CAT VA-RC 2020 Slot 1: RC Passage 1

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🔍 In-Depth Passage Analysis: Gain insights through line-by-line and paragraph-wise analysis, supplemented with a quick summary table for efficient revision.
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RC Passage

Direction for the questions 1 to 5: The passage below is accompanied by a set of five questions. Choose the best answer to each question.

The word ‘anarchy’ comes from the Greek 'anarchy', meaning contrary to authority or without a ruler, and was used in a derogatory sense until 1840, when it was adopted by Pierre-Joseph Proudhon to describe his political and social ideology. Proudhon argued that organization without government was both possible and desirable. In the evolution of political ideas, anarchism can be seen as an ultimate projection of both liberalism and socialism, and the differing strands of anarchist thought can be related to their emphasis on one or the other of these.

Historically, anarchism arose not only as an explanation of the gulf between the rich and the poor in any community, and of the reason why the poor have been obliged to fight for their share of a common inheritance, but as a radical answer to the question ‘What went wrong?’ that followed the ultimate outcome of the French Revolution. It had ended not only with a reign of terror and the emergence of a newly rich ruling caste, but with a new adored emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, strutting through his conquered territories.

The anarchists and their precursors were unique on the political Left in affirming that workers and peasants, grasping the chance that arose to bring an end to centuries of exploitation and tyranny, were inevitably betrayed by the new class of politicians, whose first priority was to re- establish a centralized state power. After every revolutionary uprising, usually won at a heavy cost for ordinary populations, the new rulers had no hesitation in applying violence and terror, a secret police, and a professional army to maintain their control.

For anarchists the state itself is the enemy, and they have applied the same interpretation to the outcome of every revolution of the 19th and 20th centuries. This is not merely because every state keeps a watchful and sometimes punitive eye on its dissidents, but because every state protects the privileges of the powerful.

The mainstream of anarchist propaganda for more than a century has been anarchist- communism, which argues that property in land, natural resources, and the means of production should be held in mutual control by local communities, federating for innumerable joint purposes with other communes. It differs from state socialism in opposing the concept of any central authority. Some anarchists prefer to distinguish between anarchist-communism and collectivist anarchism in order to stress the obviously desirable freedom of an individual or family to possess the resources needed for living, while not implying the right to own the resources needed by others. . . .

There are, unsurprisingly, several traditions of individualist anarchism, one of them deriving from the ‘conscious egoism’ of the German writer Max Stirner (1806-56), and another from a remarkable series of 19th-century American figures who argued that in protecting our own autonomy and associating with others for common advantages, we are promoting the good of all. These thinkers differed from freemarket liberals in their absolute mistrust of American capitalism, and in their emphasis on mutualism.

RC Line-wise Explanation

Paragraph 1

"The word ‘anarchy’ comes from the Greek 'anarchy', meaning contrary to authority or without a ruler, and was used in a derogatory sense until 1840, when it was adopted by Pierre-Joseph Proudhon to describe his political and social ideology."

Explanation: The word ‘anarchy’ originally meant "against authority" or "without a ruler" in Greek. It had a negative meaning until 1840, when Pierre-Joseph Proudhon used it positively to express his political beliefs.

"Proudhon argued that organization without government was both possible and desirable."

Explanation: Proudhon believed that society could be well-organized even without a government, and he saw this as a good thing.

"In the evolution of political ideas, anarchism can be seen as an ultimate projection of both liberalism and socialism, and the differing strands of anarchist thought can be related to their emphasis on one or the other of these."

Explanation: Anarchism developed as a more extreme form of liberalism and socialism. Different types of anarchist thinking align more closely with either liberal or socialist principles.

Paragraph 2

"Historically, anarchism arose not only as an explanation of the gulf between the rich and the poor in any community, and of the reason why the poor have been obliged to fight for their share of a common inheritance,"

Explanation: Anarchism emerged to explain the inequality between the rich and the poor, and why the poor had to struggle to get their fair share of wealth and resources.

"but as a radical answer to the question ‘What went wrong?’ that followed the ultimate outcome of the French Revolution."

Explanation: It also acted as a bold response to the disappointment and failure felt after the French Revolution.

"It had ended not only with a reign of terror and the emergence of a newly rich ruling caste, but with a new adored emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, strutting through his conquered territories."

Explanation: The revolution resulted in widespread violence, a new elite class, and the rise of Napoleon as an emperor, which seemed like a betrayal of the revolution’s original ideals.

Paragraph 3

"The anarchists and their precursors were unique on the political Left in affirming that workers and peasants, grasping the chance that arose to bring an end to centuries of exploitation and tyranny, were inevitably betrayed by the new class of politicians, whose first priority was to re-establish a centralized state power."

Explanation: Unlike other left-wing groups, anarchists believed that every time workers and peasants tried to overthrow oppression, they were betrayed by new leaders who simply rebuilt state power.

"After every revolutionary uprising, usually won at a heavy cost for ordinary populations, the new rulers had no hesitation in applying violence and terror, a secret police, and a professional army to maintain their control."

Explanation: Post-revolution governments often turned to brutal methods—like violence, secret policing, and military force—to keep their power, despite the sacrifices made by ordinary people.

Paragraph 4

"For anarchists the state itself is the enemy, and they have applied the same interpretation to the outcome of every revolution of the 19th and 20th centuries."

Explanation: Anarchists view the state as inherently bad and interpret all revolutions as ultimately reinforcing oppressive state power.

"This is not merely because every state keeps a watchful and sometimes punitive eye on its dissidents, but because every state protects the privileges of the powerful."

Explanation: Their opposition to the state isn’t only about surveillance or repression; it’s also because states consistently defend the interests of the wealthy and powerful.

Paragraph 5

"The mainstream of anarchist propaganda for more than a century has been anarchist-communism, which argues that property in land, natural resources, and the means of production should be held in mutual control by local communities, federating for innumerable joint purposes with other communes."

Explanation: For over 100 years, the main form of anarchist thought has been anarchist-communism, which proposes that land and resources should be collectively managed by local groups that work together.

"It differs from state socialism in opposing the concept of any central authority."

Explanation: Unlike state socialism, anarchist-communism rejects any form of central government or authority.

"Some anarchists prefer to distinguish between anarchist-communism and collectivist anarchism in order to stress the obviously desirable freedom of an individual or family to possess the resources needed for living, while not implying the right to own the resources needed by others."

Explanation: Some anarchists make a distinction between types of anarchism to highlight that while individuals or families should own what they need to live, they shouldn’t own resources others depend on.

Paragraph 6

"There are, unsurprisingly, several traditions of individualist anarchism, one of them deriving from the ‘conscious egoism’ of the German writer Max Stirner (1806–56),"

Explanation: There are multiple types of individualist anarchism. One form is based on Max Stirner’s idea of ‘conscious egoism,’ which emphasizes self-interest.

"and another from a remarkable series of 19th-century American figures who argued that in protecting our own autonomy and associating with others for common advantages, we are promoting the good of all."

Explanation: Another form came from 19th-century American thinkers who believed that by preserving personal freedom and cooperating with others, everyone benefits.

"These thinkers differed from freemarket liberals in their absolute mistrust of American capitalism, and in their emphasis on mutualism."

Explanation: These individualist anarchists were unlike free-market advocates because they distrusted capitalism and instead focused on mutual support and cooperation.

RC Paragraph Explanation

Paragraph 1 Summary

The term 'anarchy' was once used negatively but was redefined by Proudhon to support a system of organization without government. Anarchism grew out of liberal and socialist thought, with various interpretations leaning more towards one or the other.

Paragraph 2 Summary

Anarchism developed partly as a response to wealth inequality and partly as a critique of the failures of the French Revolution, which ended in authoritarianism and the rise of a new ruling elite.

Paragraph 3 Summary

Anarchists believe that revolutions often betray the working class by replacing one oppressive government with another, with new leaders resorting to violence and control to maintain power.

Paragraph 4 Summary

To anarchists, the state is fundamentally oppressive because it not only monitors dissent but also secures the privileges of the elite, making it a consistent enemy across all revolutions.

Paragraph 5 Summary

The dominant form of anarchism, anarchist-communism, promotes community control over resources and opposes centralized authority, although some prefer variations that balance individual ownership with collective needs.

Paragraph 6 Summary

Individualist anarchism has roots in European and American thought, advocating autonomy and cooperation. Unlike market liberals, these thinkers reject capitalism and favor mutualism.

RC Quick Table Summary
Paragraph NumberMain Idea
Paragraph 1Anarchism redefined by Proudhon as a viable system beyond government.
Paragraph 2Anarchism emerged in response to inequality and the failure of the revolution.
Paragraph 3Revolutions betray the people by reinstating state control and oppression.
Paragraph 4The state is the core enemy in all anarchist interpretations of revolution.
Paragraph 5Anarchist-communism supports communal control and rejects centralized power.
Paragraph 6Individualist anarchism promotes autonomy and mutualism, not capitalism.

RC Questions

Ques 1. The author makes all of the following arguments in the passage, EXCEPT:

Correct Answer: (D) Detailed explanation by Wordpandit: Option A: The topic covered in the third paragraph emphasizes the unique stance of anarchists and their forerunners in the political Left spectrum. Specifically, the paragraph states: {"...The anarchists and their precursors were unique on the political Left in affirming that workers and peasants, grasping the chance that arose to bring an end to centuries of exploitation and tyranny, were inevitably betrayed by the new class of politicians, whose first priority was to re-establish a centralized state power..."}. This assertion connects anarchists to the belief that political revolutions, exemplified by the French Revolution mentioned earlier in the text, often lead to a betrayal of the very working class they purportedly aim to liberate. Thus, Option A faithfully captures an argument presented in the passage. Option B: The fourth paragraph elucidates the overarching philosophy of anarchists, particularly their view on statehood. The passage reads: {".. .For anarchists, the state itself is the enemy, and they have applied the same interpretation to the outcome of every revolution of the 19th and 20th centuries. This is not merely because every state keeps a watchful and sometimes punitive eye on its dissidents, but because every state protects the privileges of the powerful..."}. Here, anarchists are described as being intrinsically opposed to the state not just because of its surveillance over dissenting opinions but also due to its role in safeguarding the interests of the powerful. Therefore, Option B is clearly an argument set forth in the passage. Option C: In discussing individualist-anarchism, the final two paragraphs delve into various facets of the philosophy. They state: {"...desirable freedom of an individual or family to possess the resources needed for living, while not implying the right to own the resources needed by others. . . .There are, unsurprisingly, several traditions of individualist anarchism, one of them deriving from the ‘conscious egoism’ of the German writer Max Stirner (1806-56), and another from a remarkable series of 19th-century American figures who argued that in protecting our own autonomy and associating with others for common advantages, we are promoting the good of all..."}. These paragraphs capture the complex nuances of individualist-anarchism, indicating that it promotes personal freedom while still respecting community interests. Thus, Option C is unambiguously corroborated by the passage. Option D: However, Option D does not find substantiation in the text. The author never identifies "a mainstream mistrust of collectivism" as a causal factor for the widespread misconception that anarchism essentially advocates "lawlessness and violence." There is no discussion of any causal elements that lead to this misunderstanding. Consequently, Option D is the correct answer, as it is not a point that is made within the passage.

Ques 2. The author believes that the new ruling class of politicians betrayed the principles of the French Revolution, but does not specify in what way. In the context of the passage, which statement below is the likeliest explanation of that betrayal?

Correct Answer: (D) Detailed explanation by Wordpandit: Your analysis dissects the third paragraph of the passage, which delves into the concept of "betrayal" following the French Revolution. In the passage, the author outlines that the newly emerged class of politicians exploited the revolutionary sentiments of the masses to usurp power. Once in control, they abandoned the principles that were supposed to guide the revolution, re-establishing centralized authority and mistreating the very populace that had brought them to power.Option D: In light of the above understanding, Option D proves to be the most fitting answer. This choice underlines the manipulative tactics of the new political class. It points out how these politicians tapped into the collective dissatisfaction and rebellion of the workers and peasants, utilizing it as a vehicle for their own ascent to power. Once this objective was achieved, they pivoted dramatically, reinstating centralized authority and oppressing those who had been their stepping stones. This notion of exploitation and subsequent oppression encapsulates the essence of "betrayal" as detailed in the passage, specifically concerning the aftermath of the French Revolution.Option C: Although Option C also portrays a form of betrayal, it does not completely mirror the unique nature of deceit discussed in the passage, especially with regard to the French Revolution. While Option C does touch upon the concept of betrayal, it falls short of capturing the multi-layered exploitation and ensuing subjugation of the common people, which is central to the author's argument.In summary, Option D emerges as the most compelling representation of the argument made in the third paragraph. It zeroes in on the exploitation of the working masses by a new political elite, who, after leveraging the revolution for their own ends, turned against the very people who had facilitated their rise. This cogent alignment makes Option D the most appropriate answer in this context.

Ques 3. Which one of the following best expresses the similarity between American individualist anarchists and free-market liberals as well as the difference between the former and the latter?

Correct Answer: (A) Detailed explanation by Wordpandit: Your analysis concentrates on a passage that outlines two distinct traditions within individualist anarchism. One tradition draws its inspiration from the 'conscious egoism' of the German writer Max Stirner, while the other comes from a series of 19th-century American thinkers. Both traditions hold individual autonomy in high regard, yet they diverge in their viewpoints on mutualism and American capitalism. Option A: In your analysis, you point out that Option A is the most accurate answer because it successfully captures the key difference between the two traditions of individualist anarchism. It emphasizes that while both schools of thought prioritize individual autonomy, the latter — the American tradition — is distinguished by its lack of emphasis on mutualism. Given this nuance, Option A aligns most closely with the information provided in the passage and is therefore the correct choice. Option B: You correctly note that the passage does not discuss the groups' preferences regarding the configuration or involvement of the state. As a result, Option B can be readily dismissed as it doesn't correspond to any points made in the passage under review. Option C: The passage, you argue, also does not delve into the groups' specific perspectives about the nature of capitalism. While it does mention a mistrust of American capitalism, it doesn't elaborate on their views concerning capitalism itself. Hence, Option C can be comfortably ruled out as it doesn't align with the passage's content. Option D: Finally, you observe that Option D contains elements that are not substantiated by the passage. No information in the text supports the claims made in this option, making it an unsuitable choice based on the provided text. In summary, Option A proves to be the most fitting answer as it succinctly highlights the critical difference between the two individualist anarchist traditions discussed in the passage. The other options fail to match the details given in the passage and can therefore be disregarded.

Ques 4. Of the following sets of concepts, identify the set that is conceptually closest to the concerns of the passage.

Correct Answer: (A) Detailed explanation by Wordpandit: The crux of your analysis hinges on understanding the primary focus of the passage, which is 'Anarchism.' Within this larger context, 'Revolution' and 'Betrayal' are secondary themes that serve to elaborate or support the central discourse on Anarchism and its criticism of the 'State.' By identifying this overarching concern, your analysis suggests that one can more effectively narrow down the viable choices among the given options to Options A and D. Option A and Option D: You note that while both of these options pertain to the general topic of Anarchism, Option A stands out as being conceptually closest to the core concerns of the passage. This is because Option A encompasses not just the issues surrounding 'Revolution' and 'Betrayal,' but also aligns well with the ultimate focus of the passage, which is the anarchists' critique of centralized state authority. Moreover, you highlight that as the passage progresses, it evolves into a discussion about individual autonomy and freedom, which are also captured in Option A. Importance of Sub-elements: In your analysis, you make the crucial observation that the elements of 'Revolution' and 'Betrayal' are sub-themes. Although they are critical to understanding the text, they don't capture the full spectrum of the passage's key concerns. They serve primarily as supplemental material to enhance the central argument against state authority, which is the essence of Anarchism as presented in the passage. Therefore, based on your nuanced reading and categorization of the primary and secondary themes within the passage, you conclude that Option A is the most fitting choice, being conceptually closest to the fundamental concerns the passage seeks to address.

Ques 5. According to the passage, what is the one idea that is common to all forms of anarchism?

Correct Answer: (B) Detailed explanation by Wordpandit: Your analysis tackles various options that aim to summarize key aspects of a passage discussing the multi-faceted beliefs and traditions within anarchism. By parsing through these options, you attempt to find the one that most accurately encapsulates the central message of the passage.Option A: In your assessment, you clarify that Option A is not tenable because it attributes the variances in anarchist thinking to Pierre-Joseph Proudhon. However, the passage does not provide enough information to corroborate this claim, making this option an unsuitable choice for summarizing the central concerns of the text. Option B: You identify that Option B aligns most closely with the overarching thesis of the passage: the universal antagonism anarchists hold toward centralized state power. While acknowledging that different branches of anarchism carry additional beliefs, you argue that this foundational opposition to centralized authority is a common thread that binds them. Therefore, you conclude that Option B is the most accurate representation of the passage's core message. Option C: According to your analysis, Option C focuses too narrowly on individualist anarchism. While the passage does discuss this branch, it doesn't suggest that the belief in question—presumably related to individual autonomy—is universally shared among all anarchist factions. Consequently, Option C does not adequately capture the central theme of the passage and is therefore ruled out. Option D: You describe Option D as an understatement and specifically point out the incongruity of its latter half. You note that the passage does not imply the ideas encapsulated in this option, making it an unsatisfactory choice for summarizing the main point of the text. In summary, based on your meticulous examination of each option against the primary message of the passage, you determine that Option B is the most fitting choice. This option succinctly encapsulates the core anarchist belief in opposing centralized state power, a central theme that pervades the passage.

Actual CAT VA-RC 2020 Slot 1: Question-wise Index

Reading ComprehensionWords from the Passage
RC Passage 1 (Q 1 to 5) Must-Learn Words (Passage 1)
RC Passage 2 (Q 6 to 9) Must-Learn Words (Passage 2)
RC Passage 3 (Q 10 to 14) Must-Learn Words (Passage 3)
RC Passage 4 (Q 15 to 18) Must-Learn Words (Passage 4)
Verbal Ability
Ques 19 (Misfit/Odd one out) Ques 20 (Paragraph Summary)
Ques 21 (Para-jumble) Ques 22 (Paragraph Summary)
Ques 23 (Paragraph Summary) Ques 24 (Para-jumble)
Ques 25 (Misfit/Odd one out) Ques 26 (Para-jumble)

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