Comprehension
While Artificial Intelligence was born prematurely in an era that treated it with skepticism, it overcame the challenges and now boasts of a present where machines perform highly specialized tasks. A few decades more and we may have Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) – machines that are capable of human-level performance on full range of tasks that at present we only can tackle.
But have we accounted for what this progress entails? The future prospects of AGI have led to a marked divide in the scientific community. On one hand, we have the Progressive Scientists who support AGI, and on the other we have the Ethical Scientists who consider the flight to be as perilous as that of Icarus. The Progressive Scientists have maintained a cavalier attitude towards the fear expressed by the Ethical Scientists and have dismissed it as the fear of “unknown”. They realize little that this doubt stems out, not from what is unseen but out of what exists. A look at the history shows that humans are themselves far from being reliably human-friendly. We do many terrible things to each other and to many other sensitive creatures with whom we share the planet. If super-intelligent machines can’t prove to be a lot better than us, we’ll be in deep trouble. We’ll have powerful new intelligence amplifying the dark sides of our own fallible natures. Given how catastrophic the consequences could be, the disdain with which the Ethical scientists view the future of AGI does not seem misplaced.
But have we accounted for what this progress entails? The future prospects of AGI have led to a marked divide in the scientific community. On one hand, we have the Progressive Scientists who support AGI, and on the other we have the Ethical Scientists who consider the flight to be as perilous as that of Icarus. The Progressive Scientists have maintained a cavalier attitude towards the fear expressed by the Ethical Scientists and have dismissed it as the fear of “unknown”. They realize little that this doubt stems out, not from what is unseen but out of what exists. A look at the history shows that humans are themselves far from being reliably human-friendly. We do many terrible things to each other and to many other sensitive creatures with whom we share the planet. If super-intelligent machines can’t prove to be a lot better than us, we’ll be in deep trouble. We’ll have powerful new intelligence amplifying the dark sides of our own fallible natures. Given how catastrophic the consequences could be, the disdain with which the Ethical scientists view the future of AGI does not seem misplaced.
Question: 1
The central idea of the passage is
The central idea of the passage is
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To identify the central idea, focus on the main comparison or contrast discussed in the passage.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2025
- Discuss the origin of AGI
- Explain why AGI has failed to achieve its goal
- Compare the differences in the ideologies of Progressive and Ethical Scientists
- Discuss an oversight that can cost us dearly
- Revise a thought held by Ethical Scientists
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Identify the central theme of the passage.
The passage talks about the divide in the scientific community regarding the prospects of AGI. It discusses the Progressive Scientists' support for AGI and the Ethical Scientists' concerns. The key contrast is between their ideologies, focusing on the potential dangers of AGI.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) Discuss the origin of AGI: The passage doesn't primarily discuss the origin of AGI but rather its future implications.
- (B) Explain why AGI has failed to achieve its goal: This is not the focus of the passage. It discusses the future potential of AGI, not its failure.
- (C) Compare the differences in the ideologies of Progressive and Ethical Scientists: Correct. The central idea is the contrast between Progressive and Ethical Scientists' views on AGI.
- (D) Discuss an oversight that can cost us dearly: The passage does mention possible dangers, but this is not the central theme.
- (E) Revise a thought held by Ethical Scientists: The passage doesn't focus on revising thoughts but on the ideological divide.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) as the passage focuses on comparing the differing views of Progressive and Ethical Scientists regarding AGI.
The passage talks about the divide in the scientific community regarding the prospects of AGI. It discusses the Progressive Scientists' support for AGI and the Ethical Scientists' concerns. The key contrast is between their ideologies, focusing on the potential dangers of AGI.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) Discuss the origin of AGI: The passage doesn't primarily discuss the origin of AGI but rather its future implications.
- (B) Explain why AGI has failed to achieve its goal: This is not the focus of the passage. It discusses the future potential of AGI, not its failure.
- (C) Compare the differences in the ideologies of Progressive and Ethical Scientists: Correct. The central idea is the contrast between Progressive and Ethical Scientists' views on AGI.
- (D) Discuss an oversight that can cost us dearly: The passage does mention possible dangers, but this is not the central theme.
- (E) Revise a thought held by Ethical Scientists: The passage doesn't focus on revising thoughts but on the ideological divide.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) as the passage focuses on comparing the differing views of Progressive and Ethical Scientists regarding AGI.
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Question: 2
The view that “this doubt stems out, not from what is unseen but out of what exists” refers to which one of the following?
The view that “this doubt stems out, not from what is unseen but out of what exists” refers to which one of the following?
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Look for clues in the passage that indicate what is feared: the unknown or the consequences of current realities.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2025
- Resistance of Ethical Scientists
- Progressive Scientists’ belief that the fear of unknown leads to the skepticism of the Ethical Scientists
- Ethical Scientists’ fear of the “unknown”
- Author’s belief that there was a lack of consensus between the Ethical and the Progressive Scientists
- Ethical Scientists’ fear of the consequences of what this progress entails
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The Correct Option is
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understand the context of the phrase.
The phrase "this doubt stems out, not from what is unseen but out of what exists" suggests that the fear or doubt is not about the unknown, but about what already exists in human history and the potential consequences of AGI.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) Resistance of Ethical Scientists: This doesn't directly align with the phrase about doubt stemming from what exists.
- (B) Progressive Scientists’ belief that the fear of unknown leads to the skepticism of the Ethical Scientists: This contradicts the phrase since it refers to the known dangers, not the unknown.
- (C) Ethical Scientists’ fear of the “unknown”: This is incorrect because the phrase contrasts the fear of the known (existing issues) with the unknown.
- (D) Author’s belief that there was a lack of consensus between the Ethical and the Progressive Scientists: This is about the ideological divide, not the source of doubt.
- (E) Ethical Scientists’ fear of the consequences of what this progress entails: Correct. The phrase refers to the existing dangers humans have created, which Ethical Scientists fear will be amplified by AGI.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (E), as the phrase highlights the fear of the consequences of progress, not the unknown.
The phrase "this doubt stems out, not from what is unseen but out of what exists" suggests that the fear or doubt is not about the unknown, but about what already exists in human history and the potential consequences of AGI.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) Resistance of Ethical Scientists: This doesn't directly align with the phrase about doubt stemming from what exists.
- (B) Progressive Scientists’ belief that the fear of unknown leads to the skepticism of the Ethical Scientists: This contradicts the phrase since it refers to the known dangers, not the unknown.
- (C) Ethical Scientists’ fear of the “unknown”: This is incorrect because the phrase contrasts the fear of the known (existing issues) with the unknown.
- (D) Author’s belief that there was a lack of consensus between the Ethical and the Progressive Scientists: This is about the ideological divide, not the source of doubt.
- (E) Ethical Scientists’ fear of the consequences of what this progress entails: Correct. The phrase refers to the existing dangers humans have created, which Ethical Scientists fear will be amplified by AGI.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (E), as the phrase highlights the fear of the consequences of progress, not the unknown.
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Question: 3
The author of the passage asserts which one of the following about the Progressive scientists?
The author of the passage asserts which one of the following about the Progressive scientists?
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Look for words in the passage that emphasize persistence or overcoming challenges, as in this case.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2025
- They attacked the Ethical Scientists in an unrestrained manner
- They underscored the problems foreseen by the Ethical Scientists
- They need to be more serious about the questions raised by the Ethical Scientists
- They were correct in avoiding doubts raised by the Ethical Scientists
- Though they were treated with skepticism, they overcame the challenges
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The Correct Option is
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understand the author's view.
The passage suggests that the Progressive Scientists, despite facing skepticism, continued their work and overcame challenges, showing perseverance.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) They attacked the Ethical Scientists in an unrestrained manner: This is not mentioned in the passage. The Progressive Scientists dismiss the concerns, but not in an unrestrained way.
- (B) They underscored the problems foreseen by the Ethical Scientists: The Progressive Scientists dismiss these problems rather than underscore them.
- (C) They need to be more serious about the questions raised by the Ethical Scientists: This is not implied in the passage; they dismiss the Ethical Scientists' concerns.
- (D) They were correct in avoiding doubts raised by the Ethical Scientists: The passage does not explicitly state that they were correct. They simply dismissed the concerns.
- (E) Though they were treated with skepticism, they overcame the challenges: Correct. The Progressive Scientists faced skepticism but overcame it and continued their work.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (E).
The passage suggests that the Progressive Scientists, despite facing skepticism, continued their work and overcame challenges, showing perseverance.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) They attacked the Ethical Scientists in an unrestrained manner: This is not mentioned in the passage. The Progressive Scientists dismiss the concerns, but not in an unrestrained way.
- (B) They underscored the problems foreseen by the Ethical Scientists: The Progressive Scientists dismiss these problems rather than underscore them.
- (C) They need to be more serious about the questions raised by the Ethical Scientists: This is not implied in the passage; they dismiss the Ethical Scientists' concerns.
- (D) They were correct in avoiding doubts raised by the Ethical Scientists: The passage does not explicitly state that they were correct. They simply dismissed the concerns.
- (E) Though they were treated with skepticism, they overcame the challenges: Correct. The Progressive Scientists faced skepticism but overcame it and continued their work.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (E).
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Question: 4
What is the attitude of Progressive Scientists towards Ethical Scientists?
What is the attitude of Progressive Scientists towards Ethical Scientists?
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Look for words that describe how one group dismisses or treats another to understand the attitude.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2025
- spiteful and envious
- Reverent and idolatry
- ignorant and condescending
- ambivalent but deferential
- uncertain but interested
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Analyze the Progressive Scientists’ attitude.
The passage describes the Progressive Scientists as dismissive of the concerns raised by the Ethical Scientists, suggesting an attitude of ignorance towards the fears of the Ethical Scientists and a condescending dismissal of their arguments.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) spiteful and envious: This is not indicated. They are dismissive, not spiteful.
- (B) Reverent and idolatry: This contradicts the passage, as the Progressive Scientists do not show reverence to the Ethical Scientists.
- (C) ignorant and condescending: Correct. The Progressive Scientists dismiss the Ethical Scientists' concerns in a condescending way, showing ignorance of the issues raised.
- (D) ambivalent but deferential: The Progressive Scientists are not ambivalent, nor do they defer to the Ethical Scientists.
- (E) uncertain but interested: The passage does not describe the Progressive Scientists as uncertain or interested in the concerns of the Ethical Scientists.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C).
The passage describes the Progressive Scientists as dismissive of the concerns raised by the Ethical Scientists, suggesting an attitude of ignorance towards the fears of the Ethical Scientists and a condescending dismissal of their arguments.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) spiteful and envious: This is not indicated. They are dismissive, not spiteful.
- (B) Reverent and idolatry: This contradicts the passage, as the Progressive Scientists do not show reverence to the Ethical Scientists.
- (C) ignorant and condescending: Correct. The Progressive Scientists dismiss the Ethical Scientists' concerns in a condescending way, showing ignorance of the issues raised.
- (D) ambivalent but deferential: The Progressive Scientists are not ambivalent, nor do they defer to the Ethical Scientists.
- (E) uncertain but interested: The passage does not describe the Progressive Scientists as uncertain or interested in the concerns of the Ethical Scientists.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C).
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Question: 5
The results of the recent diet program that was launched early this year are evident in all the participants’ average weight, which reduced by almost 7kg on an average during the first 2 months of the program after it increased by 8% in the last three years.
The results of the recent diet program that was launched early this year are evident in all the participants’ average weight, which reduced by almost 7kg on an average during the first 2 months of the program after it increased by 8% in the last three years.
Show Hint
Pay attention to the tense when describing a sequence of events, especially with past actions.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2025
- which reduced by almost 7kg on an average during the first two months of the program after it increased
- which had reduced by almost 7kg on an average during the first two months of the program after it had increased
- which has increased by almost 7kg on an average during the first two months of the program after it increased
- with a 7kg reduction on an average during the first two months of the program after increasing
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understand the tense and structure.
The passage describes a sequence of events: first, the weight increased, and then it decreased. The correct option must reflect this past sequence using the past perfect tense ("had reduced").
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) which reduced by almost 7kg on an average during the first two months of the program after it increased: Incorrect, as it uses the simple past tense, which doesn't reflect the prior increase properly.
- (B) which had reduced by almost 7kg on an average during the first two months of the program after it had increased: Correct. This option correctly uses the past perfect tense, reflecting the sequence of the weight increase and then reduction.
- (C) which has increased by almost 7kg on an average during the first two months of the program after it increased: Incorrect. This uses the present perfect tense, which doesn't fit the sequence.
- (D) with a 7kg reduction on an average during the first two months of the program after increasing: Incorrect. This structure is awkward and doesn't properly reflect the sequence of events.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B).
The passage describes a sequence of events: first, the weight increased, and then it decreased. The correct option must reflect this past sequence using the past perfect tense ("had reduced").
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) which reduced by almost 7kg on an average during the first two months of the program after it increased: Incorrect, as it uses the simple past tense, which doesn't reflect the prior increase properly.
- (B) which had reduced by almost 7kg on an average during the first two months of the program after it had increased: Correct. This option correctly uses the past perfect tense, reflecting the sequence of the weight increase and then reduction.
- (C) which has increased by almost 7kg on an average during the first two months of the program after it increased: Incorrect. This uses the present perfect tense, which doesn't fit the sequence.
- (D) with a 7kg reduction on an average during the first two months of the program after increasing: Incorrect. This structure is awkward and doesn't properly reflect the sequence of events.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B).
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