Comprehension
After reading the passage given below, choose the best answer to each question that follows.
What advice would I give to new entrepreneurs who need funding? Forget about your business plan and buy a lottery ticket – your chances are better. My point is that when you need venture funding no one will give any money until you already have a marketable product. In other words, funding comes just when you do not need it. A myth is that the way to start a venture is to create a great business plan, perfect your pitch, and then present this to investors, starting with venture capitalists. If that does not work, you knock on the door of angel investors. But ask any entrepreneur who has called on venture capitalists and they will probably tell you that it is almost impossible to even get calls returned. If venture capitalists do respond and you are invited to present your idea, the process will drag on for many months while you borrow more and survive on hope. If you do hit the jackpot, you are required to let the investors make many of the business decisions in exchange for an investment. To be fair, most business plans do not deserve funding. Venture capitalists receive hundreds of plans every week, and few are worth the paper they are printed on. Everyone jumps on the same new trend, or the ideas are so far out that they have no chance of success. And great ideas are not enough: it takes experienced management, excellent execution, and a receptive market. It is hard for even the best venture capitals to identify the potential successes. So what should an entrepreneur do? What all new entrepreneurs should understand is that, even if you have a realistic business plan for a great idea that can change the world, you need to develop it yourself until you can prove it. Focus on validating your idea and building it up. Raise money to get started by begging and borrowing from family and friends. And be prepared to dip into your savings and credit cards, obtain second mortgages, and perhaps look for consulting work or customer advances. There is no single recipe for developing your business idea yourself, but there are some essential ingredients. Here are some pointers: Consult widely. Share your ideas with those who have done it before. You can learn a lot from the experience of seasoned entrepreneurs, and they are much more approachable than you think. If you cannot find anyone who is excited about your idea, the chances are it is not worth being excited about. This may be time to reflect deeply and come up with another. Identify markets. Speak to anyone who can help you understand your target customers. If you can sell your concept, some customers may help you find it or agree to be a test site or a valuable reference. Customers do not usually know what they want, but they always know what they do not need. Make sure that there is a real need for your product. Start small. Your idea may be grand and have the potential to change the world, but you are only going to do this one step at a time. Look for simple solutions, test them and learn from the feedback. If you are starting a restaurant, work for someone else first. If you are creating a software product, learn by doing some consulting assignments or create some utilities. You do not have to start with the ultimate product. Watch every penny. Focus on revenue and profitability from the start. Find creative ways to earn cash by selling tactical products, prepaid licenses or royalties. Pay employees partially in stock. Look for access to free hardware or premises. And sweep the floors yourself. In short, use any methods to avoid costs. Prepare for the worst. It is going to take longer than you think. There will likely be product problems, unhappy customers, employee turnover, and lots of financial challenges. You may even fail a number of times before you achieve your goals. By learning from each success and failure alike, you increase the odds that you eventually make it. Keep your integrity. Never forget the importance of business ethics and your own values. Ethics need to be carefully sewn into the fabric of any start-up. And the only way to reach long-term success is by achieving outstanding customer satisfaction. With a lot of luck and hard work you may build a successful company that markets products customers really want. It is very likely that by this stage, you receive the phone calls from venture capitalists. This is the time to think of exit strategies and decide if you want to own a small piece of a big pie or a large piece of a small pie. (The passage taken from Book/News/Open source)
Question: 1

"a marketable product" as mentioned in the passage signifies:

Updated On: Dec 30, 2025
  • A product that appeals to buyers and sell at a certain price range to generate profit
  • A product that appeals to investors and help them get their money back
  • A product whose market value is increasing continuously and becoming difficult for buyers to buy the same
  • A product that is appreciated by the media houses and earn revenue from advertisements
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The question pertains to understanding the term "a marketable product" as used in the given passage. The correct interpretation of this term requires analyzing the context in which it is mentioned.

The passage describes the challenges faced by new entrepreneurs seeking funding from venture capitalists. It emphasizes the importance of having a marketable product to secure such funding. Specifically, the text underlines that venture capital is usually available only after ensuring that the product already appeals to a market, implying that it must be sellable and profitable for investors to show interest.

Thus, here is a breakdown of each option:

  • Option 1: "A product that appeals to buyers and sells at a certain price range to generate profit."
    This option is correct as it aligns with the passage's emphasis on having a product that not only attracts buyers but also generates profit, making it attractive to venture capitalists. The focus is on proving the product's value and demand in the market, thus ensuring profitability.
  • Option 2: "A product that appeals to investors and helps them get their money back."
    While this is a potential outcome of a successful product, the passage does not specifically state that the product's primary function is to appeal to investors in such a manner. Instead, it highlights building a product that appeals directly to buyers first.
  • Option 3: "A product whose market value is increasing continuously and becoming difficult for buyers to buy the same."
    This option is not mentioned in the passage. The focus is not on continuous increase in market value or difficulty in purchasing but rather on establishing a profitable market appeal.
  • Option 4: "A product that is appreciated by the media houses and earns revenue from advertisements."
    This is unrelated to the passage as media appreciation and advertisement revenue are not discussed as criteria for a marketable product.

Therefore, based on the context and explanations provided, the correct answer is: Option 1: "A product that appeals to buyers and sells at a certain price range to generate profit."

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Question: 2

The phrase "and few are worth the paper they are printed on" as exists in the above passage means

Updated On: Dec 30, 2025
  • The ideas are good
  • Hardly any idea is good
  • Some ideas are good
  • The few ideas that are good can get others to invest in it
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To understand the meaning of the phrase "and few are worth the paper they are printed on," we need to consider the context provided in the passage. The author discusses the difficulties new entrepreneurs face when seeking venture capital funding. The passage highlights that:

  1. Venture capitalists receive numerous business plans.
  2. Most of these business plans are not deserving of funding.
  3. The phrase implies that the majority of these ideas or business plans are poor quality or not viable.

The phrase "worth the paper they are printed on" is an idiomatic expression. When applied to ideas or documents, it typically suggests that those ideas or documents do not have any real value or substance. Thus, "and few are worth the paper they are printed on" implies that very few of the business plans submitted are valuable or promising.

Considering the given options:

  • The ideas are good: This contradicts the passage, as the passage suggests most ideas are not good.
  • Hardly any idea is good: This aligns with the passage highlighting that few business plans are valuable.
  • Some ideas are good: While technically true, it does not fully capture the negative connotation of the phrase.
  • The few ideas that are good can get others to invest in it: The passage emphasizes that even good ideas often do not lead to investment.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Hardly any idea is good.

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Question: 3

A. It is hard for even the best venture capitals to identify the potential successes.
B. Focus on validating your idea and building it up.

Updated On: Dec 30, 2025
  • According to the above passage, both A and B are true
  • According to the above passage, both A and B are false
  • According to the above passage A is true and B is false
  • According to the above passage A is false and B is true
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

To solve the question and determine which statement is true based on the passage provided, let's analyze both statements step-by-step:

  1. Statement A: "It is hard for even the best venture capitals to identify the potential successes."
    • The passage states: "It is hard for even the best venture capitals to identify the potential successes." This is directly mentioned in the passage, confirming that even experienced venture capitalists find it difficult to predict which ventures will succeed.
    • Conclusion for A: True. This statement accurately reflects the content of the passage.
  2. Statement B: "Focus on validating your idea and building it up."
    • The passage advises entrepreneurs to "focus on validating your idea and building it up." It encourages entrepreneurs to first develop their ideas, validate them, and raise initial funds through personal means until they can prove their idea's viability.
    • Conclusion for B: True. This statement aligns with the guidance given in the passage.

Based on the above analysis and conclusions:

  • According to the passage, both statements A and B are true.

Therefore, the correct option is: According to the above passage, both A and B are true.

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Question: 4

Which of the following advices are given by the writer in this passage?

Updated On: Dec 30, 2025
  • Make sure that you have enough money before you start your business
  • Make sure you have secured an educational degree before you start your business
  • Make sure that there is a real need for your product. Start small
  • Make sure that you have approached an angel investor before you start your business
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

To determine which advice is given by the writer in the passage, we need to carefully analyze the content and understand the key points emphasized by the author. The passage provides guidance to new entrepreneurs regarding starting a business and securing funding. Let's break down the key advice given:

  1. Focus on Validating Your Idea: The passage emphasizes the importance of ensuring there is a real need for the product. This involves consulting widely, sharing ideas with seasoned entrepreneurs, and identifying markets by speaking to potential customers. By validating the idea, entrepreneurs can understand the market demand.
  2. Start Small: The author advises starting on a small scale, testing simple solutions, and learning from feedback. Doing so helps refine the product and understand customer needs better.
  3. Financial Management: The passage suggests being prudent with finances by focusing on revenue and profitability, watching every penny, and avoiding unnecessary costs. The idea is to be resourceful and creative in managing finances.
  4. Prepare for Challenges: Entrepreneurs are advised to be ready for setbacks and failures, acknowledging that success takes time and perseverance. Learning from both successes and failures is essential.
  5. Maintain Ethics: Business ethics and personal values are highlighted as crucial elements for long-term success. Ethics should be woven into the fabric of the startup.

Based on these points, the correct advice from the passage is: "Make sure that there is a real need for your product. Start small." This advice aligns perfectly with the emphasis on validating the idea and taking incremental steps towards building a successful business from the ground up.

The other options do not align with the passage because:

  • "Make sure that you have enough money before you start your business":
    The passage highlights being resourceful and starting with limited resources, suggesting reliance on personal savings and support from family and friends rather than having substantial capital upfront.
  • "Make sure you have secured an educational degree before you start your business":
    The passage does not discuss educational qualifications as a prerequisite for starting a business. Instead, it focuses on practical experience and consultation with experienced entrepreneurs.
  • "Make sure that you have approached an angel investor before you start your business":
    The passage describes the difficulty in obtaining venture capital or angel investment without an established marketable product, highlighting the challenges of this approach for new entrepreneurs.
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Question: 5

According to the passage which are the essential ingredients for developing a business idea?

Updated On: Dec 30, 2025
  • Identify market but hide the idea from others
  • Consult widely. Share your ideas with entrepreneurs. Identify markets
  • Always share your ideas and go for joint ventures
  • Always speak to your investors first even before you develop your idea
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The question asks for the essential ingredients for developing a business idea based on the passage provided. Let's analyze the passage to identify the key points:

  1. The passage emphasizes that new entrepreneurs should not rely solely on creating business plans. Instead, they should work on developing their ideas independently until they can prove their viability.
  2. Key strategies involve consulting widely and sharing ideas with experienced entrepreneurs, which helps in learning from others' experiences.
  3. Identifying and understanding target markets is crucial. Entrepreneurs should interact with potential customers to determine if there is a true need for their product.
  4. The passage suggests starting small and focusing on simple solutions that can be tested and refined based on feedback.
  5. It also stresses the importance of financial prudence and preparation for various challenges that might arise during the entrepreneurial journey.
  6. Finally, maintaining integrity and being ethical are necessary for long-term success.

After thorough consideration, the option that aligns most closely with the passage's recommendations is:

Correct Answer: Consult widely. Share your ideas with entrepreneurs. Identify markets.

Let's evaluate each of the given options:

  • Identify market but hide the idea from others: This contradicts the advice given in the passage to share ideas with others for feedback and learning.
  • Consult widely. Share your ideas with entrepreneurs. Identify markets: This option is consistent with the recommendations in the passage about the importance of consultation, sharing ideas, and market identification.
  • Always share your ideas and go for joint ventures: While sharing ideas is recommended, the passage does not emphasize joint ventures as a necessary step.
  • Always speak to your investors first even before you develop your idea: The passage advises against relying on investors too early before fully developing and validating the idea.

Thus, the correct approach based on the passage is to consult widely, share ideas with experienced entrepreneurs, and identify target markets.

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Question: 6

What are the two business ideas that are shared in the passage as examples?

Updated On: Dec 30, 2025
  • Starting a school and creating a web portal for selling grocery
  • Starting a clothing store and creating a web portal for house hold services
  • Starting a hospital and manufacturing a product
  • Starting a restaurant and creating a software product
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The passage discusses various challenges and strategies for entrepreneurs seeking to develop their business ideas and secure funding. The key advice given is to focus on building and validating the idea through personal efforts and small-scale operations before seeking venture capital. Now, let's analyze the options provided to find the correct answer regarding the two business ideas shared in the passage:

  1. Starting a school and creating a web portal for selling grocery: This option is not mentioned in the passage. The passage does not discuss starting a school or creating a grocery web portal.
  2. Starting a clothing store and creating a web portal for house hold services: Similarly, this option is not covered in the passage. It does not mention anything about a clothing store or a household services web portal.
  3. Starting a hospital and manufacturing a product: This is not relevant to the passage, as there is no mention of starting a hospital or manufacturing in the text.
  4. Starting a restaurant and creating a software product: This option is mentioned in the passage. It advises entrepreneurs that if they are starting a restaurant, they should work for someone else initially to gain experience. Additionally, for those creating a software product, they should engage in consulting assignments or create utilities to learn from hands-on experience.

Thus, the correct answer is: Starting a restaurant and creating a software product

The passage illustrates these examples to emphasize the importance of getting hands-on experience and incremental learning before scaling up or seeking external funding.

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Question: 7

According to the given passage which of the following is NOT a correct statement?

Updated On: Dec 30, 2025
  • Ethics need to be carefully sewn into the fabric of any start-up
  • Share your ideas with those who have done it before
  • It also shows that the phenomenon is heterogeneous
  • In other words, funding comes just when you do not need it
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

To determine which of the given statements is NOT correct according to the passage, we should first understand the key points from the passage.

The passage provides insights into challenges faced by new entrepreneurs seeking funding and offers advice on how they can validate and build their business ideas without relying solely on external venture capital. It emphasizes:

  • Funding typically comes when entrepreneurs no longer need it.
  • Entrepreneurs should develop their ideas themselves to make a marketable product.
  • Consulting with seasoned entrepreneurs for guidance is beneficial.
  • Building integrity and business ethics is fundamental for long-term success.

Now, let’s evaluate each option:

  1. Ethics need to be carefully sewn into the fabric of any start-up

    This aligns with the passage stating the importance of integrity and ethics in building a successful company.
  2. Share your ideas with those who have done it before

    This is supported by the passage, which advises consulting widely and leveraging the experience of seasoned entrepreneurs.
  3. It also shows that the phenomenon is heterogeneous

    The term "heterogeneous phenomenon" is not mentioned in the passage, making this statement unrelated and therefore incorrect according to the passage content.
  4. In other words, funding comes just when you do not need it

    This is directly supported by the passage, which discusses the timing of venture funding.

Based on the analysis, the correct answer to the question "which of the following is NOT a correct statement?" is: It also shows that the phenomenon is heterogeneous.

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Question: 8

"Exit strategies", as mentioned in the passage, signifies:

Updated On: Dec 30, 2025
  • An entrepreneur's strategic plan to sell his or her ownership in a company to investors or another company
  • An entrepreneur's strategic plan to execute the daily plan for his/her business
  • An entrepreneur's strategic plan to conduct exit interviews for employees who plan to leave
  • An entrepreneur's strategic plan to analyse market and exit from one product to another
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The question asks us to determine the meaning of "exit strategies" as mentioned in the provided passage. To answer this, we need to understand the context in which 'exit strategies' is used in the passage.

In the passage, the focus is primarily on the challenges entrepreneurs face when seeking venture funding and how they can build their businesses from the ground up. The passage concludes with the idea that after successfully establishing a business, an entrepreneur might receive calls from venture capitalists wanting to invest. At this point, the entrepreneur should consider "exit strategies."

An exit strategy, in the context of entrepreneurship, refers to an entrepreneur's plan for selling their ownership in a company. This can mean selling the company to investors or another company. This is a common tactic once the business reaches a certain level of success and viability in the market, making it attractive for larger companies or investors to purchase or invest in.

Let's evaluate each option given in the question:

  1. An entrepreneur's strategic plan to sell his or her ownership in a company to investors or another company: This option aligns with the context described where the company is at a stage where selling to venture capitalists is appropriate. This is the correct answer.
  2. An entrepreneur's strategic plan to execute the daily plan for his/her business: This describes operational strategy, not an exit strategy.
  3. An entrepreneur's strategic plan to conduct exit interviews for employees who plan to leave: This refers to HR practices rather than entrepreneurial exit strategies.
  4. An entrepreneur's strategic plan to analyse market and exit from one product to another: This might refer to product strategy, but it doesn’t align with the entrepreneurial concept of exiting the business itself.

Therefore, the correct answer is: An entrepreneur's strategic plan to sell his or her ownership in a company to investors or another company.

This understanding of exit strategies is crucial for entrepreneurs, as it helps them plan for the future and potential growth or sale of their company, securing financial gains for their efforts.

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Question: 9

Which of the following statements is true as per the given passage?

Updated On: Dec 30, 2025
  • Investors always respond promptly to funding applications
  • Venture Capitalist is a sure source of funding for new businesses
  • Ethics need to be carefully sewn into the fabric of any start-up
  • The process of obtaining funding will proceed at a fast pace
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

To determine the correct answer from the given options based on the passage provided, we need to scrutinize the passage for key statements and ideas.

  1. Interpretation of the passage: The passage discusses the challenges new entrepreneurs face when seeking funding, especially the difficulty of obtaining venture capital. It emphasizes self-reliance, cost-effectiveness, market validation, and the integral role of ethics in entrepreneurship.
  2. Analyzing the Options:
    • "Investors always respond promptly to funding applications": The passage clearly states that venture capitalists often do not respond to calls, indicating that this statement is false.
    • "Venture Capitalist is a sure source of funding for new businesses": The passage suggests the opposite, highlighting the challenges in securing venture capitalist funding.
    • "Ethics need to be carefully sewn into the fabric of any start-up": This is directly supported by the passage, which emphasizes maintaining integrity and business ethics as essential for long-term success.
    • "The process of obtaining funding will proceed at a fast pace": The passage indicates that obtaining venture capital can be a prolonged and arduous process, which directly contradicts this statement.
  3. Conclusion: Based on the analysis, the statement that aligns with the passage is "Ethics need to be carefully sewn into the fabric of any start-up." This statement accurately reflects the advice and insights provided in the passage.
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