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ISRO EC 2023 Q.81: solution and answer

ISRO 2023 · ECQ.81 · 1 mark · MCQ

Which option replaces the question mark?

ISRO EC 2023 question 81: A 2x2 grid of boxes.Tap to open full size
Figure from the ISRO EC 2023 paper. It is part of the question.
Figure description

A 2x2 grid of boxes. Top row: left box holds a paint can labelled 'Paint'; right box holds a paintbrush. Bottom row: left box holds a spool of thread; right box holds a question mark. Four option pictures are printed below: 1 a polka-dot dress, 2 a pair of scissors, 3 a pen/pencil (a slanted writing instrument), 4 a sewing needle with thread passing through its eye.

  1. (A)

    Figure — a polka-dot dress (option 1)

  2. (B)

    Figure — a pair of scissors (option 2)

  3. (C)

    Figure — a pen or pencil (option 3)

  4. (D)

    Figure — a sewing needle with thread (option 4)

Answer and solution

ANSWER

The question mark is replaced by the sewing needle with thread, which is option (d) 4.

Official answer: DSource: ISRO's revised and final answer key of 16 February 2024

  1. In the top row, the first box shows paint and the second shows a paintbrush. The brush is the tool used to apply that material.

  2. The bottom row must follow the same relation: the first box shows a spool of thread, so the missing box should show the tool used to apply thread.

  3. Thread is applied by stitching with a sewing needle, which is drawn with thread passing through its eye (option 4).

  4. The dress (option 1) is something made from thread and cloth, a finished product and not a tool, so it does not match the pattern of material to tool.

  5. The scissors (option 2) only cut thread or cloth; they do not apply the thread the way a brush applies paint.

  6. The slanted pen or pencil (option 3) is a writing instrument with no link to thread.

  7. Hence the sewing needle, option 4, replaces the question mark.

KEY IDEA

In picture analogies, find the relation in the complete row (material to the tool that applies it) and carry the same relation to the incomplete row.

WATCH OUT FOR

Choosing the scissors because they are often used with thread, or the dress because it comes from thread. Neither is the tool that applies thread as a brush applies paint.

From the ISRO EC 2023 paper. Also Q.81 of the ISRO Scientist/Engineer Computer Science 2023 paper. Every question of this paper · The full paper (PDF, ISRO) · All 11 ISRO Reasoning questions, with notes

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