Inky Pinky Ponky

Inky Pinky Ponky

Let me begin with the incident which led to my astounding theory (which I promise to dwell on at a later stage…the story is not too long!). The tale begins a year back. As is the habit of most prestigious educational institutions in the world, our school also organized various competitions where other schools are provided with a chance to show off their prowess.

Generally quizzing is considered a competition for the meek, brainy and contemplative. It is too! But it is a different picture at school quizzes, where the students growl at their oppositions, punch the air with such vigour as was last seen at Madison Square Garden when Mohammad Ali took down his opponents.

At one of these quizzes I and my good friend Soumya were left out and we decided to sit in the crowd and watch our rather illustrious school team having a bad day and being kicked out of their own quiz. In any case there was a particular round during that quiz where you were given 3 clues about some person, if you guessed who that person was with only one clue you made a large number of points (40 if I am not wrong), you would get 20 points for getting it on the second clue and 10 on the third clue, if you can’t get the answer after 3 clues sadly you are awarded no points.

In any case there was this question: “In World War 1, this person invented some sort of gun with the help of which you could shoot from planes without shooting your own rotary blades in the front of the aircraft.”

For some odd reason I whispered to Soumya, “I think it is Roland Garros”. Even after the third question the team couldn’t guess what the answer was, though the third question gave it away (you have a tennis stadium named after this person…the team, I remember said Rod Laver…sheesh!).

Soumya was pretty darned startled after which he congratulated me on a good answer, but he didn’t give it a second thought….nor did I; until now.

All my pals with whom I gave my entrance exam mock tests were always pretty unhappy with me because I had the uncanny habit to nearly always guess correctly, my success rate is about 60%, which is a high percentage considering the mathematical probability being 25% and the statistical probability being 17.89%.

My friends inquired into my methods, though I never could come up with a satisfactory answer, I think I have found the core concept which guides one to the correct answer in multiple answer questions.

I wish to christen my hypothesis, “Ha Ha Gotcha!” A weird name but to many smart readers it might have already shown where my thoughts lead me.

Let us discuss in detail,

1. Why is one asked a question?

Ans: Simple. To see if one knows the answer.

When one gets a very easy sum in physics at IITJEE, one that requires no concept, just solving of an equation, look closer, you are missing something for sure. Why would IIT give you something so simple, they are supposed to be merciless, why this act of compassion? Look at the answer, which of the answers is the weirdest; in a tough exam like IITJEE I am willing to bet that it is the answer.

Remember this does not work well for AIEEE, but certainly for IITJEE, ISI, NTU and so on.

Next point; remember every quiz master wants applause (since his quizzing days are over anyway!), similarly every paper setter wants appreciation, wants you to know that his concepts are clearer than yours. Every time you get a theory question, look closely it is bound to be a well known exception to a common rule, again you should look at the answers for guidance.

Just remember these two things, combine these two facts with your knowledge (though incomplete, as the case may be) you are well on your way to guessing glory.

P.S. you can differentiate the options…not worth integrating!!!