Leela is older than her cousin Pavithra. Pavithra's brother Shiva is older than Leela. When Pavithra and Shiva are visiting Leela, all three like to play chess. Pavithra wins more often than Leela does. Which one of the following statements must be TRUE based on the above? A. When Shiva plays chess with Leela and Pavithra, he often loses. B. Leela is the oldest of the three. C. Shiva is a better chess player than Pavithra. D. Pavithra is a better chess player than Leela.

GATE 2016 · General Aptitude · Verbal Reasoning · medium

Answer: Option D must be TRUE: Pavithra is a better chess player than Leela, as directly evidenced by Pavithra winning more often.

1. Establish age order: Given: Leela is older than Pavithra (Leela > Pavithra). Pavithra's brother Shiva is older than Leela (Shiva > Leela). Combined: Shiva > Leela > Pavithra.
2. Evaluate option B: Option B says Leela is the oldest. But Shiva > Leela, so Leela is NOT the oldest. Option B is FALSE.
3. Evaluate options A and C: Option A: Shiva often loses chess. The passage gives no information about Shiva's chess performance. Cannot be concluded. Option C: Shiva is a better chess player than Pavithra. Again, no information about Shiva's chess results is given. Cannot be concluded.
4. Evaluate option D: Option D: Pavithra is a better chess player than Leela. The passage directly states 'Pavithra wins more often than Leela does.' Winning more often IS the definition of being a better player. This MUST be true.