← MCSCCE
Past Questions
Puii ranks 18th in a class of 49 students. What is rank from the last ?
A)
31
B)
18
C)
32
D)
19
Rank from the last = (Total number of students) - (Rank from the top) + 1 = 49 - 18 + 1 = 32.
Find the odd word: (a) Tongue (b) Lips (c) Brain (d) Nose
A)
Tongue
B)
Lips
C)
Brain
D)
Nose
Tongue, lips, and nose are external facial features and sense organs, whereas the brain is an internal organ situated within the skull.
Find the missing letters in the following series: SCD, TEF, UGH, ____, WKL
A)
CMN
B)
UJI
C)
VIJ
D)
IJT
Series: S(19) C(3) D(4), T(20) E(5) F(6), U(21) G(7) H(8). Pattern is +1 for each letter position. UGH next is V(22) I(9) J(10) -> VIJ.
Based on the passage provided, how does the housewife, described by the writer, feel when she saves money?
A)
Is content to be so thrifty.
B)
Wishes life were less burdensome.
C)
Is still troubled by a sense of guilt.
D)
Wishes she could sometimes be extravagant.
The passage describes the thrifty housewife facing daily expenses with equanimity and satisfaction, content in avoiding unpaid bills and overspending.
Find the odd word: (a) Orange (b) Guava (c) Apple (d) Grapes
A)
Orange
B)
Guava
C)
Apple
D)
Grapes
To find the odd one out, we must analyze the characteristics of the fruits listed: (a) Orange, (b) Guava, (c) Apple, and (d) Grapes.
1. **Seed Structure**: Oranges, Guavas, and Apples are generally categorized as fruits that grow as single units on a tree, and while they contain seeds, they are not typically grown in clusters on a vine.
2. **Growth Habit**: Orange, Guava, and Apple grow on trees. Grapes, however, grow on vines (climbers).
3. **Botanical Classification**: In many competitive reasoning exams, the distinction is based on the growth habit. Since Orange, Guava, and Apple are tree-borne fruits and Grapes are vine-borne fruits, Grapes is the odd one out.
One of the zeroes of the polynomial (2x^2 + 7x - 4) is
A)
-2
B)
-1/2
C)
2
D)
1/2
To find the zeroes of the polynomial P(x) = 2x^2 + 7x - 4, we set the polynomial equal to zero: 2x^2 + 7x - 4 = 0.
Method 1: Factorization (Splitting the middle term)
We look for two numbers that multiply to (2 * -4) = -8 and add up to 7. These numbers are 8 and -1.
2x^2 + 8x - x - 4 = 0
2x(x + 4) - 1(x + 4) = 0
(2x - 1)(x + 4) = 0
Setting each factor to zero:
1) 2x - 1 = 0 => 2x = 1 => x = 1/2
2) x + 4 = 0 => x = -4
Method 2: Testing the options
- For a (-2): 2(-2)^2 + 7(-2) - 4 = 2(4) - 14 - 4 = 8 - 18 = -10 (Not a zero)
- For b (-1/2): 2(-1/2)^2 + 7(-1/2) - 4 = 2(1/4) - 3.5 - 4 = 0.5 - 7.5 = -7 (Not a zero)
- For c (2): 2(2)^2 + 7(2) - 4 = 2(4) + 14 - 4 = 8 + 10 = 18 (Not a zero)
- For d (1/2): 2(1/2)^2 + 7(1/2) - 4 = 2(1/4) + 3.5 - 4 = 0.5 + 3.5 - 4 = 4 - 4 = 0 (Correct)
Therefore, 1/2 is one of the zeroes of the polynomial.
Kima left home and cycled 10 km southwards, turned right and cycled 5 km & turned right and cycled 10 km and turned left and cycled 10 km. How many kilometers will he have to cycle to reach his home straight?
A)
10 km
B)
15 km
C)
20 km
D)
25 km
Starting at (0, 0): cycling 10 km South brings Kima to (0, -10); turning right (West) and cycling 5 km brings him to (-5, -10); turning right (North) and cycling 10 km brings him to (-5, 0); turning left (West) and cycling 10 km brings him to (-15, 0). The straight-line distance back to home (0, 0) is 15 km.
Based on the passage provided, it seems to be remarkably correct in modern life that
A)
a man has enough leisure
B)
youth needs less work and more rest
C)
the correct choice of task preserves one’s life
D)
men fail to choose a task for themselves
In the passage discussing Ralph Waldo Emerson's maxim ('A man's task is his life-preserver'), having meaningful work and the correct choice of task is highlighted as vital for preserving and anchoring one's life in modern times.
Conflict resolution leads to
A)
One party winning over the other
B)
Dominance of one party over the other
C)
Peaceful solutions between two parties
D)
Both parties losing
The goal of conflict resolution is to constructively reconcile differences, de-escalate hostility, and establish mutually agreed-upon peaceful solutions between conflicting parties.
Communication is a __________ process
A)
One-way
B)
Two-way
C)
Mutual
D)
Both (b) and (c)
Human communication is fundamentally a two-way and mutual dynamic process involving interactive exchange of information, active listening, and reciprocal feedback between participants.
You are in the middle of speaking to an audience about some work that had a successful outcome and that you are very proud of about ten minutes into your speech, you notice that a couple of the audience members are yawning and looking at their watches. Choose the most effective answer.
A)
Pause at an appropriate point and ask for audience feedback on what you have covered so far.
B)
Look directly at them and ask ‘am I keeping you awake?’ in order to embarrass them and make them pay more attention.
C)
Speed up your pace of talking and vary your tone in order to re-engage your interest.
D)
Make greater use of visual aids and props in order to stimulate their interest.
When noticing signs of audience fatigue or disengagement, pausing to actively solicit questions or feedback engages the audience, breaks monologue fatigue, and re-establishes rapport professionally.
Liana takes 4 hours to cover a distance of 15 km. The time taken by him to travel 25 km is –
A)
6 hrs 20 mins
B)
6 hrs 30 mins
C)
6 hrs 40 mins
D)
6 hrs 45 mins.
Speed = 15km / 4hr = 3.75 km/hr. Time = 25km / 3.75km/hr = 6.666 hours = 6 hours 40 minutes.
What least number must be added to 1057 to get a number exactly divisible by 23?
A)
1
B)
2
C)
3
D)
4
Dividing 1057 by 23: $1057 = 23 \times 45 + 22$. The remainder is 22. To reach the next multiple of 23 ($1058 = 23 \times 46$), the least number to add is $23 - 22 = 1$.
Lali knew that to apologise would be __________ to admitting she had failed
A)
Equate
B)
Assumed
C)
Tantamount
D)
Abrogate
'Tantamount' means equivalent in seriousness or effect.
Eye contact, physical proximity, touch and facial expression are different elements of what interpersonal skill?
A)
Body Language
B)
Verbal skills
C)
Teamwork
D)
Empathy
The question asks to identify the interpersonal skill that encompasses eye contact, physical proximity, touch, and facial expressions.
1. **Analysis of the elements:**
- **Eye contact (Oculesics):** The use of eyes to communicate interest, trust, or dominance.
- **Physical proximity (Proxemics):** The use of space between people to communicate intimacy or formality.
- **Touch (Haptics):** Communication through physical contact.
- **Facial expression:** The use of facial muscles to convey emotions.
2. **Evaluating the options:**
- **a. Body Language:** Also known as non-verbal communication, this refers to the conscious and unconscious gestures and postures of a person. All the listed elements (eye contact, proximity, touch, and facial expressions) are primary components of non-verbal communication/body language.
- **b. Verbal skills:** These refer to the use of sounds and language to convey a message (spoken or written words). The listed elements are non-verbal, not verbal.
- **c. Teamwork:** This is a collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal. While body language is used during teamwork, the elements listed are not the definition of teamwork itself.
- **d. Empathy:** This is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. While facial expressions can help convey empathy, empathy is a psychological state/skill, not a category of physical communication elements.
Therefore, the correct category for these elements is Body Language.
Statement : Should a total ban be put on trapping wild animals? Arguments: I. Yes, trappers are making a lot of money. II. No, bans on hunting and trapping are not effective.
A)
only argument I is strong
B)
only argument II is strong
C)
neither I nor II is strong
D)
both I and II are strong
Argument I is illogical as commercial profits do not justify a ban, and Argument II is weak because implementation challenges do not disprove the need for wildlife protection.
The mean of five numbers is 30. If the one number is excluded, their mean becomes 28. The excluded number is
A)
28
B)
30
C)
37
D)
38
Step-by-step calculation:
1. Find the total sum of the original five numbers:
Sum = Mean × Number of values = 30 × 5 = 150.
2. Find the total sum of the remaining four numbers after one is excluded:
New Sum = New Mean × New Number of values = 28 × 4 = 112.
3. The excluded number is the difference between the original sum and the new sum:
Excluded Number = 150 - 112 = 38.
Verification of options:
- Option (a) 28: Incorrect. This is the new mean, not the excluded value.
- Option (b) 30: Incorrect. This is the original mean.
- Option (c) 37: Incorrect. Calculation error.
- Option (d) 38: Correct. Matches the calculated difference.
Based on the passage provided, in the opinion of the writer, a successful businessman
A)
is more popular if he appears to be doing nothing
B)
should not bother about his popularity
C)
must be extravagant before achieving success
D)
is expected to have expensive tastes
The passage states that a successful businessman is expected to display his success with a smart car, an expensive lifestyle, and lavish hospitality to maintain his reputation.
In a group of persons, 50 people speak English, 20 people speak Mizo and 10 speak both English and Mizo. How many speak at least one of these languages?
A)
10
B)
20
C)
50
D)
60
Using the formula for the union of two sets: n(E ∪ M) = n(E) + n(M) - n(E ∩ M) = 50 + 20 - 10 = 60.
Interpersonal skill is the ability to communicate and __________ other people.
A)
Convince
B)
Interact with
C)
Persuade
D)
Control
Interpersonal skills refer to the set of behaviors and abilities that allow an individual to communicate and interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.
In a situation where people are demolishing churches/mosques, what would you do as a DM/SP?
A)
Use all force available to prevent them from doing this.
B)
You guess it may be a political matter, so inform Chief Minister and act as per his/her order.
C)
Negotiate with the leader of the mobs demolishing the church/mosques.
D)
You are a secular person, so you do not interfere unless you receive a formal complaint of loss of life, injury or personal property.
In administrative and police ethics (especially for roles like District Magistrate or Superintendent of Police), the primary duty is the maintenance of law and order and the protection of life and property.
1. Why Option (a) is correct: The demolition of religious structures is a cognizable offense and a grave breach of public peace. As the head of district administration/police, the DM/SP has the legal authority and duty to use necessary and proportionate force (including police force) to stop illegal acts and prevent communal violence immediately. Delay in action can lead to larger riots.
2. Why Option (b) is incorrect: While keeping superiors informed is standard, waiting for orders from a political executive (Chief Minister) during an active riot or crime is a dereliction of duty. Law enforcement officers must act decisively based on the law and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to prevent immediate harm.
3. Why Option (c) is incorrect: Negotiation is a tool for conflict resolution, but it cannot be the primary response while a crime (demolition) is actively occurring. Negotiation with a mob committing a crime can be seen as condoning the act or showing weakness, which may embolden the rioters.
4. Why Option (d) is incorrect: This is a complete failure of administrative duty. A DM/SP cannot remain a passive observer. The destruction of property and the breach of peace are crimes in themselves; waiting for a 'formal complaint' while a building is being demolished is professional negligence.
A chair is brought for Rs. 3000 and sold at a loss of 6%. Find the selling price?
A)
Rs. 2720
B)
Rs. 2820
C)
Rs. 2900
D)
Rs. 2550
Step-by-step solution:
1. **Identify Given Values**:
- Cost Price (CP) = Rs. 3000
- Loss Percentage = 6%
2. **Calculate the Loss Amount**:
Loss = (Loss Percentage / 100) × Cost Price
Loss = (6 / 100) × 3000
Loss = 6 × 30 = Rs. 180
3. **Calculate the Selling Price (SP)**:
Selling Price = Cost Price - Loss
SP = 3000 - 180
SP = Rs. 2820
Alternative Method:
Selling Price = CP × (100 - Loss%) / 100
SP = 3000 × (94 / 100)
SP = 30 × 94 = Rs. 2820.
Comparing with options:
- Option a (Rs. 2720) is incorrect as it implies a loss of Rs. 280.
- Option b (Rs. 2820) is correct.
- Option c (Rs. 2900) is incorrect as it implies a loss of Rs. 100.
- Option d (Rs. 2550) is incorrect as it implies a loss of Rs. 450.
Find the odd word: (a) Ghaziabad (b) Varanasi (c) Gorakhpur (d) Bhagalpur
A)
Ghaziabad
B)
Varanasi
C)
Gorakhpur
D)
Bhagalpur
Ghaziabad, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur are all cities located in Uttar Pradesh, whereas Bhagalpur is located in Bihar.
A and B together can do a piece of work in 12 days, while B alone can finish it in 30 days. Find the work done by A in 1 day.
A)
1/20
B)
1/12
C)
1/30
D)
1/60
(A + B)'s 1-day work = 1/12. B's 1-day work = 1/30. A's 1-day work = 1/12 - 1/30 = (5 - 2)/60 = 3/60 = 1/20.
__________ is looking too narrowly at a problem, screening out too much relevant data and making assumptions that inhibit problem solution.
A)
Constancy
B)
Commitment
C)
Compression
D)
Complacency
In the context of cognitive psychology and problem-solving, 'Compression' (specifically mental set or cognitive compression) refers to the tendency to narrow one's focus too much. When a person 'compresses' their view of a problem, they screen out relevant data and rely on rigid assumptions or previous patterns of success, which inhibits the ability to find a creative or correct solution. This is closely related to 'functional fixedness' or 'mental set'.
Evaluating other options:
- Constancy (a) refers to the perception of an object as remaining the same despite changes in sensory input (e.g., size or shape constancy).
- Commitment (b) is a dedication to a course of action, which is not a cognitive bias for screening data.
- Complacency (d) is a state of self-satisfaction accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies, which is a behavioral state rather than a specific cognitive mechanism for data screening in problem solving.