CAT 2021 Slot 3 · VARC · Question 23

CAT 2021 Slot 3 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.

The human mind is wired to see patterns. Not only does the brain process information as it comes in, it also stores insights from all our past experiences. Every interaction, happy or sad, is catalogued in our memory. Intuition draws from that deep memory well to inform our decisions going forward. In other words, intuitive decisions are based on data, and not contrary to data as many would like to assume. When we subconsciously spot patterns, the body starts firing neurochemicals in both the brain and gut. These “somatic markers” are what give us that instant sense that something is right … or that it’s off. Not only are these automatic processes faster than rational thought, but our intuition draws from decades of diverse qualitative experience (sights, sounds, interactions, etc.) - a wholly human feature that big data alone could never accomplish.

  1. A

    Intuition is infinitely richer than big data which is based on rational thought and accomplishes more than what big data can.

  2. B

    Intuitions are automatic processes and are therefore faster than rational thought, and so decisions based on them are better.

  3. C

    Intuition draws from deep memory, and may not be related to data, but to decades of diverse qualitative experience.

  4. D

    Intuitions are neuro-chemical firings based on pattern recognition and draw upon a rich and vast database of experiences.

Pick an option, then check.
Answer & solution

Answer: Option D

The passage says:
- The mind is wired to see patterns and stores all past experience.
- Intuition draws on that memory, so intuitive decisions are 'based on data'.
- Spotting patterns fires neurochemicals ('somatic markers') that give us an instant sense of right or wrong.
- Intuition draws on decades of diverse experience.

Option 4 captures this: intuitions are neurochemical firings based on pattern recognition, drawing on a vast store of experience.

Option 1 exaggerates ('infinitely richer') and wrongly says big data is based on rational thought.

Option 2 adds that intuitive decisions are 'better', which the passage does not claim.

Option 3 says intuition 'may not be related to data' – the passage says the opposite: intuition is based on data.

Shortcut: the passage's key line is 'intuitive decisions are based on data'. Remove any option that contradicts it or adds a judgement.

Hence, the answer is option 4.

More Para Summary questions

All Para Summary PYQs →

Take this paper as a timed test
Real exam timing, instant score, rank and topic-wise analysis.

Practice timed →