UCAT Question Analysis - Abstract Reasoning Q10
Some astronauts and their controllers on Earth develop a code to communicate with each other. Interpret the following messages as best you can.
What is the best interpretation of the following code?
C, E, 13, H, (K, 2, 8), B
Burning the fuel is what keeps us in the sky.
Don't ignite the fuel or we'll be blown out of the sky.
If the engine goes out we'll fall out of the sky.
Separate us from the fuel whilst we're in the air.
When the fuel runs out we'll start our descent.
Answer and Explanation
C, E, 13, H, K (2, 8), B translates as Negative Ignite Fuel, Apply, (Separate, Us, Sky), Down
If the engine goes out we'll fall out of the sky is the correct answer
'Apply' can be interpreted as linking the other parts of the code. 'Negative ignite fuel' can be interpreted as the fuel is not lighting - i.e. the engine is not on.
'Separate (Us, Sky), Down' can be interpreted as we will be separate from the sky by going down i.e. we'll fall out of the sky
'Burning the fuel is what keeps us in the sky' is incorrect because there is no use of 'negative'
'Don't ignite the fuel or we'll be blown out of the sky' is close but requires the use of extra coding to describe being 'blown' out of the sky
'Separate us from the fuel whilst we're in the air is wrong because 'Separate' should be linked to 'Us, Sky' rather than fuel. There is also no use of 'down'
'When the fuel runs out we'll start our descent' is not such a good translation because 'negative ignite fuel' is better interpreted as 'when the engine goes out' rather than 'when the fuel runs out'
Drafted by Juno Wong(UCAT Prep)