📘 What’s Inside This CAT RC Practice Post?

📝 Authentic CAT Reading Comprehension Passage: Practice with a real RC passage from a previous CAT exam.
✅ Detailed Questions with Step-by-Step Solutions: Each question is explained thoroughly for better understanding.
🔍 In-Depth Passage Analysis: Gain insights through line-by-line and paragraph-wise analysis, supplemented with a quick summary table for efficient revision.
📚 Vocabulary Enhancement: Get a separate post explaining all tough words from the passage.

RC Passage

Direction for the questions 1 to 4: The passage below is accompanied by a set of four questions. Choose the best answer to each question.

Stoicism was founded in 300 BC by the Greek philosopher Zeno and survived into the Roman era until about AD 300. According to the Stoics, emotions consist of two movements. The first movement is the immediate feeling and other reactions (e.g., physiological response) that occur when a stimulus or event occurs. For instance, consider what could have happened if an army general accused Marcus Aurelius of treason in front of other officers. The first movement for Marcus may have been (internal) surprise and anger in response to this insult, accompanied perhaps by some involuntary physiological and expressive responses such as face flushing and a movement of the eyebrows. The second movement is what one does next about the emotion. Second movement behaviors occur after thinking and are under one’s control. Examples of second movements for Marcus might have included a plot to seek revenge, actions signifying deference and appeasement, or perhaps proceeding as he would have proceeded whether or not this event occurred: continuing to lead the Romans in a way that Marcus Aurelius believed best benefited them. In the Stoic view, choosing a reasoned, unemotional response as the second movement is the only appropriate response.

The Stoics believed that to live the good life and be a good person, we need to free ourselves of nearly all desires such as too much desire for money, power, or sexual gratification. Prior to second movements, we can consider what is important in life. Money, power, and excessive sexual gratification are not important. Character, rationality, and kindness are important. The Epicureans, first associated with the Greek philosopher Epicurus . . . held a similar view, believing that people should enjoy simple pleasures, such as good conversation, friendship, food, and wine, but not be indulgent in these pursuits and not follow passion for those things that hold no real value like power and money. As Oatley (2004) states, “the Epicureans articulated a view—enjoyment of relationship with friends, of things that are real rather than illusory, simple rather than artificially inflated, possible rather than vanishingly unlikely—that is certainly relevant today” . . . In sum, these ancient Greek and Roman philosophers saw emotions, especially strong ones, as potentially dangerous. They viewed emotions as experiences that needed to be [reined] in and controlled.

As Oatley (2004) points out, the Stoic idea bears some similarity to Buddhism. Buddha, living in India in the 6th century BC, argued for cultivating a certain attitude that decreases the probability of (in Stoic terms) destructive second movements. Through meditation and the right attitude, one allows emotions to happen to oneself (it is impossible to prevent this), but one is advised to observe the emotions without necessarily acting on them; one achieves some distance and decides what has value and what does not have value. Additionally, the Stoic idea of developing virtue in oneself, of becoming a good person, which the Stoics believed we could do because we have a touch of the divine, laid the foundation for the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam . . . As with Stoicism, tenets of these religions include controlling our emotions lest we engage in sinful behavior.

RC Line-wise Explanation

Paragraph 1

"Stoicism was founded in 300 BC by the Greek philosopher Zeno and survived into the Roman era until about AD 300."

Explanation: Stoicism began with Zeno in 300 BC and continued to influence people until around AD 300 during Roman times.

"According to the Stoics, emotions consist of two movements."

Explanation: The Stoics believed that every emotional experience has two parts or stages.

"The first movement is the immediate feeling and other reactions (e.g., physiological response) that occur when a stimulus or event occurs."

Explanation: The first stage includes spontaneous feelings and bodily responses when something happens suddenly.

"For instance, consider what could have happened if an army general accused Marcus Aurelius of treason in front of other officers."

Explanation: An example is given: imagine Marcus Aurelius being publicly accused of betrayal.

"The first movement for Marcus may have been (internal) surprise and anger in response to this insult, accompanied perhaps by some involuntary physiological and expressive responses such as face flushing and a movement of the eyebrows."

Explanation: Marcus would naturally feel shocked and angry, and his body might react (like his face turning red or raising his eyebrows), without him consciously doing it.

"The second movement is what one does next about the emotion."

Explanation: The second stage involves what a person chooses to do after the initial feeling.

"Second movement behaviors occur after thinking and are under one’s control."

Explanation: This second reaction happens after some thought and is something a person can control.

"Examples of second movements for Marcus might have included a plot to seek revenge, actions signifying deference and appeasement, or perhaps proceeding as he would have proceeded whether or not this event occurred: continuing to lead the Romans in a way that Marcus Aurelius believed best benefited them."

Explanation: Marcus could choose from several reactions: revenge, submission, or simply ignoring the insult and doing what he believes is right for the people.

"In the Stoic view, choosing a reasoned, unemotional response as the second movement is the only appropriate response."

Explanation: According to Stoic beliefs, the best second reaction is a logical and calm response, not an emotional one.

Paragraph 2

"The Stoics believed that to live the good life and be a good person, we need to free ourselves of nearly all desires such as too much desire for money, power, or sexual gratification."

Explanation: Stoics thought a good life means letting go of strong desires, like wanting wealth, status, or excessive pleasure.

"Prior to second movements, we can consider what is important in life."

Explanation: Before reacting emotionally, we should reflect on what truly matters.

"Money, power, and excessive sexual gratification are not important."

Explanation: Material things and indulgent pleasures are not truly valuable.

"Character, rationality, and kindness are important."

Explanation: Being a good person, using reason, and showing kindness are what really count.

"The Epicureans, first associated with the Greek philosopher Epicurus . . . held a similar view, believing that people should enjoy simple pleasures, such as good conversation, friendship, food, and wine, but not be indulgent in these pursuits and not follow passion for those things that hold no real value like power and money."

Explanation: Epicureans also valued simplicity—enjoying everyday pleasures in moderation—and rejected the chase for things like wealth and power.

"As Oatley (2004) states, 'the Epicureans articulated a view—enjoyment of relationship with friends, of things that are real rather than illusory, simple rather than artificially inflated, possible rather than vanishingly unlikely—that is certainly relevant today' . . ."

Explanation: Oatley says the Epicureans encouraged valuing real, simple, and achievable pleasures, which is advice still meaningful today.

"In sum, these ancient Greek and Roman philosophers saw emotions, especially strong ones, as potentially dangerous."

Explanation: To summarize, these philosophers warned that strong emotions could be harmful.

"They viewed emotions as experiences that needed to be [reined] in and controlled."

Explanation: They believed emotions should be restrained and managed carefully.

Paragraph 3

"As Oatley (2004) points out, the Stoic idea bears some similarity to Buddhism."

Explanation: Oatley mentions that Stoic beliefs are somewhat like Buddhist teachings.

"Buddha, living in India in the 6th century BC, argued for cultivating a certain attitude that decreases the probability of (in Stoic terms) destructive second movements."

Explanation: Buddha taught people to adopt a mindset that helps avoid harmful emotional reactions.

"Through meditation and the right attitude, one allows emotions to happen to oneself (it is impossible to prevent this), but one is advised to observe the emotions without necessarily acting on them; one achieves some distance and decides what has value and what does not have value."

Explanation: Buddhism says it's okay to feel emotions, but you should observe them calmly, not react immediately, and decide which emotions deserve your attention.

"Additionally, the Stoic idea of developing virtue in oneself, of becoming a good person, which the Stoics believed we could do because we have a touch of the divine, laid the foundation for the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam . . ."

Explanation: Stoic beliefs about personal virtue and divine nature helped shape religious values in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

"As with Stoicism, tenets of these religions include controlling our emotions lest we engage in sinful behavior."

Explanation: Like Stoicism, these religions also teach that managing emotions is necessary to avoid doing wrong.

RC Paragraph Explanation

Paragraph 1 Summary

The Stoics believed emotions occur in two stages: an initial, automatic reaction, and a second, controlled response that should ideally be rational. Using Marcus Aurelius as an example, the paragraph illustrates that Stoicism values reasoned behavior over impulsive emotional responses.

Paragraph 2 Summary

Stoicism encourages letting go of superficial desires like wealth and pleasure in favor of developing moral character and rational thinking. The Epicureans, while valuing simple joys, shared a similar belief in moderation and detachment from meaningless pursuits. Both philosophies caution against strong emotions, advocating for control and simplicity.

Paragraph 3 Summary

The Stoic approach to emotions is compared to Buddhist teachings, where emotions are acknowledged but not acted upon impulsively. Stoic principles of virtue and emotional regulation also influenced major monotheistic religions, which emphasize self-control to prevent immoral actions.

RC Quick Table Summary

Paragraph Number	Main Idea
Paragraph 1	Stoics believed emotions involve two stages and promoted reason over reaction.
Paragraph 2	Stoicism and Epicureanism stress the importance of simplicity, virtue, and emotional control.
Paragraph 3	Stoic ideas align with Buddhism and shaped religious views on self-control and virtue.

RC Questions

Ques 1. “Through meditation and the right attitude, one allows emotions to happen to oneself (it is impossible to prevent this), but one is advised to observe the emotions without necessarily acting on them; one achieves some distance and decides what has value and what does not have value.” In the context of the passage, which one of the following is not a possible implication of the quoted statement?

Correct Answer: (B) Detailed explanation by Wordpandit: Option A: The idea that through the practice of meditation and maintaining the correct attitude, one can allow emotions to naturally occur is central to the passage. This concept seems to suggest that an individual adopts a more passive role in the reception of emotional experiences. The passive nature here implied is that one doesn't forcefully manipulate or resist emotions but instead lets them unfold, effectively becoming a 'space' where emotions can manifest freely.Option B: Contrary to any interpretation that suggests that meditation enables out-of-body experiences or some other extraordinary distancing from emotions, the passage is quite explicit. It focuses on how meditation, in conjunction with the right attitude, permits one to allow emotions to surface and then to observe them without immediate reaction. The distance achieved here is a mental or psychological one that stems from observation and contemplation, not from some ethereal detachment or out-of-body phenomenon. There is no reference to anything like out-of-body experiences or any other kind of special distancing besides the careful observation of one's emotional state.Option C: The passage mentions that the second movement in dealing with emotions involves what one chooses to do next after an emotion has been acknowledged and thought about. This second movement is depicted as something within one's control. Therefore, it's reasonable to infer that the act of observing emotions from a certain distance, as discussed in the passage, would fall under this second movement. Observing emotions requires a certain level of thought and control, fitting well into the concept of the 'second movement' outlined earlier in the passage.Option D: The text also touches upon the importance of observing emotions to ascertain what has value and what does not. This implies that without this observational step, the true value or lack thereof associated with a given emotional response might be obscured or misunderstood. In essence, the practice of observing one’s emotional landscape can serve as a tool for discernment, helping to sift through the complexities of emotional responses to understand what is genuinely valuable and what is not.Hence, Option B is the correct answer. It most accurately captures the nuances of the passage, emphasizing that the distancing achieved through meditation is through mental observation, not other esoteric means like out-of-body experiences.

Ques 2. Which one of the following statements would be an accurate inference from the example of Marcus Aurelius?

Correct Answer: (D) Detailed explanation by Wordpandit: Option A: Option A is not accurate because the text does not delve into whether Marcus Aurelius felt humiliated or embarrassed when confronted with the accusation of treason. The passage instead describes the immediate emotional reactions that could be expected to follow such an event, focusing on feelings like surprise and anger. There is no specific mention or implication that Marcus Aurelius experienced humiliation or embarrassment as a result of being accused.Option B: Option B is also incorrect, as the passage does not identify Marcus Aurelius as a Stoic philosopher, nor does it associate him with Stoic beliefs or principles. Rather, Marcus Aurelius serves purely as a hypothetical example, illustrating how someone might respond if accused of treason by an army general. The emphasis is on the situational dynamics, rather than any philosophical affiliation Marcus Aurelius might have had.Option C: Option C doesn’t accurately reflect the information in the passage either. While the text does say that one potential course of action, or "second movement," for Marcus Aurelius might have been plotting revenge, it does not state that this was the route he actually took. Additionally, it doesn’t claim that seeking revenge was the only possible "second movement" that Marcus Aurelius might have opted for. Therefore, there is no basis in the passage for concluding that Marcus Aurelius was indeed plotting revenge or seeking justice.Based on the Discussion, Option D is the Correct Answer: The passage provides a hypothetical scenario involving Marcus Aurelius being accused of treason by an army general, and it is inferred that Marcus Aurelius was a leader in the Roman army. This is based on the context of the situation depicted, where an accusation of such a grave nature is being leveled against him in front of other officers. The other options discussed do not find support within the text and therefore do not accurately represent the passage's content or implications.By adhering closely to what the passage actually states and implies, it becomes clear that Option D is the most accurate choice. It aligns with the information given by outlining Marcus Aurelius' role within a Roman military context, without making unsupported claims about his emotional state, philosophical beliefs, or potential actions in response to the accusation.

Ques 3. Which one of the following statements, if false, could be seen as contradicting the facts/arguments in the passage?

Correct Answer: (C) Detailed explanation by Wordpandit: Option A: The statement "Through meditation and the right attitude, one allows emotions to happen to oneself (it is impossible to prevent this), but one is advised to observe the emotions without necessarily acting on them; one achieves some distance and decides what has value and what does not have value," was initially framed to draw parallels between Stoicism and Buddhism. Given that the focus of the excerpt is on the similarity between these two philosophical traditions, Option A fails to align with the core idea of the passage. Therefore, it can be concluded that Option A is not the correct choice.Option B: This option can be straightforwardly dismissed based on the introductory information provided in the passage. The claim that Zeno lived into the Roman era until about AD 300 cannot be substantiated by the text. As such, the evidence in the passage directly contradicts this statement, making it an incorrect option.Option C: The statement "The Epicureans, initially tied to the philosophies of the Greek thinker Epicurus, also held a comparable outlook. They believed that people should appreciate simple joys like meaningful conversation, friendships, and the pleasures of food and wine. However, they also cautioned against excessive indulgence in these activities and advised against pursuing empty ambitions like the acquisition of power or wealth," essentially recapitulates the idea encapsulated in the underlined portion of the original excerpt. Because it closely mirrors the themes expressed in the passage, Option C stands as the correct choice.Thus, the Correct Option is C: Upon scrutinizing the options in relation to the passage's main ideas, it is evident that Option C resonates most closely with the text. It echoes the viewpoints outlined in the passage, particularly those concerning the value attributed to certain emotional and material pursuits. Therefore, Option C is the most fitting selection.

Ques 4. On the basis of the passage, which one of the following statements can be regarded as true?

Correct Answer: (B) Detailed explanation by Wordpandit: Option A: Statement A is incorrect due to its misrepresentation of the passage's content. The passage does not make any claims or references about the existence or influence of Stoicism in India. It only states that there are similarities between Buddhist and Stoic viewpoints. Therefore, A is not aligned with the information provided in the text.Option B: Statement B is also incorrect and directly contradicts the information presented in the passage. According to the text, Stoicism posits that to live a fulfilling life and be virtuous, one should minimize the grip of certain strong desires like the excessive quest for wealth, influence, or physical pleasures. The Stoics advocated for self-control and moderation rather than indulgence in such desires. Therefore, B stands in opposition to the ideas expressed in the passage.Option C: Statement C falsely portrays the Epicureans' perspectives on emotions. While the passage indeed discusses the Epicurean view, it specifically mentions that they found strong emotions, particularly, to be potentially harmful and in need of moderation and control. The Epicureans did not argue for the control of all emotions without differentiation. Thus, C inaccurately summarizes the passage's stance on the Epicurean perspective.Option D: Statement D is the accurate choice, as it aligns well with information given in the passage. The text refers to the Stoic emphasis on personal virtue development, grounded in their belief that individuals possess a semblance of the divine. This Stoic idea, according to the passage, contributed to the ideological frameworks of the three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.Hence, D is the Correct Answer: After a comprehensive review of all the statements in light of the passage's content, it becomes evident that Option D is the most accurate. It correctly captures and reflects the text's assertions regarding the influence of Stoic philosophy on the development of major monotheistic religions, making it the correct choice.

Actual CAT VA-RC 2022 Slot 1: Question-wise Index

Reading Comprehension	Words from the Passage
RC Passage 1 (Q 1 to 4)	Must-Learn Words (Passage 1)
RC Passage 2 (Q 5 to 8)	Must-Learn Words (Passage 2)
RC Passage 3 (Q 9 to 12)	Must-Learn Words (Passage 3)
RC Passage 4 (Q 13 to 16)	Must-Learn Words (Passage 4)
Verbal Ability
Ques 17 (Para-Completion)	Ques 18 (Paragraph Summary)
Ques 19 (Para-Completion)	Ques 20 (Paragraph Summary)
Ques 21 (Para-jumble)	Ques 22 (Para-jumble)
Ques 23 (Paragraph Summary)	Ques 24 (Para-jumble)

CAT VA-RC 2022 Slot 1: RC Passage 1

📘 What’s Inside This CAT RC Practice Post?

RC Passage

Paragraph 1

Paragraph 2

Paragraph 3

Paragraph 1 Summary

Paragraph 2 Summary

Paragraph 3 Summary

RC Questions

Actual CAT VA-RC 2022 Slot 1: Question-wise Index

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

CAT VA-RC 2022 Slot 1: RC Passage 1

📘 What’s Inside This CAT RC Practice Post?

RC Passage

Paragraph 1

Paragraph 2

Paragraph 3

Paragraph 1 Summary

Paragraph 2 Summary

Paragraph 3 Summary

RC Questions

Actual CAT VA-RC 2022 Slot 1: Question-wise Index

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Get 1 Free Counselling