CAT 2021 Slot 1 · VARC · Question 22

CAT 2021 Slot 1 previous year question on Para Summary, with the answer and a step-by-step solution.

Para SummaryVerbal AbilityMultiple choiceMedium

The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.

Foreign peacekeepers often exist in a bubble in the poor countries in which they are deployed; they live in posh compounds, drive fancy vehicles, and distance themselves from locals. This may be partially justified as they are outsiders, living in constant fear, performing a job that is emotionally draining. But they are often despised by the locals, and many would like them to leave. A better solution would be bottom-up peacebuilding, which would involve their spending more time working with communities, understanding their grievances and earning their trust, rather than only meeting government officials.

  1. A

    Peacekeeping forces in foreign countries have tended to be aloof for valid reasons but would be more effective if they worked more closely with local communities.

  2. B

    Extravagant lifestyles and an aloof attitude among the foreigners working as peacekeepers in poor countries have justifiably made them the target of local anger.

  3. C

    Peacekeeping duties would be more effectively performed by local residents given their better understanding, knowledge and rapport with their own communities.

  4. D

    The environment in poor countries has tended to make foreign peacekeeping forces live in enclaves, but it is time to change this scenario.

Pick an option, then check.
Answer & solution

Answer: Option A

The passage has three parts:
1. Foreign peacekeepers live apart from locals in poor countries.
2. This is partly justified – they are outsiders doing a stressful, frightening job – but locals dislike them.
3. A better way is bottom-up peacebuilding: working with local communities and earning their trust.

Option 1 covers all three parts: aloof for valid reasons, and more effective if they worked closely with local communities.

Option 2 leaves out the solution and says the anger is justified, while the passage only says their distance is partly justified.

Option 3 suggests local residents should do the peacekeeping, which the passage never says.

Option 4 blames the poor countries' environment for the enclaves and leaves out the reasons and the bottom-up solution.

Shortcut: a good summary keeps the problem, the 'partly justified' balance and the solution. Only option 1 has all three.

Hence, the answer is option 1.

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