – nothing compared with our day or more of arduous labour. For our survival, and the core of our family happiness, our species must endure pain and risk. We are alone in this, and it troubles us.

Question Number: 21

The author's description of the "disgust born of our evolutionary predilection to avoid blood and fluids of other animals" primarily serves to:

1. 
   Highlight the challenges faced by medical professionals during childbirth.
2. Explain the psychological impact of witnessing animal birth.
3. Illustrate the limitations of human evolutionary adaptations.
4. Emphasize the importance of hygiene and sanitation in modern society.
5. Argue for a more compassionate and accepting attitude towards bodily functions.

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation: 

The passage mentions our "evolutionary predilection to avoid blood and fluids of other animals" to explain why humans instinctively feel disgusted by these substances. This evolutionary instinct originally served as a survival mechanism to avoid diseases and maintain hygiene in pre-sanitary conditions. 

While this survival mechanism may still exist, the author connects it to the discomfort humans experience when witnessing animal births. The emphasis is on the psychological impact of this instinct—how it creates an innate discomfort when we observe the raw, unfiltered realities of animal reproduction.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2. 

Question Number: 22

The passage suggests that the "deeper discomfort" experienced by humans in observing animal birth stems from:

1. 
   The inherent brutality and violence of the natural world.
2. The realization of our own vulnerability and mortality.
3. The contrast between human and animal reproductive experiences.
4. The fear of experiencing similar pain and suffering during childbirth.
5. A sense of alienation from the natural world and our own animal nature.

Correct Answer: 

Explanation: 

The correct answer is Option 3;The contrast between human and animal reproductive experiences. The passage explicitly describes this "deeper discomfort" as arising from observing the stark difference between animal and human birthing experiences. It contrasts a cow's "mild discomfort" with human mothers' "suffering" and compares a calf's quick birth to humans' "day or more of arduous labour." The author concludes this comparison by stating We are alone in this, and it troubles us, directly connecting our discomfort to this unique difference in reproductive experiences.

Option 1 is not relevant; the discomfort described is not about brutality but about differences in experiences.

Option 2 is irrelevant; no realization of vulnerability or mortality is discussed. Option 4 is incorrect; the discomfort stems from comparison, not fear of personal pain. Option 5 contradicts the passage; the passage focuses on reproductive differences, not alienation from nature.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.

Question Number: 23

Which of the following can be most reasonably inferred from the passage about human reproduction?

1. 
   Human reproduction is inefficient compared to that of other mammals.
2. Evolution prioritizes human intelligence over optimizing reproductive processes.
3. Humans’ unique reproductive challenges stem from cultural, not biological, factors.
4. The painful nature of childbirth in humans reflects a failure of natural selection.
5. Human childbirth experiences are exaggerated compared to other mammals for survival purposes.

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation: 

The correct answer is Option 2. The passage states that human evolution involves trade-offs rather than perfect optimization. While humans are the "smartest, most complex animals," this complexity has come at the cost of less efficient reproductive processes. For example, childbirth in humans is significantly more painful and prolonged than in other mammals. This inefficiency arises because evolution has prioritized human intelligence and complex anatomy over optimizing reproduction.

Option 1 oversimplifies the passage's nuanced discussion of trade-offs. Option 3 contradicts the passage's focus on biological factors.  Option 4 misrepresents the passage's view of natural selection. Option 5 inverts the passage's description of human childbirth as genuinely more difficult.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2. 

Question Numbers : ( 24 to 26) 

Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow. 

In cosmogonical terms, Egyptian society consisted of a descending hierarchy of the gods, the king, the blessed dead, and humanity (by which was understood chiefly the Egyptians). Of these groups, only the king was single, and hence he was individually more prominent than any of the others. A text that summarizes the king’s role states that he “is on earth for ever and ever, judging mankind and propitiating the gods, and setting order [maʿat, a central concept] in place of disorder. He gives offerings to the gods and mortuary offerings to the spirits [the blessed dead].” The king was imbued with divine essence, but not in any simple or unqualified sense. His divinity accrued to him from his office and was reaffirmed through rituals, but it was vastly inferior to that of major gods; he was god rather than man by virtue of his potential, which was immeasurably greater than that of any human being. 

To humanity, he manifested the gods on earth, a conception that was elaborated in a complex web of metaphor and doctrine; less directly, he represented humanity to the gods. The text quoted above also gives great prominence to the dead, who were the object of a cult for the living and who could intervene in human affairs; in many periods the chief visible expenditure and focus of display of nonroyal individuals, as of the king, was on provision for the tomb and the next world. Egyptian kings are commonly called pharaohs, following the usage of the Bible. The term pharaoh, however, is derived from the Egyptian per ʿaa (“great estate”) and dates to the designation of the royal palace as an institution. This term for palace was used increasingly from about 1400 bce as a way of referring to the living king; in earlier times it was rare.

Rules of succession to the kingship are poorly understood. The common conception that the heir to the throne had to marry his predecessor’s oldest daughter has been disproved; kingship did not pass through the female line. The choice of queen seems to have been free; often the queen was a close relative of the king, but she also might be unrelated to him. In the New Kingdom, for which evidence is abundant, each king had a queen with distinctive titles, as well as a number of minor wives.

Sons of the chief queen seem to have been the preferred successors to the throne, but other sons could also become king. In many cases the successor was the eldest (surviving) son, and such a pattern of inheritance agrees with more general Egyptian values, but often he was some other relative or was completely unrelated. New Kingdom texts describe, after the event, how kings were appointed heirs either by their predecessors or by divine oracles, and such may have been the pattern when there was no clear successor. Dissent and conflict are suppressed from public sources. 

The king’s position changed gradually from that of an absolute monarch at the center of a small ruling group made up mostly of his kin to that of the head of a bureaucratic state—in which his rule was still absolute—based on officeholding and, in theory, on free competition and merit. By the 5th dynasty, fixed institutions had been added to the force of tradition and the regulation of personal contact as brakes on autocracy, but the charismatic and superhuman power of the king remained vital.

Question Number: 24

Which of the following statements, if true, would most weaken the author's argument about the role of the queen in royal succession?

1. 
   Archaeological evidence suggests that queens played a significant role in political decision-making.
2. Historical records indicate that many queens wielded considerable influence over their husbands and successors.
3. Several instances have been documented where a queen acted as regent during the minority of her son.
4.  Analysis of royal genealogies reveals a strong correlation between maternal lineage and royal succession.
5. Contemporary accounts describe queens as playing a crucial role in religious ceremonies and state rituals.

Correct Answer: 4

Explanation: 

The correct answer - Option 4 - would most effectively weaken the author's argument. This is particularly significant because the passage makes an unequivocal statement that "kingship did not pass through the female line." If genealogical evidence were to show a strong correlation between maternal lineage and succession, it would fundamentally contradict this core assertion. The passage further reinforces this by explaining that queens could be either close relatives or completely unrelated to the king, suggesting their selection was not tied to succession requirements.

The other options, while they might speak to queens' influence and power, don't actually challenge the author's specific claims about succession. For instance, a queen acting as regent (Option 3) or wielding political influence (Options 1 and 2) could coexist with the succession rules described in the passage. Even the queen's role in religious ceremonies Option 5 doesn't address the central question of how kingship was passed down.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 4.

Question Number: 25

Which of the following best captures the evolving role of Egyptian kingship as described in the passage?

1. 
   Kingship transitioned from a divinely sanctioned role to a purely administrative position.
2. The king retained absolute power but gradually moved from kinship-based rule to a bureaucratic structure.
3. Over time, the divine essence of the king was diminished by institutional checks on autocracy.
4. Egyptian kingship evolved to prioritize merit over hereditary succession.
5. The king’s role as a mediator between gods and humanity became secondary to his bureaucratic responsibilities.

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation: 

Option 2 captures the essence of this transformation most accurately. This answer perfectly mirrors the passage's description of how kingship evolved from a family-centered absolute monarchy to a bureaucratic state system, while maintaining the king's absolute authority. The passage explicitly describes this transition in its final paragraph, noting that despite the introduction of bureaucratic elements, the king's absolute rule and charismatic power remained intact.

The incorrect options either misinterpret or overstate aspects of this evolution. For example, Option 1 ignores the passage's emphasis on retained divine essence. Similarly, Option 3 misrepresents the relationship between these elements as described in the text. Options 4 and 5 overemphasize merit and bureaucracy.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2. 

Question Number: 26

Why might the concept of "pharaoh" have gained prominence during the New Kingdom period?

1. 
   The term emphasized the king’s connection to the divine essence and his god-like status.
2. The New Kingdom saw an increase in the cultural significance of the royal family.
3. The term “pharaoh” replaced older titles to standardize royal terminology across Egypt.
4. The use of "pharaoh" signified the king’s evolving role as the head of a bureaucratic state.
5. It reflected a shift in power dynamics from individuals to institutions, such as the royal palace.

Correct Answer: 5

Explanation: 

The term pharaoh is derived from the Egyptian per ʿaa (great estate), which reflects the increasing significance of the royal palace as an institution rather than the individual king. This aligns with the transition to a bureaucratic structure. 

The other options either misrepresent the term's origin or overstate its significance in religious or cultural aspects.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 5. 

Click here for detailed and pdf syllabus of XAT 2025

Time Management Tips for XAT Verbal Section

Allocate Time Smartly

• RC (40 minutes): Solve 3-4 passages (~10 questions).
• Verbal (15 minutes): Focus on sentence correction, para jumbles, and fill-in-the-blanks.

Attempt Easy Questions First

• Start with fact-based and tone-related questions before tackling critical reasoning.

Don’t Get Stuck on a Passage

• If an RC passage is too difficult, move to another and return later if time permits.

Utilize Elimination Strategy

• If unsure, eliminate incorrect options first rather than guessing blindly.

Conclusion

Acing XAT’s Verbal Ability section demands consistent practice, strategic reading, and smart time management. By integrating the tips above and rigorously working through 100+ practice questions, you’ll build the speed, accuracy, and confidence needed to excel. Remember, success in RC hinges on understanding the why behind every answer.

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