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.
| Section | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 12-14 | High |
| Verbal Ability | 8-10 | Moderate to High |
| Logical & Critical Reasoning | 4-6 | Moderate |
Total: 24-26 questions (varies year to year) | Time: 50-55 minutes
XAT Reading Comprehension Questions
Question Number: 01
Read the following statement carefully.
The early Jacobean masque's mediation of royal power via a __________ of revelation and mystery was ___________ by a Caroline __________ on marital love and pastoral retreat.
Fill in the blanks meaningfully from the following options in the above statement.
Options :
- dialectic, superseded, emphasis
- dichotomy, preceded, ideology
- contrast, overshadowed, interpretation
- paradigm, replaced, narrative
- interplay, followed, focus
Answer: Option 1
Explanation:
The correct answer is Option 1: dialectic, superseded, emphasis.
Dialectic fits the 1st blank because it refers to the process of interaction or tension between opposing ideas, such as revelation and mystery, which aligns with the philosophical underpinnings of early Jacobean masques. The term aptly captures the interplay of opposites.
Superseded is the right choice for the 2nd blank because it indicates that the previous mediation of royal power was replaced by a Caroline-era focus, which reflects a chronological and thematic transition.
Emphasis fits the 3rd blank as it accurately conveys the Caroline shift in focus towards marital love and pastoral retreat, suggesting a deliberate and significant change in thematic content.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
Question Number: 02
Read the following sentences carefully.
A. That shooting was days ago, let’s not get hung up on the past, shall we?
B. We should not need laws to enforce that knowledge.
C. His eyes looked slightly sunken behind his glasses; he shouldn't been sleeping well.
D. They took a cab to the airport and flew back to London.
E. I returned home to Madras and have since working as a solicitor.
Which of the following combinations has all the INCORRECT sentences?
Options :
- A & B
- B & C
- C & D
- D & E
- C & E
Answer: Option 5
Explanation:
The correct answer is Option 5: C & E.
Sentence C: The phrase he shouldn't been sleeping well
is grammatically flawed. The correct phrasing should be he shouldn’t have been sleeping well to align with proper tense usage.
Sentence E: The part ’ have since working ‘ is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing should be ‘have since been working’ to maintain proper tense and structure.
The remaining sentences are grammatically correct.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 5.
Question Number: 03
Read the following statement carefully.
_____________ _ teams willing to question, explore and engage deeply with information to uncover insights that cannot be seen on the surface. By _____________ a culture of curiosity, leaders enhance their decision-making and _____________ their teams to achieve extraordinary results.
Fill in the blanks meaningfully from the following options in the above statement.
Options :
- Create, establishing, motivate
- Assemble, cultivating, strengthen
- Organize, encouraging, enable
- Develop, instilling, guide
- Constitute, fostering, empower
Answer: Option 5
Explanation:
The sentence is fundamentally about teams and leadership, specifically focusing on how teams explore information deeply and how leaders create an environment for better decision-making to achieve extraordinary results.
Looking at each blank, the first one needs a verb that means to form/create teams, the second blank requires a verb that means to create/build a culture, and the third blank needs a verb describing how leaders influence teams.
After analyzing all the options and considering natural flow, Option 5 (Constitute, fostering, empower) emerges as the most fitting choice.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 5.
Question Number: 04
Read the following statements and answer the question that follows.
A. It’s full of ups and downs, sickness, sorrow, arrogance.
B. Instead, learn to enjoy them without getting consumed by them.
C. Chasing only worldly goals will leave you empty but this doesn’t mean you should reject life’s pleasures.
D. Change your thoughts, and you’ll change your world.
E. Life is as fragile as a drop of water on a lotus leaf.
Which of the following combinations is the MOST logically ordered?
Options :
1. C, B, A, D, E
2. E, A, D, C, B
3. D, A, C, B, E
4. E, A, C, B, D
5. B, E, C, D, A
Answer: Option 4
Explanation:
The correct answer is Option 4; E, A, C, B, D
The sequence begins with statement E, which serves as a perfect opening statement because it establishes the fundamental nature of life through a poetic metaphor. This naturally leads to statement A, which elaborates on life's fragile nature by describing its volatile characteristics and challenges. Following this understanding of life's nature, statement C, introduces a key philosophical insight about how to approach life. This is then complemented by statement B, which provides practical advice on maintaining balance in life. The sequence concludes appropriately with statement D, serving as a powerful closing statement that offers a solution or path forward.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 4.
Question Number: 05
Read the following statements and answer the question that follows.
A. This has been particularly transformative for individuals in remote or underserved areas, who may not have access to traditional educational institutions.
B. Online courses, webinars, and educational platforms have made high-quality education accessible to millions of people around the world
C. Scientific papers, research data, and academic resources are now readily available online, enabling researchers to collaborate across borders and disciplines.
D. The Internet has also facilitated the sharing of knowledge and collaboration among researchers and academics.
E. One of the most profound impacts of the Internet has been on education.
Which of the following combinations is the MOST logically ordered?
Options :
1. B, A, D, C, E
2. E, B, A, D, C
3. E, A, D, C. B
4. D, C, B, A, E
5. E, D, C, B, A
Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
The correct answer is Option 2; E, B, A, D, C
Sentence E
serves as the introduction, stating the main point. This sets the stage for the following sentences.
Sentence B
then provides a specific example of this impact. This expands on the general statement made in Sentence E.
Sentence A
further elaborates on the positive impact of online education, highlighting its significance for individuals in remote areas.
Sentence D
shifts the focus to another key impact of the internet on education. This introduces a new aspect of the internet's influence.
Sentence C provides specific examples to support Sentence D. This concludes the passage by illustrating how the internet has revolutionized research and collaboration in academia.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.
Question Number: 06
Read the following paragraph and answer the following question.
As the biggest library if it is in disorder is not as useful as a small but well-arranged one, so you may accumulate a vast amount of knowledge but it will be of far less value to you than a much smaller amount if you have not thought it over for yourself; because only through ordering what you know by comparing every truth with every other truth can you take complete possession of your knowledge and get it into your power.
Which of the following statements can be BEST concluded from the above passage?
Options :
- A small library of well-organized books is preferable to owning a larger library with disorganized content.
- Libraries should prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on well-curated collections rather than sheer size.
- Truths do not need to be compared to one another for knowledge to be effectively utilized.
- Knowledge lies not in the quantity acquired, but in ability to organize and synthesize it.
- Accumulating knowledge without reflection is akin to hoarding books without ever reading them.
Answer: Option 4
Explanation:
The correct answer is Option 4; Knowledge lies ______________ to organize and synthesize it.
The passage draws an analogy between a disorganized library and a mind cluttered with unprocessed information. It emphasizes that the value of knowledge lies not in its sheer volume, but in its organization and integration. By comparing and connecting different pieces of information, we can truly understand and utilize our knowledge effectively.
Option 1 stays too literal
with the library analogy and misses the deeper meaning about knowledge processing.
Option 2 again focuses too much on the library example rather than understanding it's being used as a metaphor for knowledge.
Option 3 directly contradicts the passage's statement
about comparing "every truth with every other truth" being essential.
Option 5, while related to the passage's message, focuses too much on the "hoarding" aspect and misses the crucial point about organization and synthesis.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 4.
Question Number: 07
Read the following paragraph and answer the following question.
The main interest in life and work is to become someone else that you were not in the beginning. If you knew when you began a book what you would say at the end, do you think that you would have the courage to write it? What is true for writing and for a love relationship is also true for life. The game is worthwhile insofar as we don’t know what will be the end.
Which of the following statements can be inferred about the author's perspective on life?
Options:
- Predictability and certainty are essential for a fulfilling life.
- The fear of the unknown should deter us from pursuing our passions.
- The end result is the sole determinant of a life's worth.
- True happiness lies in achieving predefined goals and fulfilling expectations.
- Life's true meaning lies in the pursuit of self-discovery and personal growth.
Answer: Option 5
Explanation:
The correct inference is Option 5:;Life's true meaning lies ___________ personal growth.
The passage emphasizes that the journey of life is more valuable when the outcome is uncertain. It suggests that the process of becoming someone different from who we started as is the core of a meaningful existence. This aligns with the idea of personal growth and self-discovery as central to a fulfilling life.
The other options contradict the passage's core message. Option 1 is incorrect because the passage explicitly states that uncertainty is valuable. Option 3 contradicts the passage, as the passage encourages embracing the unknown, not fearing it. Option 4 is incorrect as the passage de-emphasizes the importance of the end result. Option 5 is not correct because the passage suggests that the journey itself holds more value than achieving predetermined goals.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 5.
Question Number: 08
Read the following paragraph and answer the following question.
Normally, antibodies are protective proteins produced by our immune systems to fight bacteria or viruses. Their strength comes from their specificity—when you get ill, B cells in your immune system undergo an exquisitely precise process of accelerated evolution, rapidly optimizing antibodies that bind precisely to whatever is making you unwell, without sticking to any of your body’s own cells. The antibodies can gum up the workings of a marauding germ or mark it for destruction by other parts of the immune system, making antibodies a critical defense against disease in our immune arsenal.
Which of the following best describes the primary role of antibodies in the immune system?
- Antibodies provide long-term immunity by permanently binding to harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Antibodies play a role in regulating the production of white blood cells.
- Antibodies specifically target harmful bacteria or viruses, aiding in their neutralization.
- Antibodies directly destroy harmful bacteria by breaking down their cell walls.
- Antibodies prevent the immune system from attacking the body’s own cells.
Answer: Option 3
Explanation:
The correct answer is Option 3: Antibodies specifically target harmful bacteria or viruses, aiding in their neutralization or destruction.
The passage clearly outlines the function of antibodies as specific proteins that fight bacteria or viruses. It highlights that antibodies bind precisely to the harmful agent (germ), helping either to neutralize it or mark it for destruction by other immune system components. This matches the description provided in Option 3, making it the most accurate answer.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 3.
Question Number: 09
Read the following sentences carefully.
A. By the time you arrive at the party, we will finish dinner and started with dessert.
B. I let out my breath: I'd been unaware I'd been holding it in.
C. He said he wouldn't want to guide a Marine into a low-paying, dead-end job.
D. It had not been hit by a missile either, nor had there been an onboard fire.
E. All that could be heard was the sounds of the swings swaying back and forth.
F. The stations can not be resupplied, so they had limited lifetimes in orbit.
Which of the following combinations has all the sentences grammatically CORRECT?
Options :
- B, D & F
- B, C & D
- A, C & E
- A, E & F
- C, D & F
Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
The correct answer is Option 2; B, C & D.
The Grammatically correct sentences are B, C & D. Lets, check why the other sentences aren't correct:
Sentence A: Grammatical error in verb tense. It should be "will have finished dinner and started with dessert" to maintain consistent future perfect tense.
Sentence E: Grammatical error. Sounds is plural, but the verb "was" is singular. It should be "were" - "All that could be heard were the sounds of the swings swaying back and forth."
Sentence F: Should be "cannot" (one word) or "could not" depending on the intended meaning. The tense is also inconsistent.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.
Question Number: 10
Read the following paragraph and answer the following question.
As Earth’s climate changes, it is impacting extreme weather across the planet. Record-breaking heat waves on land and in the ocean are all becoming more frequent and more intense.
Human actions since the Industrial Revolution, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, have caused greenhouse gases to rapidly rise in the atmosphere. As carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases increase, they act as a blanket, trapping heat and warming the planet. In response, Earth’s air and ocean temperatures warm. This warming affects the water cycle, shifts weather patterns, and melts land ice — all impacts that can make extreme weather worse.
Which of the following best captures the primary cause-and-effect relationship described in the passage about climate change?
Options:
- Industrial development has led to increased biodiversity and more stable weather patterns.
- Human activities, particularly fossil fuel burning, have increased greenhouse gases, which trap heat and cause widespread environmental changes affecting global weather systems.
- Ocean temperatures are rising independently of human industrial activities, creating natural climate variations.
- Carbon dioxide is the only greenhouse gas responsible for global temperature increases.
- Climate change primarily impacts land temperatures without significant effects on ocean environments.
Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
It has been mentioned in the passage how human activities, specifically the burning of fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution, have led to an increase in greenhouse gases. These gases (such as carbon dioxide and methane) trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a warming of the planet. This warming, in turn, affects various environmental systems, including weather patterns, the water cycle, and land ice, which can intensify extreme weather events. This makes Option 2 the correct choice.
The other options either contradict the passage or oversimplify the complex relationship between human activities and climate change.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.
Question Number: 11
Read the following paragraph and answer the following question.
Governments and institutions can use AI to monitor social media, track individuals or suppress certain types of content which can lead to curtailment of free speech. Accountability for actions taken by autonomous systems remains unclear, complicating legal and ethical responsibilities. The impact of AI is not limited to the digital world but extends to the job market as well. Automation and AI systems are rapidly replacing human workers in various sectors from manufacturing to customer service with millions of workforces becoming redundant.
Which of the following statements, if added to the passage, would most strengthen the argument about the negative impact of AI on free speech and the job market?
- Several countries have enacted laws to regulate AI technologies and protect citizens' rights, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
- Many AI systems are designed to prioritize efficiency, often disregarding human values such as ethics and fairness in decision-making processes.
- Despite the growth of AI, traditional jobs are evolving to incorporate more technology, creating opportunities for a hybrid workforce.
- The development of AI systems often outpaces regulatory measures, leaving vulnerable populations unprotected from its adverse effects.
- Many organizations are investing in AI technologies with the intention of enhancing creativity and human potential, rather than replacing workers.
Answer: Option 4
Explanation:
The correct answer is Option 4: The development of _________________ its adverse effects.
The passage discusses the potential negative consequences of AI, specifically how it can curtail free speech and replace human workers, and emphasizes the unclear accountability for AI actions. Option 4 strengthens the argument by highlighting the gap between the rapid development of AI technologies and the lack of effective regulation, which exacerbates the negative effects mentioned in the passage, particularly on vulnerable populations. This reinforces the concerns raised in the passage about both ethical and economic impacts.
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 a still Immensity all came!
These million universes were to it
The poor light-bubbles of a trivial game,
A fragile glimmer in the Infinite.
It could not find its soul in all that vast:
It drew itself into a little speck
Infinitesimal, ignobly cast
Out of earth’s mud and slime strangely awake,-
A tiny plasm on a little globe,
In the small system of a dwarflike sun,
A little life wearing the flesh for robe,
A little mind winged through wide space to run!
It lived, it knew, it saw its self sublime,
Deathless, out measuring Space, outlasting Time.
Question Number: 12
Which of the following best captures the philosophical theme of the poem?
- The infinite power of the cosmos renders human existence insignificant.
- Human consciousness is a paradoxical blend of insignificance and sublimity.
- The grandeur of the universe is a reflection of human aspirations.
- The limitations of human understanding prevent us from grasping universal truths.
- The evolution of life on Earth is driven by cosmic forces beyond comprehension.
Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
The correct answer is Option 2; Human consciousness ________ and sublimity.
The poem explores the path of the soul from the vastness of the universe to its realization of a deeper, eternal nature. It begins with an immensity that gives rise to the little speck of life, illustrating the journey of self-awareness. By concluding with the assertion of the soul’s timeless and sublime existence, the poem conveys the theme of self-realization and the transcendence of physical limitations. It emphasizes the soul’s capacity to overcome earthly constraints and achieve a sense of immortality.
Option 1 is not correct, the poem emphasizes the soul's journey, not its insignificance. The poem centers on the soul’s spiritual journey rather than the pursuit of external knowledge as given in option 3. Option 4 isn’t correct because the poem focuses on the realization of the soul’s transcendence rather than a constant struggle. Option 5 isn’t correct because the poem moves beyond this transient view, highlighting the soul’s eternal aspect.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.
Question Number: 13
What does the phrase "Out of a still Immensity all came!" primarily signify in the context of the poem?
- The emergence of life from a primordial void.
- The creation of universes from a state of absolute tranquility.
- The insignificance of time and space in the grand scheme.
- The existence of an eternal, infinite source beyond materiality.
- The randomness of creation and its transient nature.
Answer: Option 4
Explanation:
The phrase
Out of a still Immensity all came!
reflects the poet's vision of an infinite, eternal source from which all creation emerges. (Option 4)
The word still conveys a sense of calm, timeless existence, emphasizing that this source is beyond the chaos and motion of the material world. Immensity suggests vastness that is incomprehensible and unbounded, pointing to something far greater than the physical universe. Thus, the line portrays the origin of existence as something transcendent and spiritual, beyond the realm of materiality.
Option 1 is not correct, while the line does discuss creation, it focuses on the infinite source, not specifically on life’s emergence or a void.
Option 2 is close but the poem doesn't explicitly describe the source as being in a state of absolute tranquility. Though the poem does touch upon the vastness of existence as mentioned in
Option 3, this line emphasizes the infinite source rather than the insignificance of time and space.
Option 5 is incorrect
as the poem does not suggest randomness; instead, it points to a purposeful origin rooted in the infinite and eternal.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 4.
Question Numbers : ( 14 to 15)
Read the following passage and answer the TWO questions that follow.
Cats have been on ships for almost as long as humans have been going to sea, and sailors have been largely responsible for spreading cats across the globe. Ancient Egyptian tomb paintings depict cats hunting from boats sailing down the Nile, while Phoenicians recognized the value of controlling the rodent population on their ships as they traded throughout the Mediterranean. Rats and mice were a major problem on ships because they ruined the crew’s food, chewed through equipment, and spread disease. Cats, with their predatory prowess, were a cheap and effective solution to any vermin infestation.
Early sailors believed that cats could control the weather with their tails. When feline tails twitched in a certain manner, people once reasoned, it meant the cats were angry and preparing to unleash a violent storm that would soon fall over the ship. Later sailors realized that cats twitched their tales when they were agitated by a sudden drop in air pressure, indicating that the ship was heading into unfavorable weather. Crews began to monitor all the mannerisms of their ship’s cats and viewed any unusual behaviour as a storm warning. The felines were, in a sense, little furry barometers.
They were also a source of superstitions: Seamen preparing to sail considered it good luck when a cat chose to board their vessel. However, they feared disaster if they had a longtime ratter who decided to jump ship just prior to setting sail. Even worse, sailors thought their fate was sealed if they saw two cats fighting on the pier: It meant that an angel and devil had already started to battle for the souls of the crew.
Feline companions were also important for boosting morale among homesick sailors on long voyages, providing the crew with much-needed affection and a bit of softness in the spartan environment of ship. Since cats were considered mascots to be shared by all the sailors, they also helped to create bonds among the crew.
Question Number: 14
The passage's depiction of cats' relationship with sailors suggests that their value evolved from:
- Being mere pest controllers to becoming sophisticated weather predictors
- Functional necessity to complex cultural significance
- Superstitious beliefs to scientific understanding
- Entertainment value to essential crew members
- Practical tools to emotional support animals
Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
The correct answer is Option 2; Functional necessity to complex cultural significance.
Initially, cats were useful for controlling pests, but over time, they gained cultural significance. They became superstitions, mascots, and emotional support for sailors. The relationship evolved beyond just being practical.
Option 1 is not correct as cats didn’t evolve into weather predictors in any sophisticated way; it was a superstition.
Option 3 is incorrect because the cat's role wasn’t about transitioning from superstitions to science but remained based on beliefs.
Option 4 is wrong;
Cats weren’t seen as entertainment but rather for practical and emotional roles. Option 5 is not correct because they served as more than just emotional support; their primary role started as pest control.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.
Question Number: 15
The sailors' interpretation of cats' tail-twitching behavior represents which of the following phenomena:
- A transition from superstitious to scientific thinking
- The persistence of false beliefs in maritime culture
- An accidental correlation leading to reliable prediction
- The anthropomorphization of animal behavior
- The evolution of maritime weather forecasting methods
Answer: Option 4
Explanation:
The sailors interpretation of cats tail-twitching behavior is an example of anthropomorphization, (Option 4) which is the attribution of human characteristics or emotions to animals.
The passage shows that sailors believed the cats’ tail movements indicated anger and were a sign that a storm was coming. This is a clear case of humans interpreting animal behavior in terms of human-like emotions or intentions. The sailors saw the cats’ behavior as a signal, as though the cats were purposely trying to warn them about the weather.
Option 1 is incorrect, the sailors didn’t transition to scientific thinking; it was all based on superstition.
Option 2 is not right because it wasn’t about false beliefs persisting, but about interpreting animal behavior. Option 3 is not the correct choice as it wasn’t an accidental correlation; sailors believed the cats' behavior was intentional. Option 5 is incorrect as this wasn’t the evolution of weather forecasting methods, just a superstition.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
Question Numbers : ( 16 to 17)
Read the following passage and answer the TWO questions that follow.
Smoky grey clouds sailed across a huge golden moon hanging in an inky sky. After whipping the trees bare and strewing broken branches across the jungle floor, the storm had passed. All that remained were wet leaves dripping with rhythmic plops that echoed loudly in the quiet forest. Moonbeams played hide and seek amidst branches criss-crossing overhead. After the furious tempest, the forest was strangely still. The very air was hushed as if the creatures of the jungle were holding their breath. Yet there was some urgency in the air…a sense that something was about to happen.
As if on cue, a dark shadow strolled through the tall grass. The king was on the prowl. Herds of deer were quietly munching grass under the leaves. Their ears pricked up and tails flicked. Raised noses delicately sniffed. A ripple went through the herd. In a few graceful leaps, they were gone.
The creatures of the jungle knew this was the usual hour. Games between the hunter and hunted would begin. But tonight…the sport seemed different. Strange scents wafted through the trees. Hidden eyes watched. Who were these dark devils slinking between tree trunks? They were stalking prey, too. But these were not four-legged hunters. Lurching on two legs from tree to tree, they chased the striped shadow in the striped grass.
All of a sudden, a mighty roar shattered the silence…and sent a quivering through the leaves. Drowsy birds fluttered up from their nests, squawking in alarm. High above, monkeys chattered nervously while smaller animals crashed through the bushes in panic. Terror crackled through the entire jungle, waking up creatures that had gone to sleep. More deafening bellows rose to the sky. Then, oddly, trailed into long-drawn howls of pain. The jungle held its breath. Deep-throated groans and whimpers pierced the darkness. Gradually, the grunting and whining died down…becoming fainter and fainter…until finally they ceased altogether.
Once again, silence reigned, but it was a dreadful lull. Every creature in the jungle burrowed deeply into the undergrowth. Terrified, they tried to melt into nothingness. None of them wanted to be the next target of the devils.
Question Number: 16
The passage's portrayal of the forest's transition from storm to stillness, followed by the hunting sequence, primarily serves to:
- Highlight the disruption of natural order by human intervention
- Compare the destructive power of nature with human predatory behavior
- Build dramatic tension through contrasting atmospheres and events
- Illustrate the cyclical nature of predator-prey relationships
- Emphasize the forest's resilience after natural calamities
Answer: Option 3
Explanation:
The correct answer is Option 3; Build dramatic tension ______________ and events.
The passage shifts from the calm after the storm to the tense moments before the hunting begins. The stillness of the forest creates a sense of anticipation, which is broken by the sudden roar and ensuing chaos. This contrast between calm and danger builds dramatic tension, drawing the reader into the tense atmosphere of the jungle, where something significant is about to happen.
Option 1 is not correct; the passage doesn’t focus on human intervention; the events are purely natural, involving animals and the storm. Option 2 is not correct as the passage doesn’t compare nature’s power to human behavior; it’s more about the interaction between the environment and the animals. Option 4 is not correct because the cyclical nature of predator-prey relationships isn’t the focus here; the emphasis is on the dramatic shift in atmosphere. Option 5 is incorrect because the forest’s resilience isn’t the key theme here; the tension created by the storm’s aftermath and the hunting sequence is more important.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
Question Number: 17
Which of the following best explains the significance of the phrase, “None of them wanted to be the next target of the devils”?
- It reflects the survival instinct of the prey animals in the jungle.
- It signifies a deeper fear of unnatural predators disrupting the jungle hierarchy.
- It illustrates how the forest operates on an unpredictable, chaotic system.
- It highlights the tiger’s failure to maintain dominance in the jungle.
- It alludes to the end of the storm and its impact on the creatures.
Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
The correct answer is Option 2; It signifies a deeper fear ___________ the jungle hierarchy.
The phrase ‘None of them wanted to be the next target of the devils suggests’ the animals are afraid of a new, unnatural threat—something outside the normal predator-prey dynamic. The term devils hints at an unfamiliar and menacing force, disrupting the usual order of the jungle.
Option 1 is not correct; while the statement reflects the survival instinct, it goes beyond simply avoiding immediate danger. It highlights the fear of the unknown and the disruption of the established order. Option 3 is wrong as the passage doesn't portray the jungle's system as inherently chaotic. Option 4 doesn't directly address the tiger's dominance. Option 5 isn't correct because the statement doesn't relate to the end of the storm.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
Question Numbers : ( 18 to 20)
Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow.
Propaganda is everywhere and has been around for a long time. Every newspaper, magazine, news channel, radio station, advertisement, or any other types of mass media contain elements of propaganda. Sometimes, propaganda does not change the reader’s ideals or morals, like the coverage of a popular new restaurant. The topic does not have much effect because it is not powerful enough to significantly change a society. The light heartedness of the topic blinds a person to the fact that they are still reading a source of propaganda making people not realize how common propaganda truly is. More powerful events, however, such as propaganda in the media coverage of a war can having a lasting effect on an individual and may result in changing the way society views the war. Propaganda’s influence on public opinion can be the difference between winning and loosing a war. In his book “munitions of the Mind,” Dr. Philip Taylor explained the significance of propaganda in war media coverage. “Propaganda itself is neither sinister nor evil. It is really no more than the organization of methods designed to persuade people to think and behave in a certain way, and in wartime that usually means getting them to fight or to support the fight”.
Wartime propaganda has been a major influence in many, if not all, of the major wars. One of the first known uses of war propaganda was by Alexander the Great. After being forced to retreat in a battle Alexander the Great realized that it would be a disadvantage to show he was weak and had to retreat. He overcame this problem by using propaganda to intimidate the opposing army. Alexander’s army made oversized armour and helmets and left them behind as they retreated. He intended that the opposing army would be intimidated and not pursue his army because the oversized armour made Alexander’s army look like giants.
Another occurrence of wartime propaganda occurred in Vietnam where Americans would kidnap and blindfold Vietnamese fishermen. Then the Americans would take them to an island and tell them that it was part of a resistance group called “The Sacred Sword of the Patriot League.” The fishermen were then returned back to the mainland where they would spread rumors of the fake resistance group. The result was the Vietnamese concentrating their efforts on destroying a nonexistent group.
Question Number: 18
What is the primary reason propaganda is deemed a critical tool during wartime, as discussed in the passage?
- It helps the military gain intelligence on enemy operations.
- It fosters unity within the ranks of the opposing army.
- It shapes public opinion to support or engage in the war effort.
- It instills fear in allies and compels them to contribute more resources.
- It conceals military strategies from the enemy through misinformation.
Answer: Option 3
Explanation:
The passage emphasizes that propaganda during wartime is aimed at persuading people to think or behave in a particular way, such as supporting the fight. The quote from Dr. Philip Taylor underscores its role in influencing public opinion and rallying support for the war effort.
Option 1 is incorrect because the passage doesn’t mention propaganda being used for intelligence. Option 2 is irrelevant as it misconstrues the purpose of propaganda. Option 4 conflates propaganda’s effect on fear with its actual goal of persuasion. Option 5 is a misinterpretation of propaganda's intent, which is persuasion, not concealment.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
Question Number: 19
How does the passage illustrate the innovative use of propaganda by Alexander the Great?
- By creating an elaborate escape plan to outmaneuver his opponents.
- By leveraging psychological warfare to manipulate the enemy’s perception.
- By crafting a fake alliance to sow confusion among opposing forces.
- By spreading exaggerated tales of his army’s strength to foreign nations.
- By using covert tactics to demoralize his enemies through infiltration.
Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
Alexander the Great’s use of oversized armor and helmets is a clear example of psychological warfare. He sought to intimidate the opposing army by creating the illusion that his soldiers were giants, manipulating their perception to deter pursuit.
Option 1 doesn’t reflect the strategy's psychological aspect. Option 3 confuses this with the example of the Americans in Vietnam. Option 4 is incorrect because the propaganda wasn’t directed outward to foreign nations but toward the immediate enemy. Option 5 misrepresents the situation as covert infiltration.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
Question Number: 20
What can be inferred about the evolution of propaganda techniques from the examples provided in the passage?
- Modern propaganda techniques are more sophisticated than ancient ones
- Psychological manipulation has remained a constant element despite changing methods
- Wartime propaganda has become less ethical over time
- Direct intimidation is more effective than subtle manipulation
- Ancient propaganda relied more on physical evidence than modern techniques
Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
The examples in the passage highlight how propaganda has consistently relied on psychological manipulation, regardless of the era or the methods used. Alexander the Great’s use of oversized armor aimed to create a psychological fear of giants, while the Vietnam example involved psychological deception by fabricating a resistance group. This demonstrates that while the techniques may differ—physical objects in ancient times versus psychological storytelling in modern times—the core element of manipulation remains unchanged.
Option 1 is not correct because the passage does not explicitly argue that modern propaganda techniques are more sophisticated than ancient ones. Option 3 is not correct as the passage does not compare the ethicality of propaganda over time; it simply describes techniques without judging their morality. Option 4 is not correct because the examples do not support the idea that direct intimidation is more effective than subtle manipulation. Option 5 is not correct because the passage does not suggest that ancient propaganda relied more on physical evidence.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.
Question Numbers : ( 21 to 23)
Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow.
For an empire that collapsed centuries ago, ancient Rome maintains a powerful presence. About a billion people speak languages derived from Latin; Roman law shapes modern norms; and Roman architecture has been widely imitated. Christianity, which the empire embraced in its sunset years, remains the world’s largest religion. Yet all these enduring influences pale against Rome’s most important legacy: its fall. Had its empire not unravelled, or had it been replaced by a similarly overpowering successor, the world wouldn’t have become modern.
This isn’t the way that we ordinarily think about an event that has been lamented pretty much ever since it happened. In the late 18th century, in his monumental work The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1776-1788), the British historian Edward Gibbon called it ‘the greatest, perhaps, and most awful scene in the history of mankind’. Tankloads of ink have been expended on explaining it. Back in 1984, the German historian Alexander Demandt patiently compiled no fewer than 210 different reasons for Rome’s demise that had been put forward over time. And the flood of books and papers shows no sign of abating: most recently, disease and climate change have been pressed into service. Wouldn’t only a calamity of the first order warrant this kind of attention?
Indeed, Rome’s collapse reverberated widely, at least in the western – mostly European – half of its empire. (A shrinking portion of the eastern half, later known as Byzantium, survived for another millennium.) Although some regions were harder hit than others, none escaped unscathed. Monumental structures fell into disrepair; previously thriving cities emptied out; Rome itself turned into a shadow of its former grand self, with shepherds tending their flocks among the ruins. Trade and coin use thinned out, and the art of writing retreated. Population numbers plummeted.
But a few benefits were already being felt at the time. Roman power had fostered immense inequality: its collapse brought down the plutocratic ruling class, releasing the labouring masses from oppressive exploitation. The new Germanic rulers operated with lower overheads and proved less adept at collecting rents and taxes. Forensic archaeology reveals that people grew to be taller, likely thanks to reduced inequality, a better diet and lower disease loads. Yet these changes didn’t last.
Question Number: 21
What can be inferred about the role of Germanic rulers after the fall of Rome?
- They immediately restored the grandeur and stability of the Roman Empire.
- They introduced cultural advancements that rivaled those of ancient Rome.
- They prioritized rebuilding trade networks and economic systems.
- They focused on maintaining the monumental structures left by Rome.
- They implemented governance systems that were equitable but unsustainable.
Answer: Option 5
Explanation:
The passage states that ‘The new Germanic rulers operated with lower overheads and proved less adept at collecting rents and taxes’. This suggests that their governance was initially less oppressive and more equitable for the common people. However, the passage also implies that this less centralized system might not have been sustainable in the long run, contributing to the decline of many aspects of Roman society.
Option 1 is incorrect, as there was no restoration of Rome’s grandeur. Option 2 is unsupported; the passage doesn’t mention Germanic cultural advancements. Option 3 is irrelevant since economic systems like trade and coin use were described as declining. Option 4 doesn’t align with the described neglect of monumental structures.
Hence, the correct answer is option 5.
Question Number: 22
Which of the following statements about Edward Gibbon’s view of Rome’s fall aligns with the passage?
- He considered it an insignificant event compared to other historical calamities.
- He believed it was a complex event with numerous causes, still debated centuries later.
- He saw it as a clear-cut consequence of moral and political decay.
- He described it as the inevitable result of external invasions and internal decline.
- He dismissed it as unworthy of scholarly attention due to its inevitability.
Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
The passage highlights Edward Gibbon’s monumental work, where he described Rome’s fall as “the greatest, perhaps, and most awful scene in the history of mankind.” It also references the 210 different reasons compiled by Alexander Demandt for Rome’s demise, showing that the event has been endlessly debated and viewed as complex with no single cause.
Option 1 is incorrect because Gibbon’s work underscores its historical importance. Option 3 simplifies the fall to moral and political decay, which is not explicitly Gibbon’s view in this context. Option 4 overemphasizes external invasions and internal decline without capturing the complexity noted in the passage. Option 5 misrepresents Gibbon’s stance.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
Question Number: 23
The passage's reference to "forensic archaeology" serves primarily to:
- Challenge traditional historical narratives about Rome's fall
- Support claims about technological advancement
- Provide empirical evidence for unexpected benefits of Rome's collapse
- Document the extent of Rome's architectural decline
- Demonstrate modern methods of studying ancient civilizations
Answer: Option 3
Explanation:
The passage mentions forensic archaeology to support claims that people grew taller after the fall of Rome due to reduced inequality, better diets, and lower disease loads. This empirical evidence is used to illustrate unexpected benefits of Rome’s collapse.
Option 1 is not correct because the passage does not challenge traditional narratives about Rome’s fall but instead provides additional insights.
Option 2 is not correct
as the focus is on physical evidence of societal changes, not technological advancements.
Option 4 is not correct because forensic archaeology is not used to document architectural decline in the passage.
Option 5 is not correct as the primary aim of mentioning forensic archaeology is not to demonstrate modern methods of study but to highlight the unexpected benefits of Rome’s collapse.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 3.
Question Numbers : ( 24 to 26)
Read the following passage and answer the THREE questions that follow.
Despite a week of wrangling, an ambitious endeavour piloted by the United Nations Environment Programme to phase out plastic turned out to be a failure. The Global Plastics Treaty is the result of a resolution by member-countries of the United Nations, passed in 2022, to ‘end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.’ Over the next two years, countries met five times, including the latest (billed as the final one), to create a broad framework agreement. The UN resolution of 2022 was deemed historic as it gave the impression that the world was unanimous that plastic pollution could only be addressed through globally coordinated action. However, it is the solution to the problem that has proven to be divisive. Of the nearly 170 countries gathered at the fifth round of meetings in Busan, roughly half — led by the European Union and supported by Pacific island-nations — were of the view that despite the usefulness of plastic and its significant role in enabling mass consumption through the modern era, its relative indestructibility was now an environmental hazard. It had begun to seep into the bodies of animals, both of the land and sea, and had progressed to be much more than an eyesore in the form of litter flowing out of overwhelmed municipal recycling systems.
The claim that better recycling and re-use will redeem the situation, these nations believe, is a pipe dream and, therefore, imposing gradual cuts on the source of plastic, virgin polymer, was the only effective route to ending plastic pollution. However, many of the large developing countries, and those with economies premised on the extraction of oil and petrochemical refining, baulk at such a proposal. They view calls to cut plastic production as trade barriers masquerading as environmentalism. They view the framing of the plastic pollution problem as one that requires regulating production as something that goes beyond the intent of the 2022 resolution. While talks have stalled, it is likely that countries will reconvene next year — possibly with a fresh perspective — and get beyond the impasse more creatively. India has chosen to side with the countries that are averse to production cuts; yet, it must acknowledge that its capacity to recycle plastic is only about a third of the plastic that is annually introduced. The indispensability of plastic to the economy cannot be a permanent excuse to delay action on evaluating its health impacts on people in India, its ecology and marine environment. A planned exit is always better than finding oneself on the wrong side of history.
Question Number: 24
The passage's characterisation of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations suggests that:
- Economic considerations have complicated the resolution of plastic pollution problems.
- Developing nations’ inability to prioritize environmental issues over trade concerns has caused stagnation.
- The disagreements revolve around varying scientific interpretations of plastic pollution impacts.
- The negotiations illustrate the complexities of global cooperation on environmental challenges.
- Resistance to production cuts reveals an ongoing divide between wealthy and developing nations.
Answer: Option 1
Explanation:
The passage clearly demonstrates that the discord during the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations arises from economic considerations rather than purely environmental or scientific differences. While all nations acknowledge plastic pollution as an issue, their approaches diverge based on how proposed solutions might impact their economies. The EU and Pacific island nations advocate for production cuts due to the environmental hazards of plastics, while many developing nations and oil-based economies oppose these cuts, viewing them as trade barriers.
Option 2 is incorrect because the passage does not portray developing nations as incapable of prioritizing environmental issues but highlights their economic stakes.
Option 3 is misleading, as the passage does not mention differing scientific interpretations but focuses on policy disagreements.
Option 4 is overly broad, failing to pinpoint the economic nature of the conflict.
Option 5, though plausible, oversimplifies the disagreement as merely a divide between wealthy and developing nations, which is not the primary emphasis.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 1.
Question Number: 25
What does the phrase ‘Pipe Dream’ most likely mean in the passage?
- A carefully calculated plan.
- An unrealistic or impractical hope.
- A proposal requiring extensive effort.
- A metaphor for sustainable living.
- A solution supported by empirical evidence.
Answer: Option 2
Explanation:
The correct answer is Option 2; An unrealistic or impractical hope.
In the passage given above, Pipe Dream is used to describe the belief that better recycling and re-use alone can solve the plastic pollution problem. This belief is dismissed by nations advocating for production cuts as overly optimistic and impractical given the scale of the issue.
Option 1 is incorrect
because the phrase does not suggest a carefully calculated plan but rather the opposite.
Option 3
inaccurately implies that significant effort could make recycling a viable solution, which the passage disputes.
Option 4 incorrectly interprets the phrase
as a metaphor for sustainable living, unrelated to the context.
Option 5 erroneously ties the phrase to empirical
evidence supporting recycling solutions, which the passage rejects as insufficient.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.
Question Number: 26
The concluding sentence of the passage, "A planned exit is always better than finding oneself on the wrong side of history," serves to:
- Predict the inevitable failure of current recycling systems
- Criticize developing nations' resistance to change
- Warn about potential future environmental catastrophes
- Advocate for proactive policy changes despite economic concerns
- Support the EU's position on production cuts
Answer: Option 4
Explanation:
The correct answer is Option 4; Advocate for ______________ economic concerns
The concluding sentence emphasizes the importance of taking timely, deliberate action to address plastic pollution. It suggests that India and other nations that resist production cuts must acknowledge the broader environmental and health impacts of plastic and adopt a proactive approach to avoid future regret or criticism.
Option 1 is incorrect
as it does not address the failure of recycling systems but advocates for broader action.
Option 2 incorrectly frames the sentence
as a critique of developing nations, whereas it calls for collective responsibility.
Option 3 misinterprets the sentence
as solely warning about future catastrophes, whereas the emphasis is on avoiding inaction.
Option 5 misrepresents the sentence as explicitly supporting the EU's stance, which the passage does not explicitly endorse.
Hence, the correct answer is Option 4.
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.
