ParaSummary Question 4 - CAT 2021

Question

Passage:

People view idleness as a sin and industriousness as a virtue, and in the process have developed an unsatisfactory relationship with their jobs. Work has become a way for them to keep busy, even though many find their work meaningless. In their need for activity people undertake what was once considered work (fishing, gardening) as hobbies. The opposing view is that hard work has made us prosperous and improved our levels of health and education. It has also brought innovation and labour and time-saving devices, which have lessened life’s drudgery.

A) Despite some detractors, hard work is essential in today’s world to enable economic progress, for education and health and to propel innovations that make life easier.

B) Hard work has overtaken all aspects of our lives and has enabled economic prosperity, but it is important that people reserve their leisure time for some idleness.

C) Some believe that hard work has been glorified to the extent that it has become meaningless, and led to greater idleness, but it has also had enormous positive impacts on everyday life.

D) While the idealisation of hard work has propelled people into meaningless jobs and endless activity, it has also led to tremendous social benefits from prosperity and innovation.

Step-by-Step Explanation

  • Correct Answer: D
  • Explanation: This text builds a balanced, two-sided argument. One perspective shows how idealizing hard work pushes people into meaningless jobs just to stay active. The opposing perspective states that hard work has brought immense societal progress, health improvements, and time-saving innovations. Option D mirrors this balanced layout.
  • FundaMakers Tip: Spot the Balanced Dialectic. When an author presents a clear debate with valid points on both sides, the correct summary must reflect both halves. Options A, B, and C lean too heavily to one side or distort the direct relationship between the arguments.

ParaSummary Shortcuts & Tricks

Common Traps in CAT Para Summary Options

CAT Para Summary options often appear similar, but incorrect choices usually contain subtle distortions. Recognising these common traps can make option elimination easier.

1. Too Broad or Too Narrow

Some options either generalise beyond the paragraph or focus on only one supporting point instead of the central idea.

2. Added Information

An option may introduce a new assumption, conclusion, or idea that is not supported by the paragraph.

3. Extreme Statements

Words such as always, never, only, and completely can make an option stronger than what the author actually states.

4. Distorted Tone

An incorrect option may turn a neutral or cautious argument into a strong criticism, approval, or definite conclusion.

5. Supporting Detail as the Main Idea

Some options accurately mention an example or supporting detail but fail to represent the paragraph's overall message.

6. Reversed Relationships

An option may reverse cause and effect, comparison, or another logical relationship presented in the paragraph.

7. Keyword Matching

Options containing the same words as the passage can appear attractive but may not convey the same meaning. Focus on the idea rather than matching vocabulary. Recognising these traps in CAT Para Summary options can help you eliminate convincing distractors and select the option that most accurately represents the author's central message.
Share on XShare on WhatsApp
error: Content is protected !!

ENQUIRE NOW

Fill In The Form To Get A Quick Call From Our Team.

Stay Connected On

BOOK YOUR DEMO NOW!

BOOK YOUR DEMO NOW!