CAT 2017 Question Paper | Verbal Slot 1

CAT Questions

Para Summary type of questions are trickier than you expect it to be. In the CAT previous year papers, we saw that there were 3 questions on an average per slot in Para Summary. Since it is trickier, and carries negative marking, it will be wiser to attempt it after solving other parts of Verbal Ability like Sentence Elimination and Sentence Rearrangement. We can expect atleast 1 question from this type falling in easy to moderate difficulty. The best questions to practice for the CAT Exam are the actual CAT Previous Year Paper. Start with solving this question right away.

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

Question 30 : A translator of literary works needs a secure hold upon the two languages involved, supported by a good measure of familiarity with the two cultures. For an Indian translating works in an Indian language into English, finding satisfactory equivalents in a generalized western culture of practices and symbols in the original would be less difficult than gaining fluent control of contemporary English. When a westerner works on texts in Indian languages the interpretation of cultural elements will be the major challenge, rather than control over the grammar and essential vocabulary of the language concerned. It is much easier to remedy lapses in language in a text translated into English, than flaws of content. Since it is easier for an Indian to learn the English language than it is for a Briton or American to comprehend Indian culture, translations of Indian texts is better left to Indians.

1. While translating, the Indian and the westerner face the same challenges but they have different skill profiles and the former has the advantage.
2. As preserving cultural meanings is the essence of literary translation Indians' knowledge of the local culture outweighs the initial disadvantage of lower fluency in English.
3. Indian translators should translate Indian texts into English as their work is less likely to pose cultural problems which are harder to address than the quality of language.
4. Westerners might be good at gaining reasonable fluency in new languages, but as understanding the culture reflected in literature is crucial, Indians remain better placed.

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Explanatory Answer

The paragraph argues that in translations, the interpretation of cultural elements is the major challenge, not the quality of the language. And since it is easier for an Indian to learn the English language than it is for a Briton or American to comprehend Indian culture, translation of Indian texts is better left to Indians. Option 3 sums up the paragraph best.

Option 1 mentions ‘different skill profiles’, which is imprecise. Option 2 does not touch on the idea that Indians should translate Indian texts. Option 4 does not mention translation. And the paragraph does not say that westerners are be good at gaining reasonable fluency in new languages.

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Choice C is the correct answer.

 

Verbal Ability for CAT | CAT Reading Comprehension

Verbal Ability for CAT| CAT Para Jumble

Verbal Ability for CAT | CAT Sentence Elimination

Verbal Ability for CAT | CAT Paragraph Completion

Verbal Ability for CAT | CAT Critical Reasoning

Verbal Ability for CAT | CAT Word Usage

Verbal Ability for CAT| CAT Para Summary

Verbal Ability for CAT | CAT Text Completion

Verbal Ability for CAT | CAT Sentence Correction