In Europe, A Favorite Method Of Aiding Science Is To Offer A Prize GMAT Reading Comprehension

Reading Passage Question

In Europe, a favorite method of aiding science is to offer a prize for the best thesis on a specified subject. On theoretical grounds this is extremely objectionable. Since the papers presented are anonymous and confidential, no one but the judges know how great is the effort wasted in the creation of these theses. The larger the prize, the greater the injury to science, since the greater will be the energy diverted from untried fields. It would be much wiser to invite applications, select the man most likely to produce a useful thesis, and award the prize to him if he achieved success.

The award of a medal, if of great intrinsic value, would be an unwise expenditure. The Victoria Cross is an example of a successful foundation, highly prized, but of small intrinsic value. If made of gold, it would carry no greater honor, and would be more liable to be stolen, melted down or pawned. Honorary membership in a famous society, or honorary degrees, have great value if wisely awarded. Both are highly prized, form an excellent stimulus to continued work, and as they are both priceless, and without price, they in no way diminish the capacity for work.

“In Europe, a favorite method of aiding science is to offer a prize”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Nominees must have a firm understanding of English GMAT reading comprehension. There are three comprehension questions in this GMAT Reading Comprehension section. GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are conducted to examine candidates' skills to decipher, interpret, and utilize knowledge or ideas. Candidates can actively prepare by answering GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solutions and Explanation

1. The author of the passage sets out to

1. Propose a method by which truly brilliant scientific work can be identified
2. Criticize the use of rewards that have great intrinsic value
3. Evaluate various ways in which scientific excellence can be achieved in a particular field
4. Discuss the disadvantages of awarding medals of high intrinsic value
5. Suggest a method of rewarding excellence in a scientific field

2. All of the following can be inferred about the “Victoria Cross” EXCEPT:

1. It is an honorary medal
2. It has almost no intrinsic value
3. It is often made of gold
4. It carries great honor among those who receive it
5. It is a good example of an award of excellence

3. Which of the following can be inferred regarding a “favorite method of aiding science”?

1. It does not necessarily do much service in aiding the progress of science
2. It helps promote the development of new and groundbreaking scientific theories
3. The fact that the papers are presented anonymously is the only drawback of this method
4. It is an essential model that should be replicated in other nations to ensure scientific progress
5. Its contributions to the scientific community include only unwise expenditure and diversion of energy from untried fields

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