Can someone please confirm the accuracy of the difficulty level. Seems to me like a 600-700 level problem but tag says otherwise (700+)
Getting back to the mail point. Here's my mind map and answers.
Para 1: Some practice in Europe is called objectionable --> Reasons for calling it objectionable are stated --> Some suggestions to improve the same are presented
Para 2: Discussion related to medals and medals used as an award is criticized --> Victoria Cross given as an example of good use of resources --> Honorary membership can be the other alternative
1. The author of the passage sets out toA. Propose a method by which truly brilliant scientific work can be identified
Identification of brilliant scientific work is not discussedB. Criticize the use of rewards that have great intrinsic value
That just captures the second paraC. Evaluate various ways in which scientific excellence can be achieved in a particular field
The passage does not discuss ways to achieve scientific excellenceD. Discuss the disadvantages of awarding medals of high intrinsic value
True, but just a part of the passageE. Suggest a method of rewarding excellence in a scientific field
Spot on. Captures the basic essence of both the paras. Can be confirmed from the mind map2. All of the following can be inferred about the “Victoria Cross” EXCEPT:A. It is an honorary medal
It is given as an example of an honorary medalB. It has almost no intrinsic value
The passage clearly says "small intrinsic value". Although might not sound very convincing but we'll see a better option soonC. It is often made of gold
No where in the passage is it mentioned that it's made of gold. Moreover we are also told that it has "small intrinsic value" so it would definitely not be made of goldD. It carries great honor among those who receive it
First 4 lines of the second para give this hintE. It is a good example of an award of excellence
The entire purpose of giving this example was to present counter evidence for what is stated in teh first two lines of the second para3. Which of the following can be inferred regarding a “favorite method of aiding science”?A. It does not necessarily do much service in aiding the progress of science
2nd and 3rd line of the passage clearly say that "theoretically it is objectionable" which can be interpreted as not much service in aiding science B. It helps promote the development of new and ground breaking scientific theories
Not supported by the passage. Rather the author is suggesting other alternativesC. The fact that the papers are presented anonymously is the only drawback of this method
This is one of the drawback that is discussed but we cannot be certain that this is the ONLY drawbackD. It is an essential model that should be replicated in other nations to ensure scientific progress
No where in the passage is the widespread use of this model suggestedE. Its contributions to the scientific community include only unwise expenditure and diversion of energy from untried fields
Again just because these two contributions are discussed do not make them the ONLY two contributions