Read the given passage and answer the six questions that follow.
Coffee’s genetic make-up is no trivial concern; 10 million tonnes of the crop were grown and sold in 2022–23. The coffee that we drink comes from two species: Coffea Canephora, which is also known as Robusta and Coffea Arabica, known as Arabica. In many cases, beans from the two species are blended to make a brew. But the beans of single species are also roasted and sold. Overall, Arabica beans represent around 56% of all coffee sold.
The above is an exacting definition of free will. What we commonly mean by free will is that we have a choice in most situations like, who you choose to marry, what profession you pursue or how you react to someone’s aggression. Sounds reasonable. But here’s the catch. Our ability to make that choice too is significantly restricted, dictated by our predispositions.
Most genetic variation in living organisms comes from hybridization with other species. However, this is a relatively rare event for Coffea Arabica because it has more than two copies of each chromosome — a phenomenon called polyploidy. Coffea Canephora has two copies of each chromosome, but Coffea Arabica contains multiple copies. This makes it much more difficult for Arabica to interbreed with other species.
As a result, Coffea Arabica’s main source of single nucleotide variation is mutation, which occurs at a steady rate over time. However, the species is also relatively young, having formed as a hybrid of Robusta and Coffea Eugenioides — another coffee species that is not widely cultivated — within the past 50,000 years. From that single plant, which has basically no variation, you create the whole species, and then the variation is only the novel mutations that have occurred since that event.
Despite this, there is substantial variation in the physical characteristics of the Arabica coffee plant, including different flavour profiles in the beans and variations in disease resistance, says emeritus geneticist Juan Medrano at the UC Davis Coffee Center at the University of California, Davis. “We’re always talking about low variability at the DNA level, but there is variability at the structural level, at the chromosomal level, at the level of deletions … and insertions,” Medrano says.
Cocoa was first introduced by the:
- American people
- Olmec people
- Aztec people
- Spanish people
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
The correct answer to the question, "Cocoa was first introduced by the:" is "Olmec people". This conclusion is drawn from historical accounts indicating that the Olmec civilization, one of the earliest Mesoamerican cultures, first domesticated and consumed cocoa. They are often credited with pioneering the use of cocoa beans for both culinary and ceremonial purposes, laying the groundwork for its importance in cultures like the Maya and the Aztecs, who later also utilized cocoa but were not the originators of its introduction.
Therefore, among the given options, the "Olmec people" is the accurate choice.
Approach Solution -2
The Olmec people were the first to consume cocoa.
Context: The Olmec civilization, which existed around 1500 BCE to 400 BCE in present-day Mexico, is credited with being the first to consume cocoa. The Olmecs are often recognized for their early use of cacao, a plant that would later become central to the cultures of Mesoamerica.
Early Use of Cocoa: The Olmec people are believed to have made a form of chocolate from the beans of the cacao tree. They likely ground the beans to create a bitter drink, which was used for both ritualistic and medicinal purposes. This marks the beginning of the long history of cacao use in the Americas.
Cultural Significance: Cocoa was highly valued by later Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Maya and Aztecs, who used it for both ceremonial and economic purposes. The Olmecs paved the way for these cultures, setting the foundation for cocoa to become a key part of their economies and spiritual practices.
Final Thought: The Olmec people's early consumption of cocoa highlights their advanced understanding of plants and their significant contributions to the culinary and cultural traditions that would shape Mesoamerican civilizations for centuries.
The Aztec people made their cocoa palatable by:
- serving it cold
- adding sugar to the drink
- spiking it with spices
- drinking it as a medicine
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
The Aztecs added spices to make the cocoa drink more palatable.
Context: The Aztecs, who inherited the use of cocoa from earlier Mesoamerican cultures, transformed the bitter drink into a more flavorful beverage by adding various spices. This adaptation made the drink more enjoyable and allowed it to become an important part of their daily life and rituals.
Spices and Flavoring: The Aztecs added a variety of spices, such as chili peppers, vanilla, and annatto, to their cocoa drink. These ingredients not only enhanced the flavor but also provided additional cultural and medicinal significance. The spicy, often bitter drink became a symbol of power and was consumed by the elite and warriors.
Cultural Significance: For the Aztecs, cocoa was much more than just a beverage; it held spiritual importance and was often used in ceremonies, offerings, and rituals. The addition of spices to cocoa made it a refined and revered drink, often reserved for religious ceremonies or the elite of society.
Final Thought: The Aztecs' use of spices to enhance their cocoa drink not only made it more enjoyable but also elevated the drink to a symbol of cultural significance, showing the sophisticated nature of their culinary traditions.
Why did hot chocolate become "the beverage of the aristocracy" in Europe?
- The essential ingredient was out of reach of the commoners.
- The Queen had a marked chocolate maker.
- Only wealthy Europeans could buy it.
- It was being consumed by the pharma companies.
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
The reason hot chocolate became "the beverage of the aristocracy" in Europe is primarily because only wealthy Europeans could buy it. This exclusivity was due to the high cost of the essential ingredients, which made it a luxury item beyond the reach of commoners. The other options are less relevant to explaining why it was associated specifically with the aristocracy. The association of hot chocolate with wealth and elite social gatherings further reinforced its status as a luxury beverage, enjoyed primarily by the affluent classes of European society.
Approach Solution -2
Sugar, a luxury at the time, made hot chocolate a beverage for the wealthy.
Context: During the time of the Aztecs and early European introduction of chocolate, sugar was a rare and expensive commodity. As a result, adding sugar to hot chocolate made it a luxurious drink, often reserved for the elite and wealthy classes who could afford such an indulgence.
Sugar as a Luxury: Sugar was a precious ingredient in Europe, imported from the colonies, and it was used sparingly. The addition of sugar to cocoa made the drink more palatable and sweet, turning it into a treat that was often associated with wealth and status. For the upper class, hot chocolate was not only a flavorful drink but also a symbol of luxury.
Hot Chocolate and Social Status: In both Mesoamerica and Europe, the consumption of chocolate, especially sweetened with sugar, became a social marker. In Europe, it became a fashionable drink in aristocratic circles, often served in special gatherings and rituals, reinforcing the social divide between the wealthy and the common people.
Final Thought: The addition of sugar to hot chocolate elevated it from a simple drink to a symbol of luxury and privilege, reflecting the social and economic dynamics of the time.
The Chocolate Houses didn’t survive past the 18th century because:
- people preferred tea/coffee to hot chocolate
- it catered to the not-so-elite of society
- chocolate was costlier than tea or coffee
- the supply of cocoa dwindled over the years
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
Chocolate was more expensive than tea or coffee, leading to the decline of Chocolate Houses.
Context: During the 17th and 18th centuries, Chocolate Houses were popular in Europe, particularly in England. These establishments offered patrons the opportunity to enjoy a luxurious drink made from chocolate. However, the high cost of chocolate compared to tea and coffee contributed to the decline of these specialized venues.
Cost of Chocolate: Chocolate was a rare and expensive commodity, primarily due to the complex process of importing cacao and the added luxury of sugar. As a result, it was considered a more exclusive drink than tea or coffee, which were becoming more widely available and affordable.
Decline of Chocolate Houses: As the price of chocolate remained high, fewer people could afford to indulge in it regularly. Meanwhile, tea and coffee became more popular, more affordable, and more accessible to the general public. This shift in consumer habits, combined with the high cost of chocolate, led to the gradual decline of Chocolate Houses, which could no longer compete with the lower-priced alternatives.
Final Thought: The decline of Chocolate Houses highlights how economic factors, such as the cost of ingredients, can shape social trends and consumer behavior, leading to the rise of new alternatives that better meet the needs of a broader population.
Choose the correct statement from the following:
- Italians serve hot chocolate flavored with spices.
- Mexicans serve hot chocolate topped with a dollop of cream.
- Colombians serve hot chocolate topped with a dollop of cheese.
- Filipinos serve hot chocolate flavored with peppers.
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
The question asks us to choose the correct statement among the given options about serving hot chocolate in different cultures. Let's analyze each option:
- Italians serve hot chocolate flavored with spices. While Italian hot chocolate is known for its rich texture, it is not traditionally flavored with spices.
- Mexicans serve hot chocolate topped with a dollop of cream. Mexican hot chocolate is traditionally made with spices such as cinnamon and sometimes served with whipped cream, but it is more commonly associated with spices rather than a cream topping.
- Colombians serve hot chocolate topped with a dollop of cheese. This statement is correct. In Colombia, it is common to serve hot chocolate with a piece of cheese in it, a traditional pairing that enhances the experience.
- Filipinos serve hot chocolate flavored with peppers. Filipino hot chocolate, known as "tsokolate," is typically made from tablea chocolate, which does not usually include peppers.
Given the analysis, the correct statement is: Colombians serve hot chocolate topped with a dollop of cheese.
Approach Solution -2
This is the Correct Statement
Colombians serve hot chocolate with a dollop of cheese.
Context: In Colombia, hot chocolate is often served with a unique twist: a dollop of cheese. This tradition is deeply rooted in Colombian culture, where the combination of the rich, warm chocolate and the savory cheese creates a comforting and flavorful experience.
Hot Chocolate and Cheese: The practice of adding cheese to hot chocolate is common in Colombia and some other Latin American countries. The cheese, usually a mild variety, melts slightly when placed into the hot chocolate, creating a creamy texture and enhancing the overall flavor. It is typically served as part of a hearty breakfast or a mid-day snack.
Final Thought: The Colombian tradition of serving hot chocolate with cheese offers a distinctive and delicious variation of the classic drink, combining sweet and savory elements that reflect the country’s unique culinary culture.
Choose the correct meaning of the underlined expression: "Soon enough, though, hot chocolate caught on with the masses."
- was readily available in cafes
- became popular among the commoners
- hot chocolate did not appeal to people
- masses got attracted to the rich experience of drinking hot chocolate
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
To determine the correct meaning of the underlined expression "caught on" in the sentence "Soon enough, though, hot chocolate caught on with the masses," we need to analyze the context and potential meanings.
The phrase "caught on" generally means to become popular or widely accepted among a group. Here, the sentence is discussing hot chocolate and its relationship with the masses. To "catch on" implies that the masses began to favor or adopt hot chocolate.
Now, let’s examine the options:
| Option 1 | was readily available in cafes |
| Option 2 | became popular among the commoners |
| Option 3 | hot chocolate did not appeal to people |
| Option 4 | masses got attracted to the rich experience of drinking hot chocolate |
By definition, "caught on" is synonymous with gaining popularity or widespread acceptance. Therefore, the correct choice is:
Option 2: became popular among the commoners.
Approach Solution -2
"Caught on with the masses" means becoming popular among the common people.
Context: The phrase "caught on with the masses" refers to something gaining widespread popularity, especially among ordinary people. When an idea, trend, or product "catches on," it becomes embraced by the general public and is adopted on a large scale.
Meaning of the Phrase: The expression highlights how certain trends or cultural phenomena go from being niche or exclusive to being widely accepted and enjoyed by the broader population. This shift indicates a change from limited appeal to widespread enthusiasm.
Example: A new fashion trend, technology, or social movement might start among a small group of people but, if it "catches on with the masses," it will soon be embraced by the general public, making it mainstream.
Final Thought: "Caught on with the masses" emphasizes how popular culture, ideas, and innovations can quickly gain traction and become a significant part of everyday life when they resonate with large groups of people.
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
- Shown below are letters ‘e’ taken from four popular logos, arranged in a sequence. Which of the options is the correct sequence?
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- Shown below are four options, each showing consecutive frames representing the movement of a pendulum of an old-style wall clock for an animation movie. Which is the correct option?
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- Acrucial moderating factor in how people experience comparisons is self-esteem. Individuals with high self-esteem are more likely to interpret upward comparison as informative rather than threatening. They are more resilient in the face of others’ success and more likely to believe they can reach their own goals. In contrast, people with low self-esteem are more prone to interpret comparison as judgment, reinforcing negative self-views and triggering feelings of inadequacy.
This dynamic creates a self-reinforcing loop. People with high self-esteem are less vulnerable to upward comparison, which intensifies those doubts. Those with a secure sense of self are more likely to use comparison as a learning tool. The same external stimulus—a colleague’s achievements, a friend’s popularity—can have radically different effects depending on internal stability.
Self-esteem also influences how people choose their comparison targets. Research has found that individuals often engage in “selective comparison,” seeking out those who confirm their existing beliefs about themselves. This can become a subtle form of self-sabotage. Someone who feels unworthy may subconsciously seek out targets that reinforce that sense, perpetuating a narrative of inferiority. One of the most promising antidotes to social comparison is temporal comparison—evaluating oneself not against others, but against one’s own past. This method has been shown to increase motivation and satisfaction, especially when individuals can see concrete progress. Temporal comparison activates the same reward circuits as social comparison but avoids the threat systems associated with social ranking. It also reinforces agency: individuals focus on what they can control and improve rather than what others control. In therapeutic and coaching settings, temporal comparison is used to help clients build self-efficacy and track growth over time.
Moreover, people who focus on self-improvement rather than social dominance are less likely to fall into cycles of envy or self-pity. They can still use others as inspiration, but they do so without attaching their self-worth to the outcome. This is not to say they never compare—but that they focus on learning, rather than judgment. The most skilful approach to comparison may lie in eliminating it, but in reframing it as feedback. When we interpret comparison as information rather than a verdict, we can ask, “What can I learn from this?” This shift turns comparison into a growth tool. Teachers mentor their students, not as rivals. Psychologists emphasize that the key variable here is mindset.
A fixed mindset sees comparison as a threat. If someone else is better, it means we are worse. A growth mindset sees comparison as a map. If someone else has reached a certain level, it means the path exists. This reframing is not just a cognitive trick. It changes the emotional tone of comparison, making it more likely to inspire than to wound. Reframing also requires emotional regulation—the ability to notice an initial pang of envy or shame without reacting impulsively. With practice, individuals can learn to pause, reflect, and reinterpret their emotional responses. Over time, this builds resilience and self-trust, allowing comparison to become a learning tool rather than a cage.- XAT - 2026
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
When people who are talking don’t share the same culture, knowledge, values, and assumptions, mutual understanding can be especially difficult. Such understanding is possible through the negotiation of meaning. To negotiate meaning with someone, you have to become aware of and respect both the differences in your backgrounds and when these differences are important. You need enough diversity of cultural and personal experience to be aware that divergent world views exist and what they might be like. You also need the flexibility in world view, and a generous tolerance for mistakes, as well as a talent for finding the right metaphor to communicate the relevant parts of unshared experiences or to highlight the shared experiences while demphasizing the others. Metaphorical imagination is a crucial skill in creating rapport and in communicating the nature of unshared experience. This skill consists, in large measure, of the ability to bend your world view and adjust the way you categorize your experiences. Problems of mutual understanding are not exotic; they arise in all extended conversations where understanding is important.
When it really counts, meaning is almost never communicated according to the CONDUIT metaphor, that is, where one person transmits a fixed, clear proposition to another by means of expressions in a common language, where both parties have all the relevant common knowledge, assumptions, values, etc. When the chips are down, meaning is negotiated: you slowly figure out what you have in common, what it is safe to talk about, how you can communicate unshared experience or create a shared vision. With enough flexibility in bending your world view and with luck and charity, you may achieve some mutual understanding.
Communication theories based on the CONDUIT metaphor turn from the pathetic to the evil when they are applied indiscriminately on a large scale, say, in government surveillance or computerized files. There, what is most crucial for real understanding is almost never included, and it is assumed that the words in the file have meaning in themselves—disembodied, objective, understandable meaning. When a society lives by the CONDUITmetaphor on a large scale, misunderstanding, persecution, and much worse are the likely products.- XAT - 2026
- Verbal and Logical Ability
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Later, I realized that reviewing the history of nuclear physics served another purpose as well: It gave the lie to the naive belief that the physicists could have come together when nuclear fission was discovered (in Nazi Germany!) and agreed to keep the discovery a secret, thereby sparing humanity such a burden. No. Given the development of nuclear physics up to 1938, development that physicists throughout the world pursued in all innocence of any intention of finding the engine of a new weapon of mass destruction—only one of them, the remarkable Hungarian physicist Leo Szilard, took that possibility seriously—the discovery of nuclear fission was inevitable. To stop it, you would have had to stop physics. If German scientists hadn’t made the discovery when they did, French, American, Russian, Italian, or Danish scientists would have done so, almost certainly within days or weeks. They were all working at the same cutting edge, trying to understand the strange results of a simple experiment bombarding uranium with neutrons. Here was no Faustian bargain, as movie directors and other naifs still find it intellectually challenging to imagine. Here was no evil machinery that the noble scientists might hide from the problems and the generals. To the contrary, there was a high insight into how the world works, an energetic reaction, older than the earth, that science had finally devised the instruments and arrangements to coart forth. “Make it seem inevitable,” Louis Pasteur used to advise his students when they prepared to write up their discoveries. But it was. To wish that it might have been ignored or suppressed is barbarous. “Knowledge,” Niels Bohr once noted, “is itself the basis for civilization.” You cannot have the one without the other; the one depends upon the other. Nor can you have only benevolent knowledge; the scientific method doesn’t filter for benevolence. Knowledge has consequences, not always intended, not always comfortable, but always welcome. The earth revolves around the sun, not the sun around the earth. “It is a profound and necessary truth,” Robert Oppenheimer would say, “that the deep things in science are not found because they are useful; they are found because it was possible to find them.”
...Bohr proposed once that the goal of science is not universal truth. Rather, he argued, the modest but relentless goal of science is “the gradual removal of prejudices.” The discovery that the earth revolves around the sun has gradually removed the prejudice that the earth is the center of the universe. The discovery of microbes is gradually removing the prejudice that disease is a punishment from God. The discovery of evolution is gradually removing the prejudice that Homo sapiens is a separate and special creation.- XAT - 2026
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
Questions Asked in CUET exam
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- If 36: 84 :: 42: X, then the value of X, is:
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- The angles of elevation of the top of a tower from two points at a distance of 5 meters and 20 meters along the same straight line from the base of the tower, are complementary. Find the height of the tower.
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