Passage: Certain codes may, of course, be so widely distributed in a specific language community or culture, and be learned at so early an age, that they appear not to be constructed – the effect of an articulation between sign and referent – but to be ‘naturally’ given. Simple visual signs appear to have achieved a ‘near-universality’ in this sense: though evidence remains that even apparently ‘natural’ visual codes are culture specific. However, this does not mean that no codes have intervened; rather, that the codes have been profoundly naturalized. The operation of naturalized codes reveals not the transparency and ‘naturalness’ of language but the depth, the habituation and the near-universality of the codes in use. They produce apparently ‘natural’ recognitions. This has the (ideological) effect of concealing the practices of coding which are present.
A) Learning linguistic and visual signs at an early age makes all such codes appear natural. This naturalization of codes is the effect of ideology.
B) Not all codes are natural but certain codes are naturalized and made to appear universal. Ideology aims to hide the mechanism of coding behind signs.
C) Language and visual signs are codes. However, some of the codes are so widespread that they not only seem naturally given but also hide the mechanism of coding behind the signs.
D) All codes, linguistic and visual, have a natural origin but some are so widespread that they become universal. This is what hides the mechanism of coding behind signs.
Step-by-Step Explanation
Correct Answer:C
Explanation: The text discusses how highly widespread cultural or linguistic codes become so "naturalized" through early use that they hide the very fact that they are artificial, constructed codes. C covers all dimensions: they are widespread, seem naturally given, and hide the mechanism of coding.
FundaMakers Tip:The Chain of Causation Concept. When a passage outlines a step-by-step psychological or ideological process, the summary must maintain the exact causal links. A flips the cause-and-effect by stating naturalization is caused by ideology, whereas the text says naturalization results in an ideological effect.
ParaSummary Shortcuts & Tricks
How to Eliminate Wrong Options in CAT Para Summary Questions
Option elimination is one of the most effective ways to solve CAT Para Summary questions, especially when two or more choices appear similar. Instead of searching only for the perfect summary, check each option for errors in meaning, scope, tone, and relevance. Identifying these flaws can help you reach the correct answer more efficiently.
1. Eliminate Options That Miss the Central Idea
A summary must capture the main argument of the entire paragraph. An option may contain a fact or idea mentioned in the passage but still be incorrect if it focuses only on a supporting detail. Remove choices that fail to represent the paragraph's central message.
2. Remove Options That Introduce New Information
The correct summary should be based on information given or clearly implied in the paragraph. Eliminate options that introduce new arguments, assumptions, examples, or conclusions that the author has not presented.
3. Check for Options That Are Too Broad
Some options take the author's argument and extend it beyond the scope of the paragraph. If the passage discusses a specific situation but an option turns it into a general rule or universal claim, the option is likely to be incorrect.
4. Eliminate Options That Are Too Narrow
An option may accurately summarise one sentence or example while ignoring the larger argument. Such choices can appear convincing because they contain information directly from the paragraph. However, a Para Summary answer should represent the passage as a whole.
5. Look for Changes in Meaning
Pay close attention to options that use ideas from the paragraph but alter the relationship between them. Changes in cause and effect, comparison, sequence, or conclusion can completely change the author's intended meaning.
6. Watch for Extreme or Absolute Statements
Words such as always, never, entirely, only, and must can make an option more extreme than the original paragraph. If the author presents a possibility, tendency, or qualified argument, eliminate options that turn it into an absolute statement.
7. Check Whether the Author's Tone Is Preserved
An incorrect option may accurately identify the topic but misrepresent the author's attitude towards it. For example, a neutral observation may be presented as criticism or a cautious argument as a definite conclusion. Eliminate choices that significantly alter the author's tone or position.
8. Avoid Options Based Only on Keyword Matching
Do not select an answer simply because it contains several words or phrases from the paragraph. CAT Para Summary questions test understanding of meaning rather than the ability to match keywords. An option using different wording may provide a much more accurate summary.
9. Compare the Remaining Options
After eliminating clearly incorrect choices, compare the remaining options with your understanding of the paragraph's central idea. Ask which option covers the key argument, maintains the correct scope and tone, and introduces the least distortion.
Using option elimination in CAT Para Summary questions can make close answer choices easier to handle. Check every option for central idea, scope, added information, tone, and distortion before making your final selection. With regular CAT VARC practice, recognising these common traps can become quicker and more accurate.
