CAT 2021 Slot 3 · VARC · Question 3

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.

People view idleness as a sin and industriousness as a virtue, and in the process have developed an unsatisfactory relationship with their jobs. Work has become a way for them to keep busy, even though many find their work meaningless. In their need for activity people undertake what was once considered work (fishing, gardening) as hobbies. The opposing view is that hard work has made us prosperous and improved our levels of health and education. It has also brought innovation and labour and time-saving devices, which have lessened life’s drudgery.

  1. A

    Despite some detractors, hard work is essential in today’s world to enable economic progress, for education and health and to propel innovations that make life easier.

  2. B

    Hard work has overtaken all aspects of our lives and has enabled economic prosperity, but it is important that people reserve their leisure time for some idleness.

  3. C

    Some believe that hard work has been glorified to the extent that it has become meaningless, and led to greater idleness, but it has also had enormous positive impacts on everyday life.

  4. D

    While the idealisation of hard work has propelled people into meaningless jobs and endless activity, it has also led to tremendous social benefits from prosperity and innovation.

Pick an option, then check.
Answer & solution

Answer: Option D

The passage has two sides:
- Idealising industriousness has given people an unsatisfactory relationship with work: they keep busy in work many find meaningless, and even turn old forms of work into hobbies.
- The opposing view: hard work has brought prosperity, health, education, innovation and labour-saving devices.

Option 4 covers both: the idealisation of hard work has led to meaningless jobs and endless activity, but also to great benefits from prosperity and innovation.

Option 1 gives only the positive side.

Option 2 adds advice (keep leisure time for idleness) that the passage never gives.

Option 3 says hard work led to 'greater idleness' – the passage says the opposite: people avoid idleness.

Shortcut: a summary of a two-sided passage must keep both sides without adding anything.

Hence, the answer is option 4.

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