Rational optimists: (a) Look for opportunities. (b) Are sensible and cheerful.…

Concept

In an inference-based statement-combination question, a statement is supported when the passage expresses the same idea through wording, contrast, or the label it uses; exact word matching is not required.

Map every statement separately to the passage, then select the combination that preserves all supported mappings.

Application

1. For (a), the passage links rational optimists with competition, success, and an individualistic approach to a successful future. In the question’s paraphrase, this pursuit of individual success corresponds to looking for opportunities.

2. For (b), the word rational conveys a sensible outlook, while optimists and the nearby “fine and cheerful” description convey cheerfulness.

3. For (c), the passage associates this outlook with individualism and with profiting at the expense of others, which corresponds to a selfish drive.

Contrast and cross-check

• The combination (a), (b), and (c) preserves all three passage-based mappings.

• The combination (a) only leaves the rational-and-cheerful outlook and the self-interested drive unrepresented.

• The combination (a) and (b) only leaves the profit-at-others’ expense idea unrepresented.

• The combination (b) and (c) only leaves the competition-and-success idea behind (a) unrepresented.

Therefore, the complete answer is (a), (b), and (c).