Instructions

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow.

Mr. Screwvala, a highly successful investment banker, had a career of nearly 25 years. In his circle, he was respected for his straight-shooter image and industrious behaviour. Screwvala loved travelling; he travelled extensively, both for his job and personal interests. He always wanted to share his life experiences with people at large.

He chanced upon such an opportunity when his old friend, Mr. Patel, a well-known publisher, offered Screwvala to publish a book based on his life experiences. Screwvala grabbed the opportunity; however, given his thorough nature, he took a three-year long sabbatical to finish the book.

During that period, Patel guided Screwvala at every step, reviewing every chapter personally. At the end, the book was probably as much Patel’s, as it was Screwvala’s!

On publication, the book turned out to be a bestseller, and Screwvala became famous.

Question 40

Patel had a new proposal for Screwvala: he wanted Screwvala to work on a detective novel. Patel proposed that Screwvala would only write the final chapter of the detective novel, after his co-authors. Screwvala accepted the offer by signing a contract.

While waiting for his turn to come to write his chapter for the detective novel, Screwvala started writing a travel blog. Because of his radiant style, the blog became popular. Hence, he started mulling over converting the blog articles into a book.

When Screwvala shared this idea, Patel sprung a surprise by pointing out to a clause in their contract. The clause forbade Screwvala from publishing anything else until the detective novel got published. Screwvala signed the contract without reading it as he trusted Patel as a good friend. Further, Patel offered Screwvala an extra sum of money if he would delay the publication of his travel blog articles as a book.

Screwvala felt betrayed. Which of the following will be the MOST compelling reason for Screwvala to continue with publishing his blog as a book, ignoring the contract with Patel?

Solution

Screwvala feels betrayed because Patel is using a contractual clause to prevent him from publishing his travel blog as a book, despite their friendship. The question asks for the strongest reason to proceed with publication despite the contract, so the most relevant consideration is whether Screwvala has a practical way to do so without facing unmanageable consequences. Option E is correct because his lawyer believes that Patel could be offered reasonable compensation to release Screwvala from the contract. This gives Screwvala a possible way to pursue his book while addressing his contractual obligation, making it a more compelling reason than simply feeling wronged or losing interest in the detective novel.

Option A suggests that the blog already has a readership, but this does not justify breaching the contract. Option B indicates that Patel may have acted unfairly toward another author, but it does not establish that Screwvala should disregard his own agreement. Option C appeals to Screwvala’s unwillingness to tolerate unfair treatment, but acting out of resentment is less compelling than having a practical way to resolve the contractual issue. Option D explains why Screwvala might want to abandon the detective novel, but frustration alone does not justify ignoring the contract. Thus, Option E offers the strongest reason because it presents a possible route to publishing the travelogue while mitigating the consequences of breaking the agreement.

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