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IMAT 2014 Worked Solution & Answers | LOCOMOTIVE
IMAT 2014 · Worked Solution

IMAT 2014 Worked Solution

All 60 questions, solved and explained — General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Mathematics. Verified line by line by the LOCOMOTIVE academic team.

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General Knowledge & Logical Reasoning

Current affairs, history, culture, logical and critical-thinking problems · 27 questions
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Over 30 years ago, the smallpox virus was eradicated (removed) from the natural environment, but examples of it are still preserved in two laboratories. It is planned, however, to destroy these remaining viruses. Given that this will be the first example of a deliberate destruction of an entire species, we should think again before destroying these viruses. Years ago we thought we had the right to kill as many creatures as we liked, but now we realize we have no such right. Furthermore, we cannot know the future; we cannot justify destroying something that could be of enormous value to us one day, valuable in ways we cannot even think of now. And anyway, what possible harm can captive viruses do to us? Which one of the following best expresses the main conclusion of the above argument?

  • AWe cannot justify destroying something which may one day be valuable to us.
  • BCaptive smallpox viruses are not going to harm us.
  • CThe deliberate destruction of an entire species should never be allowed.
  • DThe planned destruction of the smallpox virus should be given more thought.
  • EWe do not have the right to destroy the smallpox virus.
Correct answer: D The planned destruction of the smallpox virus should be given more thought.

Full explanation

The author presents reasons like:

- We once thought we could destroy species freely, but we now know better.

- We can't predict the future and the virus might be valuable someday.

- Captive viruses pose no harm.

Then they say:

Given that this will be the first example of a deliberate destruction of an entire species, we should think again before destroying these viruses.

This sentence gives the main idea of conclusion and we have to find an option that has the same idea.

Analysis of the given options

Option A : This is a reason for the upcoming conclusion. Not the main conclusion.

Option B : Supporting point, not the conclusion.

Option C : Too extreme and general

Option D : This is the accurate restatement of the conclusion.

Option E : A reason, not the conclusion.

One of the foolish but persisting fantasies of the Olympic movement is that the Games are, or were, or will be, or even ought to be, completely free of politics. It is difficult to understand how this foolish belief continues, but the facts are these: the nations lining up to host the games are motivated not by unattainable ideals but by a legitimate desire to promote the excellence of their citizens; and the nations who have boycotted the games in the past have done so to make genuine political points.

Which one of the following is a conclusion which can be drawn from the above passage?

  • AAlthough everyone knows the Olympics are caught up in politics, no one is brave enough to admit it.
  • BNational interests are ruining the Olympics.
  • CJust because the Olympic games have been politicised, it doesn't mean that they should be.
  • DIf some countries use the Olympic movement to further their own ends, they are guilty only of exposing a myth.
  • EWe should do everything possible to ensure that the Olympics do not become further politicised.
Correct answer: D If some countries use the Olympic movement to further their own ends, they are guilty only of exposing a myth.

Full explanation

The author argues that it's a foolish fantasy to believe the Olympics can ever be free of politics. Then states:

Nations hosting do so for their own (legitimate) reasons, not for pure ideals. Nations boycotting do so to make genuine political points.

So the main implication is: Politics have always been part of the Olympics, and those acting politically are merely exposing the myth that the Olympics are apolitical.

Analysis of the given options

Option A : the passage doesn't say no one admits it. It says the belief persists, but doesn't claim no one is brave enough to acknowledge it.

Option B : This is a value judgment not made in the passage.

Option C : The author isn't arguing against politicisation --- they're pointing out it already happens and mocking the idea it ever was or could be apolitical.

Option D : This captures the passage's point: The belief in apolitical Olympics is a "foolish fantasy" and the actions of nations (hosting or boycotting) simply expose that myth.

Option E : The author doesn't propose any action to prevent politicisation.

The purpose of an election is to decide what policies are supported by the people. However, in elections the concept of 'tactical voting' is becoming increasingly common. The argument is a simple one:

Party X will never be beaten by party Y but party Z could win with a few extra votes. Therefore, you should transfer your vote from party Y to party Z to make sure that party X is beaten.

This reasoning is perfectly sound if your main objective is to vote a party out. Unfortunately, if you support party Y then there is no guarantee that party Z will support the same principles.

Which one of the following is the conclusion that could best be drawn from the above passage?

  • AElections are often thought of in terms of voting for or against the party in office, rather than as voting for your preferred party.
  • BTactical voting is an important part of the electoral process.
  • CTactical voting will not achieve the purpose of an election.
  • DIt is important that party X does not win the election.
  • EParty X policies are not popular.
Correct answer: C Tactical voting will not achieve the purpose of an election.

Full explanation

Passage summary

Elections should reflect what policies the people support. Tactical voting is when people switch votes to stop a less-desired party (Party X) from winning. This works if your main goal is to beat Party X. However, it undermines the original purpose of elections.

Analysis of the given options

Option A : This is related to tactical voting, but the passage doesn't make this general claim. It focuses on the consequences of tactical voting.

Option B : The passage doesn't support this. In fact, it points out a problem with tactical voting.

Option C : Correct. The purpose of an election is to reflect which policies people support. Tactical voting prioritises beating a party over expressing true policy preference. This is exactly the problem the passage highlights.

Option D : It uses this situation as an example to explain tactical voting but doesn't argue whether Party X winning is good or bad.

Option E : It says nothing about general popularity.

When driving, if the car in front of you brakes suddenly, you need to be able to stop without crashing into it. The easiest rule of thumb is the two second rule. You choose a reference point that the vehicle in front of you is passing, then say aloud: 'Only a fool breaks the two second rule'. If you reach the reference point before you have finished the saying you need to pull back. This works at all speeds. However, when there are adverse road conditions or the road is narrow you need to double your braking distance. These practices will enable you to avoid such crashes. Which one of the following is an underlying assumption of the argument above?

  • AAdopting the 'two second rule' will avoid all accidents.
  • BMost crashes are caused by cars running into the car in front.
  • CThose who do not use the rule do not value road safety.
  • DSome drivers brake more suddenly than others.
  • EIt will not take less than two seconds to repeat the saying.
Correct answer: E It will not take less than two seconds to repeat the saying.

Full explanation

Passage summary - To avoid crashing if the car ahead brakes suddenly, use the two-second rule. The rule is picking a landmark and saying "Only a fool breaks the two second rule", and check if you reach the point before finishing it. It works at all speeds, though under poor conditions you need to double the distance. So, the conclusion is that these practices will enable you to avoid such crashes. We need to find unstated assumption(s) that hold together the argument.

Analysis of the given options

Option A : Too strong --- the argument says it'll help you avoid such crashes (rear-ending due to sudden braking), not all accidents.

Option B : Not stated or implied --- the passage focuses only on one type of crash, not crash statistics.

Option C : An unnecessary assumption. The passage argues that the rule helps avoid crashes but doesn't comment on people's values.

Option D : Not necessary for the argument --- the rule is suggested to account for any sudden braking, regardless of driver habits.

Option E : Correct. The entire method depends on this --- if saying "Only a fool breaks the two second rule" takes about two seconds, then it can be used as a timing device. If it took less than two seconds, you'd be misjudging safe distance. This is the unstated assumption underlying the method's effectiveness.

The net shown can be folded to make a tetrahedron with each of the shapes showing on the outside.

IMAT 2014 question 5 figure

Which one of the following nets can be folded to make a tetrahedron identical to the one shown above?

  • A
    IMAT 2014 question 5 answer option A
  • B
    IMAT 2014 question 5 answer option B
  • C
    IMAT 2014 question 5 answer option C
  • D
    IMAT 2014 question 5 answer option D
  • E
    IMAT 2014 question 5 answer option E
Correct answer: A

Full explanation

Let's check first which options we can exclude using the given preference tetrahedron.

In the given tetrahedron, one side (not the tip) of the black square is facing the blank triangular space. So, this should be consistent to make another identical tetrahedron. It can be seen that in option D and E, the tip of the black square (not the side) is facing the blank triangular space. So, it is certain that both options cannot form an identical triangle and we can exclude these two options (Option D and E).

Next, if we check the alignment of 3 objects placed inside the triangular shaped spaces in a tetrahedron, considering the blank space will be the base, it can be concluded that in clockwise direction, triangle, circle and square would be in order.

In option B, if we imagine constructing a tetrahedron with empty space as the base, it can be seen that triangle, circle and square are ordered in anticlockwise direction. This is different from the original alignment, so we can exclude this option.

In option C, the alignment is the same as the one in option B and so we can also exclude this option.

In option A, it can be visualized that triangle, circle and square are aligned in clockwise direction, same as the reference net. So, this is the correct net that can be folded to make a tetrahedron identical to the reference one.

Research reveals that, in a given period of the 20th century, top footballers (defined as those who had played for their country's team) lived, on average, almost 5 years longer than middle ranking footballers. We can conclude therefore that for the top footballers, success had a beneficial effect on their lifespan.

Which one of the following is the best statement of the flaw in the argument above?

  • ALife expectancy increased generally in the 20th century.
  • BIt assumes that the longer lifespan could not be explained by other factors.
  • CLiving longer is not necessarily a good thing.
  • DPlaying football regularly may have health benefits which contribute to longer lifespan.
  • EThe study was limited to footballers in a given period of time.
Correct answer: B It assumes that the longer lifespan could not be explained by other factors.

Full explanation

Research: Top footballers lived 5 years longer on average than middle-ranking footballers.

Conclusion: Therefore, success had a beneficial effect on their lifespan.

In short: Success → longer life.

But is this conclusion properly supported? Or is there a flaw in that reasoning?

Analysis of the given options

Option A : Irrelevant. Both top and middle-ranking footballers lived in the same general time frame. This wouldn't explain the difference between the two groups.

Option B : Correct. This is the flaw. The argument jumps from correlation (top footballers live longer) to causation (success caused them to live longer), without considering other possible explanations.

Option C : Irrelevant. The argument isn't discussing whether living longer is good or bad --- only whether success affects lifespan.

Option D : Both groups are footballers. This doesn't explain the difference between top and middle-ranking footballers.

Option E : Unless the time limitation directly affects the lifespan difference (which isn't suggested here), this is not a flaw in the reasoning about cause and effect.

15 runners took part in this year's Marathon of Marathons (eight marathon races on consecutive days). Points were awarded to the first seven to finish in each race, as follows:

Winner 11 points

Second 8 points

Third 6 points

Fourth 4 points

Fifth 3 points

Sixth 2 points

Seventh 1 point

All 15 runners finished in the first three at least once, but only Philip, who was the overall winner with a total of 61 points, finished in the first three every time.

How many of the eight races did Philip win?

  • A2
  • B3
  • C5
  • D4
  • E1
Correct answer: E 1

Full explanation

To solve this question, let's first identify important key points.

Philip, the winner — got 61 points.

He finished in the first 3 every time. (Winner --- 11 points, Second --- 8 points, Third --- 6 points)

We need to find how many races he finished first.

According to the given options, it should be between 1 and 5.

If he won 5 races, even if he finished third in the rest, his total score would be --- 55 + 18 = 73 (higher than the given score). So, exclude option C.

If he won 4 races, even if he finished third in the rest, his total score would be --- 44 + 24 = 68. So, exclude option D.

If he won 3 races, even if he finished third in the rest, his total score would be --- 33 + 30 = 63. So, exclude option B too.

If he won 2 races and finished third in the rest; score --- 22 + 36 = 58. Okay. So, let's assume he won second in one race to get a higher score. Then, the score would be --- 22 + 8 + 30 = 60. (Not the same score) Let's think one more. If we assume he won second in two races, and third in 4 races --- 22 + 16 + 24 = 62. (higher than the specific score). So, we can see that scores for winning two races do not work too. Exclude option A.

So, he won only one race, yet finished second in 2 races and third in 4 races --- we get the score we wanted, which is 61 (11 + 16 + 24). So, the correct option is option E.

Despite much opposition to the idea, modern musical trends such as hip-hop have a place in the world of opera. Traditional opera is a powerful musical experience. However, modern musicians should not necessarily stick with the traditional form. Modern musical forms which fuse staged drama, singing and contemporary or ethnic trends in music are also powerful musical experiences. Glydebourne's youth operas 'Misper' and 'Zoe', and its Mozart hiphopera, 'School 4 Lovers', enjoyed critical and box office success and attracted hip hop audiences. Moving away from the snobbery of tradition gives a much wider audience access to transformative musical experience.

Which one of the following best expresses the main conclusion of the passage?

  • ACreating new operatic performances allows more people to access this exciting art form.
  • BContemporary music forms have a place in performances of opera.
  • CMusicians are entitled to fuse new forms and old to create exciting musical experiences.
  • DHip-hop is as powerful and dramatic as opera.
  • EContemporary music has a place in the musical world in addition to traditional operatic performances.
Correct answer: B Contemporary music forms have a place in performances of opera

Full explanation

Passage summary : There's opposition to including modern musical trends like hip-hop in opera. Traditional opera is powerful. But musicians shouldn't be restricted to the traditional form. ew forms that combine drama, singing, and contemporary/ethnic music can also be powerful. And examples about the success of hip-hop opera and how it attracts new audiences is shared. Moving away from tradition's exclusivity makes opera accessible to more people. And the overall idea of this summary would be the passage's main conclusion.

Analysis of the given options

Option A : this is a supporting point.

Option B : Correct. This is the main conclusion the whole passage is building towards. All the points mentioned in the summary support this core claim: modern forms like hip-hop have a valid place in opera.

Option C : the passage doesn't focus on entitlement --- it argues for the validity and benefits of doing so.

Option D : The passage doesn't directly claim this. It says modern forms can be powerful and successful in an operatic context.

Option E : This is too vague and broad.

Sally owns a small business which produces hand crafted jewellery. The materials used to create a necklace cost €1.50 on average. She pays her staff €5.40 an hour. For a standard piece of jewellery she charges 70% more than it costs to produce.

To make a particular Italian-style glass necklace it takes 30 minutes. How much does she sell this single necklace for?

  • A€11.73
  • B€2.94
  • C€7.14
  • D€11.34
  • E€5.40
Correct answer: C €7.14

Full explanation

Price of a necklace = ?

Material cost = €1.50

staff expenses = € 2.70 (since it takes 30 mins to make one, divide the hourly cost with half.)

Total expenses = €1.50 + € 2.70 = € 4.2

Since she charges 70% more than it costs to produce,

Price of a necklace = € 4.2 + € 4.2 x 70% = € 4.2 + € 2,94 = € 7.14

There is concern at the moment about the way in which football referees are treated by players during games. The Football Association and the Referees' Association feel that there is too much verbal (and physical) abuse directed at referees. Various solutions have been suggested such as only allowing the captain of each team to approach and talk to the referee. The major difficulty is how such new rules should be introduced. The preferred suggestion seems to be that the rules should be changed first in the amateur game, the aim being to improve discipline in the game from the bottom upwards, until the whole game is improved.

Which one of the following, if true, would most weaken the argument above?

  • ABy introducing it first to amateur players, it reaches those who spend the least time playing football.
  • BNot many professional players start out in the amateur leagues.
  • CAmateur players are more likely to abuse referees than are professionals.
  • DReferees should use their existing powers to control abusive players.
  • EReferees in the amateur game are less proficient than those in the professional games.
Correct answer: B Not many professional players start out in the amateur leagues.

Full explanation

Passage summary : There's concern about referees being abused by players. Some suggested solutions: eg. only captains can speak to referees. The problem is how to introduce new rules. Preferred suggestion: start with amateur games to improve discipline from the bottom up. So the key idea is: If you change amateur football first, that will eventually improve discipline across the whole game. We need to find a statement that most weakens this strategy.

Look for an option that breaks the link between cause and effect or disrupts a key assumption in the argument's strategy.

Analysis of the given options

Option A : If amateur players spend the least time playing, they might have less influence on the wider football culture. However, since they will eventually become professionals, this does not effectively weaken the argument.

Option B : Correct. If few professionals start in the amateur leagues, then improving amateur discipline would not filter up to professional football as the plan assumes. This directly undermines the 'bottom up' strategy.

Option C : Actually supports the idea that amateur games need this rule more --- making it a reason to start there, not against it.

Option D : This offers an alternative, but doesn't directly attack the claim that introducing new rules in amateur football could improve discipline overall.

Option E : Irrelevant. The strategy is about where to implement the rules, not the skill level of referees.

Tessa makes bracelets. She works five days each week, from Monday to Friday. Her contract requires her to make a minimum of 150 bracelets every working day, for which she is paid a basic wage of \320 per week. She can also earn a bonus of \3 per bracelet for every one above 175 that she makes on any particular day. Last week, Tessa earned $515 in total. On Friday she made 205 bracelets, the most she has ever made in one day.

What is the minimum number of bracelets that Tessa made last week?

  • A940
  • B805
  • C890
  • D865
  • E815
Correct answer: C 890

Full explanation

Tessa works 5 days a week, making a minimum of 150 bracelets per day, and earns a basic wage of \320 per week. For every bracelet above 175 that she makes in a day, she receives a bonus of \3 per bracelet.

Last week, she earned a total of $515. It's stated that she made 205 bracelets on Friday.

On Friday, she made 30 bracelets above 175, so she earned a bonus of 30 × \3 = \90.

By then, she had earned \320 (basic wage) + \90 (Friday's bonus) = $410.

This leaves \515 − \410 = \105 in additional bonus to account for, which corresponds to 35 bracelets (since \105 ÷ $3 = 35).

Since she made the most bracelets on Friday, it's certain that these remaining 35 bonus bracelets weren't made in a single day. They must be spread over at least 2 days.

If we split 35 bracelets into 20 and 15, then:

- On one day, she made 175 + 20 = 195 bracelets.

- On another day, she made 175 + 15 = 190 bracelets.

On the remaining two days, she made the minimum 150 bracelets each.

So, the total number of bracelets she made that week is: 195 + 190 + 205 + 150 + 150 = 890.

A golf tournament is played over 10 rounds, on successive Saturdays. The winner of each round scores 3 points and the player finishing second scores 1 point. The tournament is won by the competitor with the most points over the 10 rounds. Alan Vinci, Barry Durand, Carl Johansson and Daniel and Eric Lim were the participants in this year's tournament. All five won at least one round, but either Barry, Daniel or Eric finished second on each occasion. The 1-2 finishing order was different every round, and the Lim brothers didn't both score points in the same round at any time.

Who won this year's tournament?

  • AEric Lim
  • BDaniel Lim
  • CBarry Durand
  • DCarl Johansson
  • EAlan Vinci
Correct answer: C Barry Durand

Full explanation

We have 5 players — Alan Vinci, Barry Durand, Carl Johansson, Daniel Lim, and Eric Lim.

10 rounds --- 1st place gets 3 points, 2nd gets 1 point

Available 2nd-place candidates per round: Barry, Daniel, or Eric

Number of possible 1st-place finishers: 5 people

But --- Alan and Carl can't be 2nd and Daniel & Eric can't both score in a round. no repeat of the same pair of 1st-2nd. Who is most likely to win overall?

- Barry can score both 3 and 1 points (as he can be 1st or 2nd)

- Daniel same

- Eric same

- Alan and Carl can only score 3 points at a time.

And since the Lim brothers have a restriction not to both score in a round, and Alan and Carl can't be 2nd, that leaves Barry Durand as the only person without any scoring restrictions.

Meaning --- Barry Durand is the most likely winner.

In many countries shocking images of the damage smoking can do to the body are displayed on cigarette packets. Images of rotting teeth, mouth tumours and cancerous lungs are among the grim pictures. A review concluded that shocking pictures of the damage smoking can do are a cost effective way to help smokers to quit and discourage others from starting. All countries should introduce these kinds of images to discourage smoking.

Which one of the following, if true, most weakens the above argument?

  • APictures that arouse emotions are especially effective.
  • BSmokers are likely to die younger than non-smokers.
  • CThe USA is planning to display shocking images on cigarette packets.
  • DGovernments receive a significant amount of revenue from taxes on tobacco products.
  • EIn countries using the images there are high taxes on tobacco and a ban on advertising.
Correct answer: E In countries using the images there are high taxes on tobacco and a ban on advertising.

Full explanation

The argument claims that shocking images are a cost-effective way to reduce smoking --- and therefore recommends all countries adopt them. So, the strongest weakening statement would show that the reduced smoking might not be due to the images alone, but to something else happening in those countries.

Analysis of the given options

Option A : This actually strengthens the argument by suggesting why the images work.

Option B : Irrelevant. It's a known fact but doesn't weaken the claim about the effectiveness of images.

Option C : Irrelevant. This is just an example of a country planning to adopt the idea --- it neither weakens nor strengthens the claim.

Option D : Irrelevant to the effectiveness of images in reducing smoking rates.

Option E : This weakens the argument because it suggests that other factors --- like high taxes and advertising bans --- might be responsible for reducing smoking, not the images alone. This casts doubt on whether the images by themselves are the cost-effective solution.

Last month Karl walked from Starton to Endham, raising money for charity. His target, successfully achieved, was to complete the walk in ten days. He started later than intended and had only completed 12 km by the end of the first day. However, he walked 45 km on each of the second, third and fourth days, and after the fifth day he was exactly half way. Poor weather on the sixth day restricted his progress, but 41 km on both the seventh and eighth days meant that he had completed exactly three quarters of the walk with two days left. On the ninth day he covered three fifths of the remaining distance, completing the last 36 km on the tenth day. How far did Karl walk from Starton to Endham?

  • A360 km
  • B240 km
  • C328 km
  • D384 km
  • E294 km
Correct answer: A 360 km

Full explanation

According to the given points, the following plan can be drawn.

IMAT 2014 question 14 figure

Since it is given that on the ninth day he covered three fifths of the remaining distance, the 36km he finished on the tenth day would be the two-fifth. So, km he covered on ninth day = 36 x (3)/(2 ) = 54 km

Another key point given is that he had completed exactly three quarters of the walk after the 8th day. So, the total distance covered during 9th and 10th day (54 + 36 = 90 km) would be a quarter of the walk.

Total distance from S to E = 90 (one-quarter) + 90 x 3 (three-quarter) = 90 + 270 = 360 km

The owner of a hotel needs to decorate 20 rooms. He has found prices for four different types of interior wood paint and calculated the volume of paint he needs for each room. He will use the same type of paint for all the rooms.

IMAT 2014 question 15 figure

What is the least amount he needs to spend on paint?

  • A€116
  • B€120
  • C€126
  • D€112
  • E€108
Correct answer: B €120

Full explanation

If we compare the volume needed and the price of the paints, it is obvious that Satinwood and Quick Dry Gloss need considerably more volume and cost more. So, we can exclude these two options.

Once Gloss :

Volume needed for 20 rooms = 0.8 x 20 = 16 L (2.5L x 6 + 1.25L)

Cost = €18 x 6 + €12 = 108 + 12 = € 120

Non Drip Gloss :

Volume needed for 20 rooms = 1.4 x 20 = 28 L (2.5L x 11 + 375ml)

Cost = €16 x 11 + €4.5 = €180.5

So, the least amount he needs to spend is €120.

There is a special offer on jars of coffee this week. Customers who buy two jars at the normal price have the option to buy up to four more jars at one quarter of the normal price.

For customers buying coffee this week, which of these bar graphs shows how the average cost per jar (as a percentage of the normal cost) varies with the number of jars bought?

  • A
    IMAT 2014 question 16 answer option A
  • B
    IMAT 2014 question 16 answer option B
  • C
    IMAT 2014 question 16 answer option C
  • D
    IMAT 2014 question 16 answer option D
  • E
    IMAT 2014 question 16 answer option E
Correct answer: C

Full explanation

Let the normal price be 100 each so that we don't need to convert it again to percentage.

Price comparison

First jar --- 100

Second jar --- 100 + 100 = 200 (100 each)

Third jar --- 100 + 100 + 25 = 225 (75 each)

Fourth jar --- 100 + 100 + 25 + 25 = 250 (62.5 each)

Fifth jar --- 100 + 100 + 25 + 25 + 25 = 275 (55 each)

Sixth jar --- 100 + 100 + 25 + 25 + 25 + 25 = 300 (50 each)

So, the trend of average cost per jar is 100 - 100 - 75 - 62.5 - 55 - 50

The bar graph which suits most to the calculated data is the one in option C.

The diagram below shows the layout of a game playing board with the square board numbered as indicated. The numbers on the board start with 1 on the bottom left and finish with 25 at the top right.

IMAT 2014 question 17 figure

A larger, square playing board is numbered in a similar way and divided into pieces which fit together to make the whole board. One piece of this larger board is shown below:

IMAT 2014 question 17 figure

How many squares are there on this larger board?

  • A49
  • B81
  • C25
  • D121
  • E64
Correct answer: A 49

Full explanation

A board with a system of numbering squares is given as an example and the question asks how many numbers need to be there to create a larger board.

Since this is the square board, if we can work out how many numbers will be there for each row or each column, we can work out the total number of squares needed.

So, if we try to fill the given part of a square board in the correct way, it appears like the following.

IMAT 2014 question 17 figure

We can see that there are 7 numbers or squares in each row. So the total number of squares necessary would be 49 (7 x 7).

Smoking cigarettes causes a speeding up in the rate of blood flow, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease. It was thought that this speeding up of blood flow was caused solely by the gas carbon monoxide, which is absorbed during smoking, and not by nicotine, which is also absorbed from the smoke in the lungs. However, tests have shown that using nicotine patches (from which nicotine is absorbed through the skin) or chewing nicotine gum also causes the rate of blood flow to increase. This shows that the nicotine in cigarettes is also responsible for the increased risk of heart disease among smokers.

Which one of the following is not an assumption of the argument in the passage above?

  • AAny differences between the amount of nicotine absorbed from smoking and the amount absorbed from nicotine patches and chewing gum can be disregarded.
  • BCarbon monoxide is not absorbed from nicotine patches and nicotine chewing gum.
  • CCarbon monoxide would not produce a rise in the rate of blood flow in the absence of nicotine.
  • DThe effect of nicotine on the body does not depend on the way in which it was absorbed.
  • EThere is nothing else in nicotine patches and chewing gum which might cause an increase in the rate of blood flow.
Correct answer: C Carbon monoxide would not produce a rise in the rate of blood flow in the absence of nicotine.

Full explanation

The argument's claim: Nicotine contributes to the increased blood flow rate (and thus heart disease risk) because even when taken via patches or gum (without carbon monoxide), it still raises blood flow rate --- meaning it's not just the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke.

Assumptions are unstated things that must be true for this reasoning to work. The question asks for the one that is not assumed.

Analysis of the given options

Option A : Assumed. Because if the nicotine dose via patches/gum is too different, the comparison wouldn't be fair.

Option B : Assumed. If patches/gum also had carbon monoxide, the test wouldn't isolate nicotine's effect.

Option C : This is not assumed. The argument doesn't need to assume that carbon monoxide wouldn't raise blood flow without nicotine --- only that nicotine independently can raise it too. Even if carbon monoxide also increases blood flow on its own, the tests show that nicotine independently does as well, so this isn't a required assumption for the argument's reasoning.

Option D : Assumed. The comparison would be invalid if nicotine absorbed via skin or gum worked differently than via lungs.

Option E : Assumed. Otherwise, the blood flow increase might be due to something else in the patch/gum.

We constantly split our attention between the people we are with and what's happening on our mobile phone screens. On Screen multi-tasking makes us less efficient as well as less emotionally engaged with others. It takes 64 seconds to recover our train of thought after interruption by a message (that's 8.5 hours a week wasted if we check our screens every five minutes) and when we've sent an email or SMS text message, the brain goes through a series of semi-conscious calculations as we wonder when and how the recipient will reply. The result is that we're not 'present' for several minutes afterwards. In order to function effectively in the workplace, we need to switch off our communication hardware.

Which one of the following is the best statement of the flaw in the above argument?

  • APeople may be unwilling to make less use of their mobile phones.
  • BWe may need to have some 'down time' in order to recharge our mental batteries.
  • CIn many work environments you may not be allowed to use personal mobile phones.
  • DWithout the means to send and receive information instantly, our effectiveness may be compromised.
  • EIt may only be the younger workers who use mobile phone technology to excess.
Correct answer: D Without the means to send and receive information instantly, our effectiveness may be compromised.

Full explanation

Since constant screen multitasking reduces efficiency and engagement, wastes time, and distracts us even after messages are sent --- to function effectively at work, we need to switch off our communication devices.

Now --- what's a flaw here? A flaw is a hidden problem in reasoning where an important consideration is ignored or an alternative interpretation is possible.

Let's check the options one by one:

Option A : Not a flaw. Whether people are willing or not doesn't affect whether switching off would improve effectiveness.

Option B : Not directly a flaw. The argument is about distraction, not rest.

Option C : Not a flaw either. That's more about policy --- the argument is about whether it improves effectiveness if you switch off.

Option D : Yes --- this is the flaw. The argument assumes switching off communication hardware would improve work effectiveness, but ignores the fact that in many jobs, being instantly reachable is crucial for effectiveness. If removing access to instant communication makes you miss vital updates or delays decisions, effectiveness might drop. That's the key flaw.

Option E : Not a flaw. Even if it's only younger workers, the argument's logic about distraction still stands for those it applies to.

The diagram below is a plan of the raised flower beds and a chair in my garden.

IMAT 2014 question 20 figure

Which one of the following can not be a view of the raised beds from my chair?

  • A
    IMAT 2014 question 20 answer option A
  • B
    IMAT 2014 question 20 answer option B
  • C
    IMAT 2014 question 20 answer option C
  • D
    IMAT 2014 question 20 answer option D
  • E
    IMAT 2014 question 20 answer option E
Correct answer: A

Full explanation

To identify the correct view, note that a square-shaped flower bed will appear with a line in the middle, while a circular-shaped one will not.

Option A: From the chair, the circular flower bed (seen without a middle line) should be the first thing visible in the middle. However, in the picture for option A, a middle line appears first, which shouldn't happen. So, this cannot be the correct view.

Option B: This could be the view if the square-shaped flower bed is more raised than the circular one in front.

Option C: This could be the view if the circular flower bed in front is more raised than the square-shaped one behind it.

Option D: This could be the view if both the larger square-shaped flower bed and the smaller square-shaped one in the back are more raised than the circular one in front.

Option E: This could be the view if the circular flower bed in front is less raised than the large square-shaped one behind it.

During a recent storm the plastic company logo fell off the outside of the office building of Fleesam Ltd. and broke cleanly into the two pieces shown below:

IMAT 2014 question 21 figure

A junior clerk took the two pieces to a signmaker to show what had happened, and asked him to make a new logo. Unfortunately after the clerk had left, the signmaker realised that he didn't know how the two pieces had fitted together originally.

Which one of the following could not be Fleesam's logo?

  • A
    IMAT 2014 question 21 answer option A
  • B
    IMAT 2014 question 21 answer option B
  • C
    IMAT 2014 question 21 answer option C
  • D
    IMAT 2014 question 21 answer option D
  • E
    IMAT 2014 question 21 answer option E
Correct answer: D

Full explanation

IMAT 2014 question 21 figure

If for a number of hours each day you're having experiences on the computer where there are no consequences, that may have an implication for antisocial behaviour. In real life you can't undo something; you can't bring someone back to life once you've stabbed them. On a computer you can play the game again. It may be that for people who spend most of their time playing computer games involving killing others, real bleeding to death has no meaning. Studies of brain activity show that there is less pre-frontal cortex activity in the brains of screen obsessed teenagers than in the brains of those who spend little time on computer games. The pre-frontal cortex area of the brain is where we process ideas of sequence, consequences and empathy.

Which one of the following can be drawn as a conclusion of the passage above?

  • ABrain structure is altered by environmental factors.
  • BPeople who spend a lot of time playing computer games are the main culprits in knife crime.
  • CThere may be a link between use of computer games and violence.
  • DYoung people cannot distinguish the difference between fantasy and reality.
  • EComputer games should not be available for children under 18 years of age.
Correct answer: C There may be a link between use of computer games and violence.

Full explanation

The correct conclusion should be something reasonably supported by the passage as a whole --- not too strong, not introducing new claims, and not an assumption.

Now, let's check them one by one:

Option A : Too broad. The passage only mentions brain activity differences (less prefrontal cortex activity), not structural alterations.

Option B : Too strong and unsupported. The passage suggests a possible link between gaming and desensitization but says nothing about knife crime or who commits it.

Option C : Reasonable and cautious. The passage implies this through points about consequence-free experiences and reduced prefrontal activity linked to empathy and understanding consequences. This is a safe, balanced conclusion.

Option D : Too absolute. The passage doesn't claim they cannot tell the difference --- just that constant exposure may reduce the emotional weight of real-life consequences.

Option E : Policy suggestion not supported directly. The passage discusses potential implications but doesn't propose or justify this action.

If the media gives publicity to certain types of crime, it may encourage criminals to carry out 'copycat' offences. If, however, they were forbidden to divulge details of crimes, this would amount to censorship. The freedom of speech of the media is too important to sacrifice, so the media should be free to report crime even if this means some crimes are committed which would not otherwise be committed.

Which one of the following expresses the main conclusion of the above argument?

  • APublicity about crimes can encourage others to commit similar offences.
  • BCensorship of the media would reduce the crime rate.
  • CThe media should be permitted to report crimes even if other crimes sometimes result from this reporting.
  • DThe media should not report all the details of a crime.
  • EFreedom of speech is a right that is too important to give up.
Correct answer: C The media should be permitted to report crimes even if other crimes sometimes result from this reporting.

Full explanation

The main conclusion is the author's final stance --- the central claim all other points are building up to support.

Analysis of the given options

Option A : This is a supporting point or premise in the argument, not the conclusion.

Option B : This is implied as a possible effect, but it's not the author's stance or conclusion.

Option C : Yes --- this is the final position the author defends. Despite acknowledging risks, the argument concludes that freedom of the media outweighs those risks.

Option D : This is a possible middle-ground suggestion, but it's not made in the passage.

Option E : This is a key supporting reason, not the conclusion itself.

William Harvey, who wrote the book commonly referred to as 'De Motu Cordis' is famous for his description:

  • Aof the interaction between antigens and antibodies.
  • Bof how blood plasma carries heat and urea as well as carbon dioxide.
  • Cof the different forms of blood cells and platelets.
  • Dof the circulation of the blood.
  • Eof how anaemia can be caused by a lack of iron.
Correct answer: D of the circulation of the blood.

Full explanation

William Harvey's famous 1628 book 'De Motu Cordis' is about: the discovery and description of how blood continuously circulates around the body via the heart and vessels.

What does the letter P stand for in the international organisation OPEC?

  • APhysics
  • BPhilosophy
  • CPetroleum
  • DPiracy
  • EPlastics
Correct answer: C Petroleum

Full explanation

OPEC stands for:

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

So the P stands for Petroleum.

The artists Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir were associated with which art movement?

  • AImpressionism
  • BFauvism
  • CAbstract expressionism
  • DPointillism
  • ECubism
Correct answer: A Impressionism

Full explanation

Monet and Renoir are famously known for painting with soft brush strokes, light effects, and capturing fleeting moments, which are classic traits of Impressionism.

Which popular website was founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg?

  • ATwitter
  • BFacebook
  • CeBay
  • DYouTube
  • EWikipedia
Correct answer: B Facebook

Full explanation

Mark Zuckerberg is famously associated with Facebook, which he founded in 2004 while at Harvard.

Biology

Cell biology, genetics, molecular biology & human physiology · 15 questions
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Which one of the following names the structure, in humans, that directly detects a change in blood glucose level and then the structure that responds to the change?

  • APituitary gland and liver
  • BPancreas and pancreas
  • CHypothalamus and pituitary gland
  • DAdrenal gland and pancreas
  • ELiver and adrenal gland
Correct answer: B Pancreas and pancreas

Full explanation

The structure that detects blood glucose changes in humans is the pancreas (specifically its islets of Langerhans).

The structure that responds is also the pancreas, by releasing insulin or glucagon accordingly.

So, the correct option is option B. Pancreas and pancreas

Other options

Pituitary gland and liver → pituitary doesn't detect glucose levels.

Hypothalamus and pituitary gland → hypothalamus detects temp, hunger, but not blood glucose directly.

Adrenal gland and pancreas → adrenal's for stress hormones.

Liver and adrenal gland → liver stores/releases glucose, but doesn't detect.

Which one of the following statements about both asexual and sexual reproduction is correct?

  • AOnly the gametes (and not body cells) undergo meiosis in sexual reproduction compared with both cell types in asexual reproduction.
  • BMitosis leads to sperm formation in asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction.
  • CMutations only occur in sexual reproduction and not in asexual reproduction.
  • DSome organisms can carry out both asexual and sexual reproduction.
  • EVariation is only required for sexual reproduction and not for asexual reproduction.
Correct answer: D Some organisms can carry out both asexual and sexual reproduction.

Full explanation

Option A : Incorrect. Body cells don't undergo meiosis in either case.

Option B : Incorrect. Sperm forms by meiosis, not mitosis.

Option C : Incorrect. Mutations can happen in both.

Option D : True --- think of certain plants, fungi, or simple animals like hydra and yeast.

Option E : Incorrect. Asexual reproduction can benefit from variation too, but it mostly relies on identical copies --- however, the statement about "only required for sexual reproduction" is too absolute.

The diagram below shows the inheritance of a nonlethal recessive sexlinked condition.