XAT 2018 — Decision Making Question 7
Answer the following question based on the information given below.
Rose is the Queen of Kingdom A and Emily is the Queen of Kingdom B; both share a common border. They also share a border with Kingdom C, a much larger kingdom, ruled by King Jonathan who has expansive ambitions. Though individually their armies were no match to his might, together their armies were more powerful than King Jonathan’s army.
Jonathan’s kingdom also bordered Kingdom K on the opposite side, making Kingdom C a buffer state between Kingdoms A, B and K. Kingdom K is ruled by King Summer Sault, who united a group of warring and belligerent tribes under his aegis. Kingdom K and Kingdom C had continuous skirmishes with each other. Jonathan realized that he has limited arms and ammunition to fight on all the three fronts simultaneously. Therefore, he planned to double the arms and ammunition which will take a few years. When this news reached Emily and Rose they held a secret meeting to discuss the situation.
Which of the following actions, by Emily and Rose, will be the best suited to delay Jonathan's plan?
Answer & solution
- A
Emily and Rose should send arms and ammunition to Summer Sault for the next few years.
- B
The two queens should meet Jonathan and attempt to sign a peace pact.
- C
Emily and Rose should also double their armies.
Emily and Rose should attack Jonathan immediately.
- E
The two queens should ignore the news.
The question concerns the action by Emily and Rose which would delay Jonathan's plan of doubling the arms and ammunition with him. [1] does not address the issue directly. It also does not assist in delaying Jonanthan’s plans. [5] is inappropriate as well. [2] and [3] also do not address the purpose of Emily and Rose. However, if Emily and Rose attack Jonanthan, his attention would be diverted towards fighting them. Thus, there will be a delay in Jonanthan’s plan to double the arms and ammunition with him.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.