We cannot travel outside our neighbourhood without passports. We must wear the same plainclothes. We must exchange our houses every ten years. We cannot avoid labour. We all go to bed at the same time . . . We have religious freedom, but we cannot deny that the soul dies with the body, since ‘but for the fear of punishment, they would have nothing but contempt for the laws and customs of society'. . . . In More’s time, for much of the population, given the plenty and security on offer, such restraints would not have seemed overly unreasonable. For modern readers, however, Utopia appears to rely upon relentless transparency, the repression of variety, and the curtailment of privacy. Utopia provides security: but at what price? In both its external and internal relations, indeed, it seems perilously dystopian.
Such a conclusion might be fortified by examining selectively the tradition which follows more on these points. This often portrays societies where. . .'it would be almost impossible for man to be depraved, or wicked'. . . . This is achieved both through institutions and mores, which underpin the common life. . .. The passions are regulated and inequalities of wealth and distinction are minimized. Needs, vanity, and emulation are restrained, often by prizing equality and holding riches in contempt. The desire for public power is curbed. Marriage and sexual intercourse are often controlled: in Tommaso Campanella’s The City of the Sun (1623), the first great literary utopia after More’s, relations are forbidden to men before the age of twenty-one and women before nineteen. Communal child-rearing is normal; for Campanella this commences at age two. Greater simplicity of life, ‘living according to nature’, is often a result: the desire for simplicity and purity are closely related. People become more alike in appearance, opinion, and outlook than they often have been. Unity, order, and homogeneity thus prevail at the cost of individuality and diversity. This model, as J. C. Davis demonstrates, dominated early modern utopianism. . . . And utopian homogeneity remains a familiar theme well into the twentieth century.
Given these considerations, it is not unreasonable to take as our starting point here the hypothesis that utopia and dystopia evidently share more in common than is often supposed. Indeed, they might be twins, the progeny of the same parents. Insofar as this proves to be the case, my linkage of both here will be uncomfortably close for some readers. Yet we should not mistake this argument for the assertion that all utopias are, or tend to produce, dystopias. Those who defend this proposition will find that their association here is not nearly close enough. For we have only to acknowledge the existence of thousands of successful intentional communities in which a cooperative ethos predominates and where harmony without coercion is the rule to set aside such an assertion. Here the individual’s submersion in the group is consensual (though this concept is not unproblematic). It results not in enslavement but voluntary submission to group norms. Harmony is achieved without . . .harming others.
All of the following statements can be inferred from the passage EXCEPT that:
- utopian and dystopian societies are twins, the progeny of the same parents.
- utopian societies exist in a long tradition of literature dealing with imaginary people practicing imaginary customs, in imaginary worlds.
- many conceptions of utopian societies emphasise the importance of social uniformity and cultural homogeneity.
- it is possible to see utopias as dystopias, with a change in perspective, because oneperson’s utopia could be seen as another’s dystopia.
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The question asks which statement cannot be inferred from the passage provided. We need to analyze each option in the context of the passage to determine which statement is not supported by the text.
1. Utopian and dystopian societies are twins, the progeny of the same parents. - The passage mentions: "it is not unreasonable to take as our starting point here the hypothesis that utopia and dystopia evidently share more in common than is often supposed...they might be twins, the progeny of the same parents." This statement directly supports the option, so it can be inferred.
2. Utopian societies exist in a long tradition of literature dealing with imaginary people practicing imaginary customs, in imaginary worlds. - This idea aligns with the passage's discussion of how utopian literature and practices have developed over time, especially in early modern utopianism. Therefore, it can be inferred from the passage.
3. Many conceptions of utopian societies emphasize the importance of social uniformity and cultural homogeneity. - The passage discusses how these societies often prize unity, order, and homogeneity at the expense of individuality and diversity. Consequently, this statement is supported by the passage.
4. It is possible to see utopias as dystopias, with a change in perspective, because one person’s utopia could be seen as another’s dystopia. - The passage suggests that utopias and dystopias share similarities and mentions security being achieved at the cost of personal freedoms, implying that they can be perceived as one or the other depending on perspective. This inference is valid.
Since all the other statements can be gleaned from the passage except the first option about utopian and dystopian societies being twins, it appears to be an explicit concept directly mentioned rather than inferred. Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
Following from the passage, which one of the following may be seen as a characteristic of a utopian society?
- The regulation of homogeneity through promoting competitive heterogeneity.
- A society where public power is earned through merit rather than through privilege.
- Institutional surveillance of every individual to ensure his/her security and welfare.
- A society without any laws to restrain one’s individuality.
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The passage provides a detailed description of utopian societies, highlighting features such as relentless transparency, repression of variety, curtailment of privacy, and regulation of passions. It emphasizes harmony achieved through institutions and cultural norms, where individuality is often sacrificed for order and unity. The characteristics of utopian societies involve restraining needs and emulation, minimizing inequalities, and promoting homogeneity.
The passage also explores the intersection between utopia and dystopia, noting they might share similar elements, specifically in how order and security are maintained at the expense of individuality and diversity. One key characteristic is extensive institutional control to ensure security and welfare, reflecting utopian ideals.
Given this context, let's review the options and find the characteristic of a utopian society:
- The regulation of homogeneity through promoting competitive heterogeneity. This contradicts the idea of a utopian society as these societies often reduce individual differences and promote uniformity.
- A society where public power is earned through merit rather than through privilege. While potentially positive, this doesn't align with the described utopian characteristic of controlling power desires.
- Institutional surveillance of every individual to ensure his/her security and welfare. This aligns with the passage's theme of transparency, control, and security.
- A society without any laws to restrain one’s individuality. This contradicts the emphasis on rules and norms prevailing in utopian societies.
The correct answer is Institutional surveillance of every individual to ensure his/her security and welfare. This reflects the passage's description of how utopian societies maintain order and security.
All of the following arguments are made in the passage EXCEPT that:
- in More’s time, there was plenty and security, so people did not need restraints that could appear unreasonable.
- there have been thousands of communities where homogeneity and stability have been achieved through choice, rather than by force.
- in early modern utopianism, the stability of utopian societies was seen to be achieved only with individuals surrendering their sense of self.
- the tradition of utopian literature has often shown societies in which it would be nearly impossible for anyone to be sinful or criminal
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
- in More’s time, there was plenty and security, so people did not need restraints that could appear unreasonable.
- there have been thousands of communities where homogeneity and stability have been achieved through choice, rather than by force.
- in early modern utopianism, the stability of utopian societies was seen to be achieved only with individuals surrendering their sense of self.
- the tradition of utopian literature has often shown societies in which it would be nearly impossible for anyone to be sinful or criminal.
- Option 1: The passage does mention More’s time as a period of "plenty and security," indicating that restraints would not have seemed overly unreasonable. Thus, this argument is made in the passage.
- Option 2: The passage speaks about "thousands of successful intentional communities" where harmony without coercion is achieved, thus supporting this argument.
- Option 3: The passage discusses how early modern utopias require individuals to become more alike, leading to a loss of individuality, which aligns with the surrendering of the sense of self, supporting this argument.
- Option 4: The passage covers the portrayal of societies where individuals avoid wickedness due to established practices and societal norms, supporting this argument.
Which sequence of words below best captures the narrative of the passage?
- Relentless transparency – Homogeneity – Utopia – Dystopia.
- Utopia – Security – Dystopia – Coercion.
- Curtailment of privacy – Dystopia – Utopia – Intentional community.
- Utopia – Security – Homogeneity – Intentional community.
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The passage presents a juxtaposition of utopia and dystopia, where utopian ideals are laced with restrictions and loss of individuality. Key points from the passage include:
- Utopian societies offer plenty and security, yet impose restrictions like lack of privacy, uniformity, and obligatory societal norms.
- Modern readers might view such utopian principles as embodying elements of a dystopia due to the curtailment of personal freedom and self-expression.
- Historical and literary explorations of utopias (e.g., Campanella's "The City of the Sun") highlight enforced commonality, regulated personal relations, and minimized distinctions, leading to homogeneity.
- The passage suggests a relationship between utopia and dystopia, highlighting that both share restrictive characteristics.
- However, it also acknowledges that utopian ideals can be realized in intentional communities where participation and adherence to norms are consensual, and harmony is achieved without coercion.
Considering these insights, the sequence "Utopia – Security – Homogeneity – Intentional community" best captures the narrative of the passage. The passage outlines utopian principles, notes their security, describes resulting homogeneity, and contrasts this with intentional communities where such principles thrive without coercion.
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
- The advent of social media has dramatically transformed the way individuals consume and share information. In earlier times, people largely depended on newspapers, radio, or television as their primary sources of knowledge about the world. These were institutions that followed established editorial practices and fact-checking processes. With the rise of digital platforms, however, the traditional ‘gatekeepers’ of information have been bypassed. Today, anyone with internet access can create content, express an opinion, or broadcast an idea to a global audience within seconds.
This shift has certainly democratized access and given voice to communities and individuals who were often ignored by mainstream media. Yet, this democratization comes with challenges. Alongside genuine voices, social media has also amplified misinformation, rumours, and half-truths. Unlike traditional journalism, where accountability and verification are built into the system, social media thrives on speed, virality, and emotion. A misleading headline, a misinterpreted statistic, or even a doctored image can travel across the world before fact-checkers have the chance to intervene.
The consequences of such unchecked information can be serious, ranging from the spread of fear and panic to the manipulation of public opinion. The impact of this transformation extends beyond individual users to institutions and democracies. Political campaigns, corporate branding, and even social movements are now shaped by algorithms that decide what people see and when they see it. These algorithms prioritize engagement, often promoting content that provokes stronger emotional reactions rather than balanced analysis.
As a result, echo chambers form, online spaces where people are repeatedly exposed to opinions that mirror their own, reinforcing biases and reducing openness to differing perspectives. This has contributed to increasing polarization in societies across the world. Moreover, the competition for attention has blurred the line between information and entertainment, leading to the rise of sensationalism even in serious public discourse. The credibility of expertise too has been undermined, as opinions from unverified sources are often placed on the same footing as evidence-based knowledge.
In response, several governments and technology companies are exploring ways to promote digital literacy, enhance transparency in algorithms, and strengthen fact-checking collaborations. Ultimately, the challenge lies in balancing the openness of digital spaces with mechanisms that ensure responsibility and trustworthiness in public communication.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- I have still to be brother to a Prince, though I once came near to kinship with what might have been a veritable King, and was promised the reversion of a Kingdom, army, law-courts, revenue, and policy, all complete. But, today, I greatly fear that my King is dead, and if I want a crown I must go and hunt it for myself. The beginning of everything was in a railway train upon the road to Mhow from Ajmir. There had been a deficit in the Budget, which necessitated travelling, not Second class, which is only half as dear as First class, but by Intermediate, which is very awful indeed. There are no cushions in the Intermediate class, and the population is either Intermediate, which is Eurasian, or native, which for a long night journey is nasty; or Loafer, which is amusing though intoxicated. Intermediates do not patronize refreshment rooms. They carry their food in bundles and pots, and buy sweets from the native sweet meat sellers, and drink the roadside water. That is why in the hot weather Intermediates are taken out of the carriages dead, and in all weathers are most properly looked down upon.
My particular Intermediate happened to be empty till I reached Nasirabad, when a huge gentleman in shirt sleeves entered, and following the custom of Intermediates, passed the time of day. He was a wanderer and a vagabond like myself, but with an educated taste for alcohol. He told daring tales of things he had seen and done, of out-of-the-way corners of the Empire into which he had penetrated, and of adventures in which he risked his life for a few days’ food. “If India was filled with men like you and me, not knowing more than the crows where they’d get their next day’s rations, it isn’t seventy millions of revenue the land would be paying, it’s seven hundred millions,” said he; and as I looked at his mouth and chin I was disposed to agree with him.
We talked politics, the politics of Loaferdom that sees things from the underside where the lath and plaster is not smoothed off, and we talked postal arrangements because my friend wanted to send a telegram back from the next station to Ajmir, which is the turning off place from the Bombay to the Mhow line as you travel westward. He had the air of one who had seen strange countries and stranger men, yet bore himself without vanity. There was a restless light in his eyes, the sort that belongs to men who have lived too long without a fixed purpose. When he spoke of the Empire, it was not with loyalty nor with bitterness, but with the detached amusement of one who has played his part and lost interest in the game. His laughter came easily, though it seemed to echo from some remembered hardship. It struck me then that his stories were less of adventure than of survival.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Democracy, often hailed as the most equitable form of governance, is a system where power ultimately rests in the hands of the people. The word derives from the Greek words ”demos” meaning people and ”kratos” meaning power or rule. Democracy aims to provide equal political participation and protect the individual freedoms of all citizens. However, while the idea of democracy is simple, its practice is frequently complex and fraught with challenges. At its core, democracy functions on the principle of majority rule, yet it simultaneously guarantees the protection of minority rights.
This balance ensures that while the majority has the power to make decisions through voting, the fundamental rights of minorities are not trampled upon. Such a system requires consistent vigilance and respect for the rule of law. Without these, democracies can devolve into majoritarian tyranny or authoritarianism. The practice of democracy is not merely limited to voting in elections. It encompasses freedom of speech, an independent judiciary, free press, and protection of individual rights. These elements together create a political environment where citizens can express dissent, hold leaders accountable, and participate actively in decision-making. When any component is weakened, the democratic process becomes vulnerable.
In recent times, democratic societies worldwide have grappled with new challenges. The rise of misinformation and fake news has eroded public trust in institutions and polarized societies. Social media platforms, meant to facilitate communication, have sometimes amplified divisive narratives and falsehoods. This has resulted in voter manipulation and a growing skepticism toward democratic processes. Literacy in media and critical thinking is increasingly vital to safeguard democracy from such threats. Economic inequality poses another significant challenge. While democracy promises equal rights politically, vast disparities in wealth and opportunity undermine this ideal.
This phenomenon raises questions about whether democracy is achievable without addressing socioeconomic inequalities. Furthermore, the involvement of citizens is crucial. Democracy requires that people are informed, engaged, and willing to participate beyond casting votes. Civic education and awareness campaigns play an essential role in nurturing responsible citizenship. Apathy or disengagement weakens the democratic fabric, opening avenues for corruption and other dangers to the system. In conclusion, democracy thrives on the collective responsibility of governments and citizens to protect its pillars and ensure inclusive, fair governance.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
The Rule of Law
by Tom BinghamJustice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?
by Michael J. SandelLetters to a Law Student
by Nicholas J. McBrideIn The Rule of Law, former Lord Chief Justice Tom Bingham explores how the principle of legality underpins modern democratic life. He defines the rule of law as more than just adherence to formal rules; it is the assurance that power is exercised within clear, fair, and publicly known boundaries.
Bingham distills the concept into eight principles, including equality before the law, access to justice, and respect for fundamental human rights. Drawing on cases and historical examples, he warns that national security and administrative efficiency must never override the rights of individuals.
The book bridges legal philosophy and practice, arguing that law must be both predictable and humane. For Bingham, the rule of law represents a moral ideal, one that sustains public trust in justice and curbs arbitrary governance.Michael Sandel’s Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? examines moral reasoning in law and politics. Through examples like price gouging, affirmative action, and taxation, Sandel invites readers to explore competing notions of fairness.
He engages with philosophical traditions such as utilitarianism, libertarianism, and Rawlsian egalitarianism, showing that questions of justice cannot be separated from questions of virtue and the common good.
Sandel rejects the idea of a morally “neutral” legal system, arguing that public deliberation about values is essential to democracy. Ultimately, he argues that a just society is one that cultivates civic responsibility, not merely individual rights.Nicholas McBride’s Letters to a Law Student is a practical and reflective guide for aspiring lawyers. Written as a series of letters to a student beginning law school, it explores what legal study truly involves.
This includes mastering case analysis, understanding precedents, and developing critical reasoning. McBride distinguishes between knowing the law and thinking like a lawyer, the latter requiring analytical discipline and ethical awareness.
He emphasizes that good lawyers combine intellectual rigor with moral judgment and clarity of expression. Beyond academic success, the book urges students to reflect on law’s purpose, balancing order, justice, and compassion in human affairs.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Urban gardening has become increasingly popular as a means to address food security, sustainability, and mental well-being in cities. By growing their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, individuals can reduce their reliance on commercial supply chains that contribute to extensive transportation, energy consumption, and synthetic chemical use. In addition to providing fresh, nutritious food, urban gardening also contributes to environmental sustainability by mitigating urban heat island effects, improving air quality, and managing water runoff. Furthermore, it offers psychological benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, and a sense of accomplishment. Despite its many benefits, urban gardening faces challenges like space limitations, poor soil quality, and inadequate sunlight, which gardeners overcome using innovative techniques such as vertical farming and hydroponics.
- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Questions Asked in CAT exam
- In a $\triangle ABC$, points $D$ and $E$ are on the sides $BC$ and $AC$, respectively. $BE$ and $AD$ intersect at point $T$ such that $AD : AT = 4 : 3$, and $BE : BT = 5 : 4$. Point $F$ lies on $AC$ such that $DF$ is parallel to $BE$. Then, $BD : CD$ is:
- CAT - 2025
- Geometry
- In the sequence 1, 3, 5, 7, ..., k, ..., 57, the sum of the numbers up to k, excluding k, is equal to the sum of the numbers from k up to 57, also excluding k. What is k?
- CAT - 2025
- Arithmetic Progression
- Find the number of integer pairs (x, y) that satisfy the following system of inequalities:
\[ \begin{cases} x \geq y \geq 3 \\ x + y \leq 14 \end{cases} \]
- CAT - 2025
- Linear & Quadratic Equations
- The monthly sales of a product from January to April were 120, 135, 150 and 165 units, respectively. The cost price of the product was Rs. 240 per unit, and a fixed marked price was used for the product in all the four months. Discounts of 20%, 10% and 5% were given on the marked price per unit in January, February and March, respectively, while no discounts were given in April. If the total profit from January to April was Rs. 138825, then the marked price per unit, in rupees, was
- CAT - 2025
- Profit and Loss
- An item with a cost price of Rs.1650 is sold at a certain discount on a fixed marked price to earn a profit of 20% on the cost price. If the discount was doubled, the profit would have been Rs.110. The rate of discount, in percentage, at which the profit percentage would be equal to the rate of discount, is nearest to:
- CAT - 2025
- Profit and Loss