KPMG Past Questions And Answers


91)

In a recent study of responses to visual images, researchers found that women most frequently gave the rating most attractive to images of male faces that were more feminine in contour, and rated more masculine faces, on average, less attractive.
The researchers concluded that modern women prefer men who are less obviously masculine in their facial features. The conclusion would be most severely weakened if which of the following were true?

Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
The researchers are testing preference for one feature: the masculinity/femininity of the faces.
However, if the faces have other differences, say race or size or age, then the subjects could be responding to that feature. In statement E, the correct answer, we have the possibility that the subjects are responding to age, a situation that is very damaging to the conclusion.
92)

The number of people diagnosed with dengue fever (which is contracted from the bite of an infected mosquito) in North India this year is twice the number diagnosed last year. The authorities have concluded that measures to control the mosquito population have failed in this region.
All of the following, if true, would cast doubt on the authorities conclusion except

Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
The authorities conclude that measures to control mosquitoes have failed. We need to find something that does not contradict that conclusion. But first we need to find the four items that do cast doubt on that conclusion. If the disease is contracted in another country, or if numbers reported are increasing because of better tests or reporting methods, or simply because the human population is increasing, then we cannot conclude that control measures have failed. However, if the incidence of another mosquito-borne disease is increasing, it is more likely to indicate that mosquitoes are not controlled.
93)

The enormous distances between stars are not spaces entirely devoid of matter. The interstellar spaces are filled with dust: very low density matter. This miniscule amount of matter, spread over almost infinite distances, acts like a curtain obscuring the stars that lie behind. If it were not for this material we would see no dark patches in the sky at night: the sky would be entirely covered with stars.
The two parts in boldface play what roles in the argument above?

Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The first part in bold is a statement of a fact. It is not the opinion of the author or speculation, and neither does the author dispute this fact, and so choices A and D can be eliminated. The second part is not a fact; it is a suggestion of what might happen if the first-mentioned fact were not true. Hence E and B can be eliminated. The correct answer is C.
94)

Photography is no longer an art form. Nowadays everyone has access to digital cameras that only need to be pointed at the subject in order to generate a perfect image.
The writer of the argument apparently assumes that

Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Note that an assumption is like a premise in that if it is wrong the argument is invalid, and if it is right it supports the conclusion. If the statement in A is correct, it supports the idea that ‘point and shoot€™ is not art, but if it is wrong, and choosing what to point the camera at involves an art, then the argument is invalid. Hence, A is an assumption. The argument states that photography is not an art form because you only have to a point and shoot. This does not imply that the writer thinks digital cameras are perfect or will continue to improve, and so B and C are not assumptions. He does not assume that photography with ALL other cameras is art, and so D can be eliminated. He clearly does not imply that all art is not perfect
95)

During the past 20 years, computer scientists focused increasingly on starting and running successful businesses. However, since businesses must be profitable, computer scientists must focus on developing products that generate profit. Consequently, computer science has lost its creative aspect. Which of the following assumptions is most necessary in order for the conclusion above to be drawn from the argument above?

Correct Answer: C
The argument’s conclusion is: "computer science has lost its creative aspect" The argument draws the false dichotomy that the writing of profitable programs requires forgoing the writing of creative applications. In other words, it assumes that profitable and creative programs are mutually exclusive. Further, it assumes that all computer scientists are pursuing writing profitable programs.
A. There is a difference between being well received and being profitable. The argument assumes that only non-creative programs can be profitable. However, this does not mean creative programs will not be well- received. It just means they will not be profitable.
B. Even if some computer scientists disregarded creativity, we cannot (as the original argument and this answer do) assume that creativity and profit are mutually exclusive.
C. This answer identifies a crucial assumption in the original argument. If writing creative and profitable programs were not mutually exclusive, then one could write profitable programs without "computer science [having] lost its creative aspect."
D. The extent to which a computer scientist is obsessed with the profitability of his work has no influence on whether profitability drives away creativity (as the original argument assumes).
E. The users of software have influence on whether software can be both profitable and creative.

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