Question

The meaning CLOSEST to ‘interchangeable’ in the ‘Communication as Bowling’ paragraph is:

• A. Complementary
• B. Contiguous
• C. Conforming
• D. Compatible
• E. Comparable
• A. Threshold overlap of shared images
• B. Simultaneous exchange
• C. Ability to stimulate affect
• D. Ability to enact a drama
• J. Ability to elicit a response
• A. It is governed by conventions with possibility for appeal; it has clear rules.
• B. The operating model is win–lose because only one individual or team can win; the receiver can always predict the spin.
• C. The number of players is limited as very few can be meaningfully engaged at a time; the rules of the game are fixed by the regulators.
• D. It demands more skills of the receiver than of the speaker; it is as passive as bowling.
• O. Real life communication is like Dumb Charade with multiple players; there are multiple balls used in Dumb Charade.
• A. Advertising, Buyer negotiating with a seller, Bidding for a player in Indian Premier League.
• B. Preparing an election manifesto, Addressing a public gathering, Engaging in door to door canvassing.
• C. Preparing for MBA entrance exam, Writing the MBA entrance exam, Facing an interview for business school.
• D. Applying for learner licence, Negotiating with a driving school, Driving a Car.
• T. Negotiating overseas posting, Applying for visa, Undertaking a journey.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Meaning of the word ‘interchangeable’.
The word \textit{interchangeable} refers to two things that can replace each other without significant difference. It implies that one can be substituted for another, meaning they are comparable or equivalent in use or function.
Step 2: Evaluate each option.
- (A) Complementary: Refers to something that completes or enhances another, not something that can replace it. Hence, incorrect.
- (B) Contiguous: Refers to being adjacent or physically close. This does not convey the meaning of substitutability. Incorrect.
- (C) Conforming: Means complying or adapting to standards or norms, but it does not mean “replaceable.” Incorrect.
- (D) Compatible: Refers to things that can coexist or work together, but not necessarily replace each other. Close, but weaker than the correct choice.
- (E) Comparable: Means similar enough to be equated, measured against, or even substituted. This matches the idea of “interchangeable” most accurately. Correct.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The closest synonym to “interchangeable” is Comparable.
\[ \boxed{\text{Correct Answer: (E) Comparable}} \]

Answer 2

Step 1: Recall the essence of communication.
At its core, communication requires that a message sent by one person is understood by another. This is possible only when there is some common ground or overlap in meaning between the sender and the receiver. Without this overlap, the symbols, words, or gestures used cannot be interpreted correctly.
Step 2: Evaluate the options.
- (A) Threshold overlap of shared images — This refers to a minimum shared context or understanding between sender and receiver. This is indeed the closest to the necessary condition of communication.
- (B) Simultaneous exchange — While communication can happen in real-time, simultaneity is not necessary (e.g., letters, emails, recorded messages).
- (C) Ability to stimulate affect — Stimulating emotions may be a result of communication, but it is not a necessary condition.
- (D) Ability to enact a drama — This is a specific form of communication, not its fundamental condition.
- (E) Ability to elicit a response — Responses are desirable, but not always required (e.g., one-way announcements, radio broadcasts). Communication still occurs even if no immediate response comes.
Step 3: Conclude.
The most fundamental requirement is that both parties share at least some overlap in meaning-making, allowing the message to be understood. Hence the correct choice is (A).
\[ \boxed{\text{Correct Answer: (A) Threshold overlap of shared images}} \]

Answer 3

Step 1: Understand the metaphor.
Ping-Pong (table tennis) is often used to represent communication because it involves back-and-forth exchange. However, metaphors always have limitations when compared to real-life communication.
Step 2: Examine each option.
(A) “Governed by conventions and clear rules” — this is true of Ping-Pong, but in communication, conventions exist too. This is not a limitation, but rather a similarity.
(B) “Win–lose model” — not inherent to communication. While games have winners, communication is not structured as win–lose; however, the statement about predicting spin is irrelevant and not central.
(C) “Number of players is limited; rules fixed by regulators” — this highlights real limitations. Unlike real communication which can involve multiple people and fluid norms, Ping-Pong only allows two (or four in doubles) players, and rules are rigid. This restricts its metaphorical reach.
(D) “Demands more skills of receiver; as passive as bowling” — inaccurate. In Ping-Pong both sender and receiver are equally active, so this is misleading.
(E) “Like Dumb Charade with multiple balls” — irrelevant exaggeration, not addressing the Ping-Pong metaphor’s limitations.
Step 3: Conclude.
The correct identification of Ping-Pong’s metaphorical limitations for communication is in (C): it is limited in number of participants and constrained by fixed rules.
\[ \boxed{\text{Correct Answer: (C)}} \]

Answer 4

Step 1 (Understand the keywords).
- Action refers to an individual act taken by an agent.
- Interaction refers to reciprocal communication/engagement between two or more agents.
- Transaction refers to a structured exchange, usually involving negotiation or a deal.
Step 2 (Evaluate the options).
(A) Advertising = action (a one-way act of promotion). Buyer negotiating = interaction (dialogue between buyer and seller). Bidding in IPL = transaction (formalized exchange with value transfer). Perfect sequence.
(B) Preparing manifesto = action, addressing gathering = interaction, door-to-door canvassing = again interaction, not a formal transaction.
(C) Exam preparation, writing, and interview are sequential tasks but not fitting into the clear action–interaction–transaction framework.
(D) Licence application, negotiation with school, driving a car—again not a clear progression of action–interaction–transaction.
(E) Visa and journey are processes, not exemplars of the three distinct stages.
Step 3 (Conclude).
Only option (A) illustrates the conceptual movement from action → interaction → transaction.
\[ \boxed{\text{Correct Answer: (A)}} \]