CAT 1999 — VARC Question 2
Directions: Sentences given in each question, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Each sentence is labelled with a letter. Choose the most logical order of the sentences from among the four given choices to construct a coherent paragraph.
- Group decision-making, however, does not necessarily fully guard against arbitrariness and anarchy, for individual capriciousness can get substituted by collusion of group members.
- Nature itself is an intricate system of checks and balances, meant to preserve the delicate balance between various environmental factors that affect our ecology.
- In institutions also, there is a need to have in place a system of checks and balances which inhibits the concentration of power in the hands of only some individuals.
- When human interventions alter this delicate balance, the outcomes have been seen to be disastrous.
Answer & solution
- A
CDAB
- B
BCAD
- C
CABD
BDCA
BDCA is the correct answer choice.
BD is a mandatory pair, as the pronoun ‘this’ delicate balance in D refers to nature’s delicate balance in B. The ‘also’ in C guides us towards the analogy between institutions and nature, both requiring a system of checks and balances. And A ends by stating that group decision-making is not necessarily the answer because groups can also function like individuals.
(a) CDAB and (c) CABD: The ‘also’ in C disqualifies it as a contender for the introductory sentence.
(b) BCAD: Though C can also follow B smoothly, D at the end is then totally out of place.