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Reading Comprehension - Language as an Instinct

CAT 2008 Slot 1 · Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension · Medium · Reading Comprehension

This is a medium Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension question set from the CAT 2008 Slot 1 paper. It tests Reading Comprehension. The full answer key and a step-by-step explanation are below — try it yourself first, then reveal the solution.

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Passage / data set

Language is not a cultural artifact that we learn the way we learn to tell time or how the federal government works. Instead, it is a distinct piece of the biological makeup of our brains... [Passage explaining Steven Pinker's view of language as a biological instinct].

Question 1 of 5

According to the passage, which of the following does not stem from popular wisdom on language?

  1. A.

    Language is a cultural artifact.

  2. B.

    Language is a cultural invention.

  3. C.

    Language is learnt as we grow.

  4. D.

    Language is unique to Homo sapiens.

  5. E.

    Language is a psychological faculty.

Answer

E

Explanation

Viewing language as a psychological faculty is the perspective of cognitive scientists, not popular wisdom.

Question 2 of 5

Which of the following can be used to replace the "spiders know how to spin webs" analogy as used by the author?

  1. A.

    A kitten learning to jump over a wall

  2. B.

    Bees collecting nectar

  3. C.

    A donkey carrying a load

  4. D.

    A horse running a Derby

  5. E.

    A pet clog protecting its owner's property

Answer

B

Explanation

Bees collecting nectar represents an innate, instinctive biological trait of the species.

Question 3 of 5

According to the passage, which of the following is unique to human beings?

  1. A.

    Ability to use symbols while communicating with one another.

  2. B.

    Ability to communicate with each other through voice modulation.

  3. C.

    Ability to communicate information to other members of the species.

  4. D.

    Ability to use sound as means of communication.

  5. E.

    All of the above.

Answer

B

Explanation

The passage states 'a knack for communicating information about who did what to whom by modulating the sounds we make when we exhale'.

Question 4 of 5

According to the passage, complexity of language cannot be taught by parents or at school to children because

  1. A.

    children instinctively know language.

  2. B.

    children learn the language on their own.

  3. C.

    language is not amenable to teaching.

  4. D.

    children know language better than their teachers or parents.

  5. E.

    children are born with the knowledge of semiotics.

Answer

A

Explanation

Language is a biological birthright/instinct that children know without formal instruction.

Question 5 of 5

Which of the following best summarizes the passage?

  1. A.

    Language is unique to Homo sapiens.

  2. B.

    Language is neither learnt nor taught.

  3. C.

    Language is not a cultural invention or artifact as it is made out.

  4. D.

    Language is instinctive ability of human beings.

  5. E.

    Language is use of symbols unique to human beings.

Answer

D

Explanation

The main theme of the passage is that language is an instinctive biological ability of human beings.

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