ParaSummary Question 7 - CAT 2022
Passage: All that we think we know about how life hangs together is really some kind of illusion that we have perpetrated on ourselves because of our limited vision. What appear to be inanimate objects such as stones turn out not only to be alive in the same way that we are, but also in many infinitesimal ways to be affected by stimuli just as humans are. The distinction between animate and inanimate simply cannot be made when you enter the world of quantum mechanics and try to determine how those apparent subatomic particles, of which you and everything else in our universe is composed, are all tied together. The point is that physics and metaphysics show there is a pattern to the universe that goes beyond our capacity to grasp it with our brains.
A) The effect of stimuli is similar in inanimate objects when compared to animate objects or living beings.
B) Quantum physics indicates that an astigmatic view of reality results in erroneous assumptions about the universe.
C) The inanimate world is both sentient and cognizant like its animate counterpart.
D) Arbitrary distinctions between inanimate and animate objects disappear at the scale at which quantum mechanics works.
Step-by-Step Explanation
- Correct Answer: D
- Explanation: The text notes that our perception of a clear boundary between animate (living) and inanimate (non-living) things is an illusion that completely breaks down at the microscopic scale of quantum mechanics, where subatomic behaviors tie all matter together. Option D explicitly states this.
- FundaMakers Tip: The Scale-Specific Constraint. Pay immediate attention to qualifying conditions. Option D is superior because it specifies that these distinctions dissolve at the scale of quantum mechanics, keeping the summary textually accurate rather than making an unscientific blanket generalization.
ParaSummary Shortcuts & Tricks
How to Solve Para Summary Questions in CAT
Para Summary questions in CAT test your ability to identify the central idea of a passage and select the option that captures it accurately and concisely. These questions may appear straightforward, but the options are often closely worded, making careful reading and elimination important.1. Identify the Central Idea
Read the paragraph to understand what the author is primarily trying to communicate. Focus on the main argument rather than individual examples, facts, or supporting details. A good summary should represent the paragraph as a whole.2. Separate Main Ideas from Supporting Details
Examples, statistics, explanations, and illustrations usually support the central argument. Avoid choosing an option simply because it mentions a prominent example from the paragraph. The correct answer should capture the broader point that these details support.3. Check the Scope of Each Option
An incorrect option may be too broad or too narrow compared with the original paragraph. Compare each option with the scope of the passage and eliminate choices that generalise beyond what the author says or focus on only one part of the discussion.4. Watch for Distorted Information
Some options use ideas from the paragraph but change their meaning slightly. Pay attention to words that make a statement stronger, more absolute, or more certain than the original. The correct summary should preserve the author's argument without adding new conclusions.5. Consider the Author's Tone
A summary should also reflect the author's position accurately. If the paragraph presents a cautious or balanced argument, an option making an extreme claim is unlikely to be correct. Look for an answer that maintains both the meaning and tone of the original passage.6. Eliminate Options Before Selecting the Answer
Instead of immediately searching for the perfect option, eliminate choices with clear problems. Common reasons for elimination include:- Missing the central idea
- Focusing only on an example
- Introducing information not present in the passage
- Being too broad or too narrow
- Changing the author's argument or tone