SPI - Synthetic Personality Inventory Ability Test: Verbal Reasoning Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following passage and answer the question below.
"Initial project estimates for the new bridge construction were based on material costs from the previous fiscal year. However, due to unforeseen supply chain disruptions, the cost of steel has risen by 15% and concrete by 10%. The project lead has stated that despite these increases, the project can still be completed within the original budget by optimizing logistical routes and renegotiating labor contracts. This optimization is expected to offset the material cost surge completely."
Based on the passage, which statement is definitively TRUE?
- The project will be completed ahead of schedule.
- The total cost of materials for the project has decreased.
- The project's budget will not be exceeded if the proposed optimizations are successful. (Correct answer)
- Labor contract renegotiations have already been finalized.
Correct answer: The project's budget will not be exceeded if the proposed optimizations are successful.
The passage explicitly states that the optimization of logistics and renegotiation of labor contracts is 'expected to offset the material cost surge completely,' allowing the project to be completed 'within the original budget.' The other options are not supported by the text. 'Ahead of schedule' is not mentioned, material costs have 'risen,' not decreased, and the renegotiations are a proposed action, not a finalized one.
Question 2: Which of the following words is the closest in meaning (synonym) to 'UBIQUITOUS'?
- Scarce
- Pervasive (Correct answer)
- Optional
- Secretive
Correct answer: Pervasive
The word 'Ubiquitous' means present, appearing, or found everywhere. 'Pervasive' also means spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people. 'Scarce' is an antonym. 'Optional' and 'Secretive' are unrelated in meaning.
Question 3: Complete the following analogy: SCALPEL is to SURGEON as __________ is to ASTRONOMER.
- Stethoscope
- Microscope
- Telescope (Correct answer)
- Specimen
Correct answer: Telescope
The relationship in the analogy is 'tool to professional.' A scalpel is a primary tool used by a surgeon. Similarly, a telescope is a primary tool used by an astronomer to perform their work. A stethoscope is for a doctor, a microscope for a biologist, and a specimen is an object of study, not a tool.
Question 4: In a particular coding system, if 'MARKET' is coded as 'NCUOJV', how would 'SYSTEM' be coded using the same logic?
- UAUVGO (Correct answer)
- TZTVGO
- UAXVGO
- UAUWGP
Correct answer: UAUVGO
The coding pattern involves shifting every letter in the original word forward by two positions in the alphabet. M becomes O, A becomes C, R becomes T, and so on. Applying this rule to 'SYSTEM': S+2=U, Y+2=A, S+2=U, T+2=V, E+2=G, M+2=O.
Question 5: Three of the following four words are alike in some way, while one is different. Which word is the odd one out?
- Astute
- Perceptive
- Shrewd
- Gullible (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Gullible
'Astute', 'Perceptive', and 'Shrewd' are all synonyms that describe someone who has or shows sharp powers of judgment. 'Gullible', on the other hand, is an antonym, meaning easily persuaded to believe something; credulous. Therefore, it is the word that does not fit with the others.
Question 6: A manager is faced with a scenario: Team A and Team B both require a specialized software license to complete their urgent projects, but there is only one license available. Team A's project is on a stricter deadline, but Team B's project has a higher potential return on investment. The company's core policy prioritizes meeting all deadlines. Which of the following is the most logical course of action based strictly on the information and policy provided?
- Assign the license to Team B because of the higher potential return.
- Ask the teams to share the license by splitting their workdays.
- Assign the license to Team A. (Correct answer)
- Purchase a second license immediately.
Correct answer: Assign the license to Team A.
The scenario explicitly states that the company's core policy is to prioritize meeting all deadlines. Since Team A's project has the stricter deadline, assigning the license to them is the only course of action that directly aligns with the stated policy. The higher return of Team B's project is a compelling factor, but it is secondary to the company's core policy as described in the prompt.
