GATE CS 2014 Set 3 Q.7 (GA Q.7): Reading Comprehension and Verbal Deduction

By the beginning of the $20^{\text{th}}$ century, several hypotheses were being proposed, suggesting a paradigm shift in our understanding of the universe. However, the clinching evidence was provided by experimental measurements of the position of a star which was directly behind our sun.

Which of the following inference(s) may be drawn from the above passage?

(i) Our understanding of the universe changes based on the positions of stars
(ii) Paradigm shifts usually occur at the beginning of centuries
(iii) Stars are important objects in the universe
(iv) Experimental evidence was important in confirming this paradigm shift

(i), (ii) and (iv)

(iii) only

(i) and (iv)

(iv) only

Official answer and solution

Official answer: D
From: Official GATE 2014 answer key

Solution

Analyze which statements are logically supported by the passage without unwarranted extrapolation.

Passage summary:
Several hypotheses proposed a paradigm shift in understanding the universe at the start of the 20th century. However, the clinching evidence came from experimental measurements of a star's position behind the sun.
Examine each statement:
- (i) "Our understanding of the universe changes based on the positions of stars": Overgeneralization. The measurement of starlight deflection was a specific experimental test (Einstein's general relativity), not an ongoing rule that positions of stars change our understanding.
- (ii) "Paradigm shifts usually occur at the beginning of centuries": Unsupported broad generalization; the passage merely mentions one specific shift around the early 20th century.
- (iii) "Stars are important objects in the universe": A generic truism not presented as a logical inference from the passage.
- (iv) "Experimental evidence was important in confirming this paradigm shift": Directly supported by the text: "the clinching evidence was provided by experimental measurements...".
Therefore, only statement (iv) can be validly inferred.

This matches option D.

Final answer

Common trap

Accepting statement (i) as valid despite it being an overgeneralized misinterpretation of a specific experiment.

The answer is the one in the official GATE answer key. The solution is this site's own explanation.

Source

Paper: GATE 2014 Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) Session 3
Question: 7 of 65, printed as GA Q.7
Section: General Aptitude

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