Passage: Different from individuals, states conduct warfare operations using the DIME model— “diplomacy, information, military, and economics.” Most states do everything they can to inflict pain and confusion on their enemies before deploying the military. In fact, attacks on vectors of information are a well-worn tactic of war and usually are the first target when the charge begins. It’s common for telecom data and communications networks to be routinely monitored by governments, which is why the open data policies of the web are so concerning to many advocates of privacy and human rights. With the worldwide adoption of social media, more governments are getting involved in low-grade information warfare through the use of cyber troops. According to a study by the Oxford Internet Institute in 2020, cyber troops are “government or political party actors tasked with manipulating public opinion online.” The Oxford research group was able to identify 81 countries with active cyber troop operations, utilizing many different strategies to spread false information, including spending millions on online advertising.
A) Following the DIME model, many governments have taken advantage of open data policies of the web to deploy cyber troops who manipulate domestic public opinion, using advertising and other strategies to spread false information.
B) Governments primarily use the DIME model to deploy cyber troops who practise lowgrade information warfare, seeking to manipulate public opinion with the objective of inflicting pain and confusion on their enemies.
C) Using the DIME model, together with military operations, many governments simultaneously conduct information warfare with the help of cyber troops and routinely monitor telecom data and communications networks.
D) As part of conducting information warfare as per the DIME model, many governments routinely monitor telecom data and communications networks, and use cyber troops on social media to manipulate public opinion.
Step-by-Step Explanation
Correct Answer:D
Explanation: The passage outlines how states use the DIME model, targeting information first by monitoring networks (causing privacy concerns) and using cyber troops on social media to warp public opinion. D links these elements sequentially and accurately.
FundaMakers Tip:The Geographical/Scope Trap. Pay close attention to restrictive modifiers. Option A claims cyber troops manipulate domestic public opinion, but the text explicitly introduces them in the context of inflicting pain on enemies globally. Always cross-check the target of the action.
ParaSummary Shortcuts & Tricks
How to Choose Between Two Close Options in CAT Para Summary Questions
One of the most challenging situations in CAT Para Summary questions is choosing between two options that both appear correct. The difference is often subtle: one option may capture the central idea more accurately, while the other may contain a slight change in scope, tone, emphasis, or meaning. A careful comparison can help you identify the better summary.
1. Compare Both Options with the Central Idea
Go back to the main idea of the paragraph and check which option represents it more completely. An option may contain several correct statements but still miss the author's primary argument. Prefer the choice that captures what the paragraph is essentially trying to communicate.
2. Check Which Option Covers the Whole Paragraph
A common difference between two close options is coverage. One may summarise the entire paragraph, while the other focuses mainly on a particular example, argument, or supporting detail. The correct Para Summary option should account for the passage as a whole.
3. Look for Differences in Scope
Examine whether either option makes the author's argument broader or narrower than intended. Words such as all, only, always, generally, or sometimes can significantly alter the scope of a statement. Choose the option that stays closest to the scope of the original paragraph.
4. Check for Added Assumptions
An option can sound reasonable while including a conclusion or assumption that the author never made. When comparing two close choices, ask whether every important idea in each option can be supported by the paragraph. Prefer the option that requires fewer assumptions.
5. Compare the Tone of Both Options
The correct summary should preserve the author's attitude towards the subject. If the paragraph is cautious, neutral, critical, or uncertain, check whether either option changes that tone. A small shift from possibility to certainty or observation to criticism can make an otherwise convincing option incorrect.
6. Examine Cause-and-Effect Relationships
Pay particular attention to how the options connect different ideas. One option may reverse a cause-and-effect relationship or suggest that two ideas are connected in a way the author did not establish. Choose the option that preserves the relationships presented in the original paragraph.
7. Prefer Accuracy Over Similar Wording
Do not automatically choose the option that uses more words from the passage. CAT Para Summary questions test comprehension rather than keyword matching. An option that paraphrases the author's argument accurately is better than one that repeats the original vocabulary but changes its meaning.
8. Use the Least-Distortion Test
If both options still appear correct, ask which one changes the original paragraph the least. The better summary should preserve the central idea, scope, tone, and logical relationships without introducing unnecessary interpretations.
When choosing between two close options in CAT Para Summary questions, focus on coverage, scope, tone, assumptions, and overall meaning. Small differences in these areas are often what separate the correct answer from a convincing distractor.
