CAT 2013: Question analysis of Day 1 and tips for Day 2

17 October 2013 19:26

CAT is finally out of bag! Based on the CAT 2013 Day 1 analysis (October 16), MBAUniverse.com presents to you a guide for Day 2 CAT (October 17). This guidance series is based on inputs by CAT experts and past toppers who actually took the exam on Day 1. Analysis of DAY 1 Test Before we talk about the guidance & tips for Day 2, lets start with the analysis of Day 1 paper pattern. Section 1: Overall analysis of Verbal and LR Second section comprising 30 questions, had 20 questions on Verbal Ability including three questions on critical reasoning - completion of last sentence of paragraph and 10 questions on Logical Reasoning. The section was not very tough and therefore would have a higher cut-off percentile. Questions were good in verbal section with LOD 2 with no surprise elements. There were three Reading Comprehension passage with 10 questions based on them. The passages were not tough on Vocabulary. Two passages were short with 800-900 words followed by three questions each and one passage was slightly more in length with 1000 words and followed by 4 questions. Close and attentive reading of the passages could lead to the right answer options. There were a few common questions on these passages. Out of 10 questions two questions were What is the Tone of the passage; 3 questions were on summarise the Main idea of the passage. Other questions were based on meaning of the phrases and information available in the passages Three paragraphs with jumbled sentences appeared in the examination. The surprise of CAT 2012 was repeated and one question to pick out the Out of context sentence again found the place in parajumbles, though there was no fresh surprise. The two other questions were based on random jumbled sentences. The questions were not very difficult. Those who practiced a little could attempt them well. Four questions were there on contextual vocabulary usage. Two of them required the candidates to fill in the blanks with the appropriate pair of words. Other two questions were formed with one key word in each question which was used in four different ways in four sentences and the candidates were asked to pick out the incorrect usage. No question on use of similar words in sentences was found, although might appear in future sessions. The lone Error correction question asked to pick out the correct sentences in the paragraph. The question was based on the understanding of core grammar. Three questions each with a deleted last sentence appeared and asked the candidates to find out the most appropriate answer options that would best place as the last sentence of paragraph. Questions were not very difficult. Logical reasoning constituted sets, arrangements, arguments and was not very difficult although a little time consuming. Section 2: Overall Analysis of Quant Section Geometry and Algebra had the lions share in formation of questions in Quantitative Ability Test. Other topics contributing to this section were Arithmetic, Trigonometry, Functions, Mensuration, Time speed & Distance. Number Systems, Permutation & Combination were not present in many question sets. Data Interpretation area saw questions on Pie Chart and Case lets. Out of total 30 questions in this section, 21 were based on Quant and 9 on DI. There were 6 questions based on Geometry, Algebra contributed 4 questions followed by Number system with 3 questions and 1 question was on Permutation and combination. Concept of compound interest found its place in Arithmetic which formed 3 questions; 2 questions were formed on Venn Diagrams and 2 questions were based on the concept of Functions. According to Mr. Arks Srinivas, Quant guru and well known CAT expert, level of difficulty in Quant questions was moderate to difficult while the 9 questions in Data Interpretation were less difficult but time consuming due to their calculation intensive nature. Recommendations for CAT 2013 aspirants for next few days Based on Day1 paper pattern, no major change in type and style of questions is expected in CAT 2013. Here is our recommendation on how to orient for CAT Day 2.
RC passages: Make sure that you understand the tone of the passage. MBA Universe has shared many articles on how to detect the tone of the passage. These questions are expected in every session of next CAT sessions. You will get two

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to detect the tone of the passage. These questions are expected in every session of next CAT sessions. You will get two questions right, if you can crack the tone which is not difficult to understand. Another common question is to detect the main idea of the passage. You will get 3 questions correct, if you can understand it. The strategy should be to write down the important sentences and words from each paragraph on your scratch sheet and by the time you finish reading the passage, you will have fair idea of complete passage. Marking these 5 questions correct, you may have a good improvement in your percentile. Jumbled paragraphs: Level of difficulty in this section is expected to remain the same. Parajumbles use the connecting words like those, these, this, who, as giving the clue to connect them with other sentences. Besides, any sentence depicting a thought, different from the flow of action, should be construed as out of context sentence. The need is to practice more and you will be able to crack them. Contextual Vocabulary: It is not required to cram your head on learning the words. Better will be to practice contextual usage. Common words like stand, let, turn, take when suffixed by the prepositions in, by, down, against, off, form phrasal verbs. Read and understand their usage. It will help to mark at least two of the vocabulary questions right. Error Correction: There may not be more than one question on error correction in future sessions. Proper understanding of singular-plural, subject-verb agreement, usage of articles before comparatives and superlatives and the punctuation, will be the key to crack this type of question. Go for a close reading of direction and remember not to pick out the opposite of what is asked for.
Last sentence of Paragraph: The trick is to opt for the sentence that should conclude the paragraph and should not take the thought to any further discussion. Those who have been practicing such questions wouldnt take much time to crack it. The words like Besides, Apart from, in answer options, should be avoided as these sentences would lead to next idea of discussion and hence, must not be opted as correct answer options. The candidates should concentrate on such sentences that would conclude the discussion instead of opening a domain of further discussion. Logical Reasoning: Recommendation is to practice more on sets and arrangements in logical Reasoning. You may be able to find around 4-5 questions based on these concepts. MBAUniverse readers and users will remember that we published the most relevant articles in last few weeks, giving the clue to the CAT aspirants on surprising and anticipated elements. CAT aspirants, going to take the test in forthcoming days should go through the following

How to crack surprise questions in Verbal section for CAT 2013 ; types and tricks to solve CAT questions in Logical Reasoning; Error correction in paragraphs and sentences ; Tips to solve 6 Vocabulary questions ; and How to score more in Reading Comprehension .

They may prove to be of great help to the aspirants on preparation strategy during the next few days of their CAT examination. Quant and DI CAT aspirants should now devote more time to practice questions on Geometry and Algebra also. Both the sessions on first days opened the future pattern of CAT. The difficulty level is supposed to remain the same. With this difficulty level, a higher percentile can be scored, if the aspirants can crack 13-15 questions in Quant and DI with 100 percent accuracy level. More questions are to be attempted in this section, if the accuracy level is less say 85-90 percent to score a high percentile.
From <http://www.mbauniverse.com/article/id/7166/CAT-2013-Day-1-analysis-and-tips#>

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01. Crack Surprise questions in Verbal section for CAT 2013

17 October 2013 19:30 | 05, Oct 2013 1115IST

CAT 2013 aspirants must be cautious regarding surprise questions especially in Verbal section. In this expert article by Prof SK Agarwal, author and expert in Verbal Area, you will learn about how to solve these unexpected questions by solving Mocks.
CAT 2012 created panic among the aspirants with a surprise element in Parajumbles. The question to pick Out of Context sentence in jumbled paragraphs was something new for the aspirants While CAT 2013 aspirants should not expect any change in format, duration etc, what you must be watchful of is unanticipated and surprise questions, especially in Verbal Area, which invariably gets into CAT paper. In this expert article by Prof SK Agarwal, author and expert in Verbal Area, learn about how to solve these unexpected questions by solving mock questions. Verbal Ability Section, a hot-bed of 'surprise' In absence of the fixed syllabus, Verbal Ability section in CAT faces this unwarranted situation more than the first section in Quant. Any of the innumerable topics could form the basis of questions on Jumbled Paragraphs, the LOD of which is already too high to solve. The candidates, taken off-guard, shout foul when such surprises happen. But this doesnt help, as the surprise and Level of Difficulty are a subjective thought. It is the human tendency that tends to forget and memory begins to fade unless refreshed regularly. The important aspect is to understand and continue practicing the standard types as well as anticipate the types of surprises and devote a few minutes to practice such questions along with the regular ones. The standard questions If you go through the past trend of CAT, it will not be difficult to understand what type of parajumbles they have been placing before the aspirants. Type-1 Random: Sentences are offered in random order and the aspirant is required to arrange them in a sequential order to form a coherent and meaningful paragraph. Since this is the most common type of parajumbles and appear regularly in CAT, number of practice exercises are available with various dos and donts on them. Old Vs. New Questions in CAT- Following sample parajumbles will bring home the point journey of CAT from late Nineties to date Direction- The sentences as given below in the question, when arranged properly, form a meaningful paragraph. Choose the most appropriate order of sentences out of the given options 1. A. A large number of intellectuals believe that the North is using its military and economic powers to force unequal contracts on the South. B. The make-believe ethical issue of the sanctity of law camouflages the unethicality of the entire transaction, which is a travesty of the ethical concept of the greatest good for the greatest number. C. Once these contracts are made, the North uses the facade of legality and ethics to pindown the South. D. Thus it suffers from the flaw that the law one of the useful means to implement ethics has fouled the ethicality of the ends. A. DACB B. CBDA C. ACBD D. BDAC ANS. C. ACBD (CAT 1998) Explanation with tips Use elimination method Once these contracts must follow some earlier statement using contracts and that sentence is A therefore C should follow A while B discussing ethicaland ethicality should precede D, because the word Thus in D is going to summarise and must be the concluding sentence. 2. A. discounted to give the present value. Though there are many theories of how shares are priced, the price-to-earnings ratio remains the most popular. B. Any fall in earnings affects the stream of future earnings and impacts the company's share price. C. This is why share prices react to a fall in earnings even where companies are still making profits. Exclusive Page 3

C. This is why share prices react to a fall in earnings even where companies are still making profits. D. The share price of a company, whether bank or non-bank, essentially reflects market expectations regarding its future income stream 1. DACB 2.ABCD 3.BADC 4. CBAD Ans. DACBUnderstand the explanation with tips - D-What does share price reflect the statement defines it followed by A-future income stream discounted to give the present value; C- is the effect of the ratio. The clause This is why.. describes the reason stated earlier, followed by B-the fall in earning affects the share price, adversely as it concludes it. We are not concerned whether the last line is taking us to another paragraph but the fact that it forms coherence in a sequential order. Type-2 Knowing where to start from -Opening sentence is given before hand and other sentences are jumbled. you have to rearrange the remaining jumbled sentences to form a coherence with the opening sentence. The task is slightly easier as you know where to start from. Although CAT 2012 forgot to place this type of parajumble before the aspirants, but such forgotton ones may reappear anytime. The suggestion therefore, is not to forget such questions Sample questions with answers The difficulty level of such questions are equally high, it is recommended to go for more and more practice of this type of parajumbles Direction- In the Following paragraph opening sentence is given followed by a group of sentences, which if placed in correct sequence will form a coherent paragraph. You have to select the most appropriate option out of the given ones that follow the paragraph. Agreed, we need a paradigm shift in the age old cultural attitude A. But how is one to change the patriarchal attitude of our so-called educated urban class of men? B. what is it that can change the thinking of educated men? C. The abuse of women is common in cities too. If education is necessary to change the thinking of rural societies, D. which gives the man of the family an upper hand, as women have shown that they are second to none. 1. CDBA 2.DACB 3.ABCD 4. BADC Ans. Q.7- 2. DACB Follow the Explanation introductory sentence makes the task a little easy why the paradigm shift is needed, so D follows the introductory sentence (Use of which connects the sentence to the opening sentence); followed by A and C it explains the condition in cities followed by B-how to change the thinking and becomes the concluding sentence. Besides, once you find that D should be the beginner and as there is no other option beginning with D, obviously your answer choice will be 2. Type-3 Lead to conclude Closing sentence is available in the question with a jumbled group of preceding sentences. Now the CAT needs you to put these jumbled sentences in correct sequence in such a manner that it leads to the already available concluding sentence. Such questions used to appear frequently in CAT but there was none in 2012 and in all probability, it may resurface in 2013. Example question Dont think that such questions are less difficult. Good deal of practice is required to solve them, else they may prove to be more difficult than the random ones Direction- In the Following paragraph concluding sentence is given followed by a group of sentences, which if placed in correct sequence will form a coherent paragraph. You have to select the most appropriate option out of the given ones that follow the paragraph. Concluding sentence only more brazen in that they exploit the trust of friendly countries. A.While the Obama administration decries cyber crimes B. It has perpetuated the very same acts C. Spying on embassies is a blatant violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961. D.and economic espionage by China, Iran and North Korea. 1.ABCD 2. BCDA 3.CADB 4CDAB Ans.. Q.8 3.CADB Explanation and Tips The question may be treated opposite to the concept of completion of last sentence of a paragraph. Use of words like while, it, and refer to some earlier connections to the sentences whereas Spying is a gerund and can be used as a noun subject. Hence, Spying should begin the paragraph, so Cobviously introduces the para; A&D make a pair of the activities leading towards concluding sentence B. same acts only more brazen. Type 4- Task is easier than any of the above as you have the opening as well as closing sentences. In between are the four jumbled sentences to be placed in sequential order. These questions again have not been seen in CAT for quite some time. Piece of Advice is to be prepared to face this comparatively easy to think but difficult to attempt, type of questions in CAT 2013. Example questions Try to solve the following questions

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Example questions Try to solve the following questions Direction- In the Following paragraph Opening and concluding sentence are given followed by a group of sentences, which if placed in correct sequence will form a coherent paragraph. You have to select the most appropriate option out of the given ones that follow the paragraph. 1. Opening - Matrilineal systems of land inheritance advantaged women in many respects, especially in granting them economic and social security. 6. Concluding sentence - At the same time, their customary exclusion from major authority in public bodies meant that they were unlikely to be the ones directing the changes. A. Women, in particular, were profoundly affected by these changes. B. The large joint family estates came to be partitioned; there was an increasing penetration of market forces and patriarchal ideologies spread in influence. C. These systems, however, did not remain fixed over time. D. Interventions by the colonial and postcolonial states, and the processes of social change which these set in motion, eroded customary practices. 1. ABCD 2. BADC 3.CDBA 4. DBCA Ans. 3.CDBA Understand the coherence These refer to the Matrilineal systems so C will follow the opening sentence. Now opt for the elimination method. There is no other option that begins with C. In A you find these changes refer to B hence B should precede A which leads to concluding sentence. Anticipate the Surprises Past Surprise-CAT 2012 CAT 2012 created panic among the aspirants with a surprise element in Parajumbles. The question to pick Out of Context sentence in jumbled paragraphs was something new for the aspirants and as such they had tough time, finding it difficult to solve this benevolent surprise from CAT. The concept was to decode the jumbled paragraph and pick out the out of context sentence as well. This type is expected in CAT 2013 as well and may become repetitive type of questions every year. Need is to have more exercises on such questions and get the same analysed. How it is different from Regular ones This type of parajumble has four-five sentences labelled A,B,C,D, and/or E-because the 5th sentence E may or may not be there. These four-five sentences when placed in a sequential order will form a coherent paragraph BUT one of the sentences will be out of context and will convey a different message than the other sentences taken together. So, Remember the rules to pick the odd man out of the four five related words the same rule applies but with much advanced thought process and understanding to click the right sequence. Sample questions The difficulty level in parajumbles is otherwise very high and this new type has added more to it. However, if one can find out which sentence is not matching the flow of thought, action, policy etc., the task will be easier. Direction-Out of the five sentences as given below and labelled A,B,C,D.E in the question, four, when arranged properly, will form a meaningful and coherent paragraph while one of the sentences is out of context. Choose the most appropriate order of sentences out of the given options with out of context sentence marked in brackets. Q.1 A. such as seen in Pop-Rock music, especially electric instrumentation, diffusion of styles and genres B.blurring national boundaries, a cultural diversity that bases itself on shared technologies and logics of eclecticism, C.In the context of globalization there is an inherent quality of cross pollination in the field of popular music D. International culture industry is noticeably underpinned by the intercultural flow of meanings E. legitimation discourses, and the emergence of ethnic rock. 1. ABCD (E) 2. CBAE(D) 3.BAED(C) 4.DECB(A) Q.2 A. the administrative department for the FDI policy, to simplify the norms by issuing some clarifications has left both the domestic and foreign retailers equally disappointed. B. but are yet to put in a formal application. An attempt by the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP), C.the fact that only 11 states and union territories have agreed to allow foreign-funded stores have proved to be a big deterrent. Global retailers Walmart, Auchan, Carrefour, and Tesco have all evinced interest in opening retail stores D.Various sections within the government feel it has not been able to capitalise on its decision to open up the multi-brand retail sector by putting in complex conditions. E.the coalition and even staked its survival. However, the stiff entry conditions and

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E.the coalition and even staked its survival. However, the stiff entry conditions and F.the United Progressive Alliance government had in September opened up the multi-brand retail sector, braving political opposition from inside and outside 1. ABCDE(F) 2. DFECB(A) 3.FECBA(D) 4. FDEBA(C) Answers with tips Ans.Q.1 2.CBAE(D)- Explanation C begins the para followed by B while A and E are the followed integral part of B. D is out of context and switches the discussion from music to International culture commodities. Ans.Q.2- 2. FECBA(D)-Explanation F- who started it?-the UPA government followed by E (inside and outside the coalition); C-follows E entry conditions and the fact that.B-interested but formal application is yet to be made two contradictory actions interest but not moved ahead, followed by A. DIPP the Administrative Department. . (D)-is out of context since all other sentences describe the pros and cons, various actions taken/not taken whereas in D. it is the feeling on personal level which may/may not be explicit or authentic and can not be used as action taking strategy. Probable Surprise CAT 2013

1.This type of jumbled paragraph might ask you to find out the linking sentence between two parajumbles. There may be two jumbled paragraphs with different thoughts and you will be required to put them in sequential order as well as find out the sentence that links them.
2. There may be one jumbled paragraph of more than 5-6 sentences, and you may be asked to form coherent paragraph apart from picking out the sentence that de-links the part of paragraph. Hence, the same sentence can link or de-link the two paragraphs depending upon the form of question in the examination Sample Question Direction-Out of the seven sentences given below and labelled A,B,C,D.E,F,G in the question, three each, when arranged properly, will form meaningful and coherent paragraphs respectively, while one of the sentences links two separate paragraphs. Choose the most appropriate order of sentences out of the given options with linking sentence marked in brackets. A.discounted to give the present value. Though there are many theories of how shares are priced, the price-to-earnings ratio remains the most popular. B. Any fall in earnings affects the stream of future earnings and impacts the company's share price. C. This is why share prices react to a fall in earnings even where companies are still making profits. D. The share price of a company, whether bank or non-bank, essentially reflects market expectations regarding its future income stream E. not their balance sheet, every quarter. It is also why companies issue 'guidance' about their likely earnings in the coming quarter/year F. It is because of the significance of earnings for the share price that the capital markets regulator, the Sebi, requires companies to publish their income statement, G. Banks are no exception. They publish income statements quarterly and balance sheets annually. 1. CADBGE(F) 2.FCBDEG(A) 3. DACFEG(B) 4.BAEDCF(G) Ans. -3.DACFEG(B) Follow the explanation- This probable type of question consists of two parajumbles. The coherence of sentences can be formed with the same tips discussed above. D-opens the para - What does share price reflect the statement defines it followed by A-future income stream discounted to give the present value; C- is the effect of the ratio. Next parajumble begins with F - Why is the requirement of publication of income statement-cause & effect, followed by E- Balance sheet not required since earning is important; G clarifies that Banks are no exception. B- however is inclined towards Fbeginning the next para. Other sentences describe the determination of share price and mechanism while B-goes to describe about the impact of fall in earnings. Hence (B) links the two paragraphs So go for such mocks that have a few probable surprise questions type with them. Basics are same but this will enable you to have a multi dimensional approach to crack the CAT 2013.

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more news on Verbal Ability and CAT 2013
From <http://www.mbauniverse.com/article/id/7137/>

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02. Verbal Series - Solving 6 types of Logical Reasoning Qs

17 October 2013 19:36 We bring forth the first expert article in this series on preparation, strategy and tips to perform well in Verbal Ability & logical Reasoning section. While the problems in this section can be formed on any topic, this article by Prof S K Agarwal, author and expert in Verbal Area, help you to learn the tips and tricks to solve the questions based on six relatively more important topics in LR namely, Seating arrangements, Team formation, Blood relations, Binary logic, Ranking & Arrangement. Ten questions of Logical Reasoning that appear in CAT are clubbed with Verbal Ability section. Logical Reasoning alone may award you a credit of 30 marks and may improve your percentile significantly. A good LR score also helps you get away with an average performance in Verbal ability, since the two sections are clubbed together. If you can hit 7 LR and 14 VA correct you may expect a very good percentile in this section. Ample time is also available to solve these LR problems as you have 70 minutes for 30 questions in this section. The need is to improve your attempts with accuracy. High percentile with less preparation Logical Reasoning requires less preparation and the questions in this section are based on the understanding of simple logic prevailing in common life. They can be understood and solved fairly easily, if proper attention is paid to the information given in the problem. With a little logical understanding and following certain tips, one can score high in this section.

Practical tips on how to solve LR questions

Aspirants should remember make use of the following before going to solve the LR problems The vocabulary used in logical reasoning questions is different from the one used in Verbal Ability hence it is essential to go through the terminology used in LR problems and follow logical rules to solve them. Words like all some, none, other than, only or unless etc. have to be given due care and special attention, since questions will be based on such information. All the sentences in the question should be carefully read and understood, the clues in the sentences will enable you to find out the relationship between different variables. There may be multiple conditions and it is expected from the aspirant to logically understand the same. It is very much advisable to get accustomed to use the scratch sheet, so whenever you are doing the LR problems, keep paper and pencil ready with you. Do not jump to the answer options unless and until you have carefully read the problem and have understood it. Now go for elimination method. When you go through the options please ensure to understand and eliminate the incorrect option. If you are able to pin point the incorrect ones you are the winner. To achieve this, please go through all the given options carefully, dont skip any of them. The problem has to be solved on the basis of given information and not on the assumptions. Please therefore, do not assume any formation which is not available in the problems. Only the given facts are supposed to be used. You must keep in mind that the information you are provided with, will lead to a Valid conclusion since it definitely follows But the conclusion which does not definitely follow from the given information will be invalid one. This you have to remember, while solving the questions. 1. Seating Arrangement sets Questions in Logical Reasoning based on Seating Arrangement sets should be solved by preparing a sketch in mind or preferably, on the paper so that you are able to answer more than one questions comfortably. Example problem Read the information given below and answer the questions based on the small paragraph One of the renowned NGOs in India has taken on the challenge to save tigers in the country and has invited five film personalities to pose for photographs with the specially designed shirts and placards to convey the message. However, Shahrukh doesnt want to stand next to Salman as they have some problems between them. Vidya and Vivek wish to pose standing close to each other as there is more understanding between them. Bobby has some issues with vivek as he misbehaved with him in a party and both are at logger heads. Vivek always loves to stand at the extreme right and would seldom compromise the position. Nevertheless, the problem was resolved somehow and it became a great message for the world in the best manner.

Question 1: If Shahrukh is standing to the extreme left, who is standing in the middle?
(a) Vivek (b) Salman (c) Vidya (d) Bobby

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(d) Bobby

Question 2: If Shahrukh stands to the extreme left, who stands fourth from left?
(a) Vidya (b) Salman (c) Vivek (d) Bobby

Question 3: If Vidya gets a conflict with Vivek and doesnt want to stand next to him and Vivek is ready to give-up his claim on extreme right position while Sharukh wants to stand second from right, who will stand on extreme right position.
(a) Vidya (b) Salman (c) Bobby (d) Unable to decide Explanation

Left-to right 1. Shahrukh 2.Bobby 3.Salman 4. Vidya 5.Vivek , Therefore Answer 1: B

If Shahrukh is standing at the extreme left, this arrangement will be fine satisfying all the personalities. It is, therefore Salman who is in the middle.

Answer 2: A Answer 3: C

Once you have understood the arrangement, you can solve all the questions. Looking at the arrangement the fourth position from left will be occupied by Vidya. Going by the question and changed situation following arrangement may be made Left to right 1.Vidya 2.Salman 3.Vivek 4.Shahrukh 5.Bobby 2. Blood Relations Questions based on Blood Relations are, although a little complex, can be solved faster, if one has the understanding of Family Tree. Whos is who Below is given a small chart to clear the picture on Blood Relations. It will help aspirants to crack the LR questions 1. Grandfather (Maternal or paternal) - Fathers or mothers father 2. Grandmother(Maternal or Paternal) - Mothers or fathers mother 3. Father-in-law - Husbands or wifes father 4. Mother-in-law - Husbands or wifes mother 5. Daughter-in-law - Sons wife 6. Son-in-law - Daughters husband 7. Brother-in-law - Husbands or wifes brother 8. Sister-in-law - Husbands or wifes sister 9. Nephew - Brothers or sisters son 10. Niece - Brothers or sisters daughter 11. Uncle - Mothers or Fathers brother 12. Aunt - Mothers or fathers sister 13. First cousin or cousin - Uncles of Aunts son or daughter 14. Second cousin - Son or daughter of the first cousin 15. Sibling - real brother or sister ( Offspring of the same parents) Direction for questions 1 to 4 Answer the questions that follow the information given in the undernoted paragraph. Four families decided to attend the marriage ceremony of one their colleagues. One family has no kids, while the others have at least one kid each. Each family with kids has at least one kid attending the marriage. Given below is some information about the families, and who reached when to attend the marriage. The family with two kids came just before the family with no kids. Shanthi who does not have any kids reached just before Sridevis family. Sunil and his wife reached last with their only kid. Anil is not the husband of Joya. Anil and Raj are fathers. Sridevis and Anitas daughters go to the same school. Joya came before Shanthi and met Anita when she reached the venue. Raman stays the farthest from the venue. Raj said his son could not come because of his exams.

Sample Question with answer explanation

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Raj said his son could not come because of his exams. Q.1 Which woman arrived third? 16. Shanthi b) Sridevi c) Anita d) Joya Q.2-Name the correct pair of Husband and Wife? a) Raj and Shanthi b) Sunil and Sridevi c) Anil and Sridevi d) Raj and Anita Q.3- Of the following pairs, whose daughters go to the same school? 17. Anil and Raman b) Sunil and Raman c) Sunil and Anil d) Raj and Anil Q.4- Whose family is known to have more than one kid for certain? 18. Ramans b) Rajs c) Anils d) Sunils How to figure out the answers Four men are Anil, Raj, Sunil and Raman; four women areShanthi, Sridevi, Joya, Anita. Now we have to find out Order of arrival Anita was already there, Joya came before Shanthi followed by Sridevi. Kids On the basis of information we have- Anita (1 kid daughter), Joya has 2 kids, Shanthi no kids, Sridevi- 1 kid daughter Husbands Since Anil and Raj are fathers and Sunil reached last, Anil is not the husband of Joya- we get Anil-Anita; Raj-Joya; Raman-Shanthi; Sunil-Sridevi now we have a clear picture and can answer any question logically; So Ans. From 1 to 4 1.a) Shanthi 2.b) Sunil and Sridevi 3.c) Sunil and Anil 4. b) Rajs 3. Team Formation Questions in CAT These problems consist of selection problems which tend to have two aspects: one is structural and the other is quantitative in nature. Devising a method that allows decisions on both aspects is very crucial as well as important. The decisions are based on context information. Certain conditions and constraints exist in the questions before arriving at the decision of the team formations. Necessary leads and clues have to be retrieved from the information, condition, data given in the question. The group whether of people or other objects needs or doesnt need to be placed in the team depends on such clues.

Direction Answer the questions on the basis of the information given below -

1. 2. 3. 4.

The Head of a newly formed Government desires to appoint five of the six elected members A,B,C,D,E, and F the portfolios of Home, Power, Defence, Telecom and Finance. F does not want any portfolio if D gets one of the five. C wants either Home or Finance or no portfolio. B says if D gets either Power or Telecom, then she must get the other one. E insists on a portfolio if A gets one. Q.1. Which is a valid assignment? (a) A-Home, B-Power, C-Defence, D-Telecom, E-Finance (b) C-Home, D-Power, A-Defence, B-Telecom, E-Finance (c) A-Home, B-Power, E-Defence, D-Telecom, A-Telecom, F-Finance (d) B-Home, F-Power, E-Defence, C-Telecom, A-Finance Q.2 If A gets Home and C gets Finance, then which is not a valid assignment for Defence and Telecom? D-Defence, B-Telecom F-Defence, B-Telecom B-Defence, E-telecom B-Defence, D-Telecom How to solve it? Let us find out the conditions and constraints in the question i) While going through the question remember the following condition Each of A,B,C and E is supposed to be given a portfolio ii) Only one (either) of F and D is to be taken. iii) While Cs condition is to go for Home or Finance, B is dependent on external condition i.e. what does D get. B will get what D doesnt get- since D has to be given either power or Telecom-the remaining either power or telecom will be given to B. No such condition exists, if D doesnt get either. iv) E will get the Ministry if A gets a portfolio, hence A and E should be given portfolio in the Ministry.

Now choose the right option Answer for Question-1

Eliminate option a- this answer gives Defence to C which is contradictory to the information and provided condition as C has to be given either Home or Finance.

Option-b-not only confirms to the given information but also there is no violation of any condition.

Eliminate option c- since D as well as F are given portfolios together so not correct as per the given conditions

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given conditions Eliminate option d as again C is not given the Home or Finance portfolio

Hence for question 1 correct answer is option b Answer for Question-2

Now we have understood all the constrains and condition, it is easy to find out the invalid assignment. With the available information and given conditions- only option D is not a valid assignment. Hence right answer is option d, where B is not given power while D gets Telecom. Hence for question-2-correct answer option is d 4. Problems based on Binary Logic Out of the ten questions in Logical Reasoning, one may expect to find two questions based on Binary Logic in CAT. Questions can be of two types Question Type 1- Two statements by each of the three persons are made in this type. One of the statements has got to be true and other is false. Now, one has to consider the two Propositions to arrive at the right answer. 1. The statement logic of the contents stated within 2. The ingredients i.e. the fact- one is true other will be naturally false or vice versa. Question Type 2 Two types of persons are found in this type of question. 3. Those who always speak the truth 4. Those who always tell a lie Direction Answer the question based on the following information. Four students (Ashish, Dhanraj, Felix and Sameer) sat for the Common Entrance Exam for Management (CEEM). One student got admission offers from three National Institutes of Management(NIM), another in two NIMs, the third in one NIM, while the fourth got none. Below are some of the facts about who got admission offers from how many NIMs and what is their educational background 5. The one who is an engineer didnt get as many admissions as Ashish. 6. The one who got offer for admissions in two NIMs isnt Dhanraj nor is he a chartered accountant. 7. Sameer is an economist 8. Dhanraj isnt an engineer and received more admission offers than Ashish. 9. The medical doctor got the most number of admission offers. Which one of the following statements is necessarily true? 10. Ashish is a chartered accountant and got offer for admission in three NIMs. 11. Dhanraj is a medical doctor and got admission offer in one NIM. 12. Sameer is an economist who got admission offers in two NIMs. 13. Felix who is not an engineer did not get any offer for admission. Ans. (c) Explanation Understand by analyzing the information and eliminate the other possibilities. Sameer Economist with 2 offers; Felix engineer with 0/1 offer; Dhanraj Doctor 0/1 offer; Ashish Chartered Accountant 3 offers . With this analysis, the answer becomes selfexplanatory i.e. (c). 5. Ranking Based Questions You may find one or more than one question, based on the concept of Ranking. Form a structure in accordance to the question which requires creation of Rankings. Now, place the clues and necessary information in table. This will help you to avoid referring to the text information again and again apart from the fact that you will be able to answer number of questions based on the gathered information. Visualise the movement of the question. CAT Question with Answer Explanation Question is followed by two statements, A and B. Answer the question using the following instructions Mark (a) if the question can be answered by using statement A alone but not by using statement B alone Mark(b) if the question can be answered by using statement B alone but not by using statement A alone. Mark(c) if the question can be answered by using either of the statements alone. Mark(d) if the question can be answered by using both the statements together but not by either of the statements alone Mark(e) if the question cannot be answered on the basis of the two statements. Q.1-In a particular school, sixty students were athletes. Ten among them were also among the top academic performers. How many top academic performers were in the school?

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top academic performers. How many top academic performers were in the school? 1. Sixty percent of the top academic performers were not athletes 2. All the top academic performers were not necessarily athletes. 1.(a) 2.(b) 3.(c) 4.(d) 5.(e) Q.2 Five students Atul, Bala, Chetan, Dev and Ernesto were the only ones who participated in a quiz contest. They were ranked based on their scores in the contest. Dev got a higher rank as compared Ernesto, while Bala got a higher rank as compared to Chetan. Chetans rank was lower than the medium. Who among the five got the highest rank? 3. Atul was the last rank holder. 4. Bala was not among the top two rank holders. 5. (a) should be the right answer. As per Statement A- 60 percent of top academic performers were not athletes; but 40 percent were athletes. Ten among the athletes were also top academic performers, hence it can now be resolved that number of top academic performers can be found as athletes plus non athletes, so A is sufficient to answer the question. Now let us analyse the statement B.- All the top academic performers were not necessarily athletes, well we need more information in this regard which is not available in the statement B. Therefore, option (a) is the right answer. 6. (d) is the right answer. Try to form a table on the basis of Statement A Atul was the last rank holder meaning the following Dev Ernesto Bala Chetan Atul (higher rank than Ernesto) (Lower rank than Dev) (higher than Chetan but below median so 4th or 5th) Hence cant be placed here Below Bala Last rank holder BUT how possible-

Approach to answer

The possibilities, however, bring B and D, hence as per our approach we find that answer cannot be formed based on statement A only. Now analyse the statement B According to this statement nothing substantial is divulged to us. Many combinations could come up with the placement of first rank. It could be either Atul or Dev. We are required to use both the statements and if we use statement B along with A, we arrive at the right possibility of Dev being the topper conforming to the given information. 6. 'Arrangement' based questions Questions based on different types of arrangements call for specific skill to form various geometrical shapes e.g. triangular, rectangular, straight line, square etc. The questions may be framed to test the ability of the aspirant in arranging alternate shapes in accordance with the given information/data. The words like Whether, if, unless, always, usually, only, all, few, some,other than, none etc. must be understood in their correct context, as they play a key role in arriving at the answer. It must be remembered that the conclusion will either definitely follow the given information and so will be a valid conclusion or it wiil not definitely follow the information and therefore will be invalid conclusion.

CAT Question with answer explanation

Direction -Study the information below and answer questions based on it. (i) There are three houses on each side of the road. (ii) These six houses are labeled as P, Q, R, S, T and U. (iii) The houses are of different colours, namely, Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Yellow and White. (iv) The houses are of different heights. (v) T, the tallest house, is exactly opposite to the Red coloured house. (vi) The shortest house is exactly opposite to the Green coloured house. (vii) U, the Orange coloured house, is located between P and S. (viii) R, the Yellow coloured house, is exactly opposite to P. (ix) Q, the Green coloured house, is exactly opposite to U. (x) P, the White coloured house, is taller than R, but shorter than S and Q. Question 1: What is the colour of the house diagonally opposite to the Yellow coloured house? (1) White (2) Blue (3) Green (4) Red Exclusive Page 11

(4) Red (5) none of these Question 2: Which is the second tallest house? (1) P (2) S (3) Q (4) R (5) cannot be determined Question 3: What is the colour of the tallest house? (1) Red (2) Blue (3) Green (4) Yellow (5) none of these

How to analyse the given information

According to the given statements following information is available and can be drawn as follows P-S U S-P; now you have road in between, so, across the road R-T Q T-R Since the statements VII to IX clarify - P U(Orange) R(Yellow) Q (Green), Or, much better will be to form a table on the basis of the given informationCategory Shortest Taller than U (5th) Taller than R (4th) Taller than P (3rd) Taller than S(in A-1) and taller than Q (in A-2) The Tallest (as given) Analysis-(1) Analysis-(2) U (Orange) R (Yellow) P (white) S (Red) Q (Green) T (Blue) U (Orange) R (Yellow) P (white) Q(Green) S (Red) T (Blue)

1.T is therefore opposite to S and the colour of S is Red, while colour of P is white, so colour of T is blue. 2. U will be the shortest house situated opposite the green coloured house Q 3. The order of the houses in ascending order is clear as per the table Picking out the right answer options Now, we have entire information in chronological order and can answer the questions as follows Answer to question-1 S is diagonally opposite to R ( the house with yellow colour) and the colour of S is Red, so option( 4)-Red is the correct answer. Answer to question-2- Option-(5) cannot be determined-should be the answer since either Q or S could be the 2nd tallest house. Answer to question-3- Option-(2)-Since T is the tallest house which is situated opposite to S(the red coloured house and we have already determined the colours of all other houses except Blue) the colour of T is Blue(look at the table) Final tips Although topics on Logical Reasoning can not be restricted to above nor there is any limitation to what should and what shouldnt appear in LR section of CAT, captioned topics, if prepared well, will lead an aspirant to a well-placed position. This section can get you a good percentile, if the problems in this part are practiced well by using natural human instincts logically. Next article in the series will on improving the pace of practice in error corrections.

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03. 5 types of Error Corrections in Verbal Ability

17 October 2013 19:39 Error correction in paragraphs and sentences is a very important part of Verbal Ability and the question types vary from year to year. For example, CAT 2012 did not ask the aspirants to re-write or correct the underlined sentences, although there were paragraphs from which correct or incorrect sentences had to be picked out. Wrong attempts on these two-three questions may take you out of the fray and the right attempts may enable you to enter your desired B-school. Fraction of the percentile counts, please remember. Types of Questions with sample Exercises Following Five types of questions, based on fundamentals of Grammar, Verb Agreements etc. in paragraphs and sentences may appear in CAT-2013. Questions on corrections in paragraphs appear year after year and sometimes CAT substitutes them with following other types as well. They require more and more practice and analysis. More practice using tips and tricks in right direction will definitely help you to perform better in this area but there is no time now to build your fundamentals Type-1 spotting the errors in underlined Parts of sentences The question consists of a sentence, a part of which is underlined. Four options (A, B, C, D) are given to replace the underlined clause. It can be a part of sentence, a phrase, an idiom with incorrect syntax, tense, verb or other grammatical errors which may or may not exist. Option A is same as the question. The test taker is directed to pick out the most appropriate option that should replace the underlined clause in terms of standard written English.

Q.1 Direction Below are given the sentences in which a part or the complete sentences have been underlined. Four options follow each question. The first of these repeats the original; the other three are different. If you think the original is the best, choose option A, else pick out the most appropriate option which, in your view expresses the best way of writing Standard English.
Q.1 Although the proceedings went on for one year or so, we are not aware what were the verdict of the gentlemen of jury? A. we are not aware what were the verdict of the gentlemen of jury? B. we are not aware what the verdict of the gentlemen of jury were? C. we are not aware what the verdict of the gentlemen of jury was. D. we are not aware what was the verdict of the gentlemen of jury? 1.A 2. B 3. C 4. D Q.2 Im sorry, I didnt know you were allergic to chocolate. Had I known I would make you a vanilla birthday cake. A. Im sorry, I didnt know you were allergic to chocolate. Had I known I would make you a vanilla birthday cake. B. Im sorry, I didnt know you were allergic to chocolate. Had I known, I would be making you a vanilla birthday cake. C. Im sorry, I didnt know you were allergic to chocolate. Had I known, I would have made you a vanilla birthday cake. D. Im sorry, I didnt know you were allergic to chocolate. Had I known, I would had made you a vanilla birthday cake. 1.A 2.B 3.C 4.D Q.1-Ans. 4.D- Explanation- Jury is a collective noun, when the decision is collective it is supposed to be placed in singular number and should be followed by singular verb. However, in case the jury is divided in decision, we will write The jury are divided in their verdict ( it indicates all the individual members of Jury) Q.2Ans.-3.C Unreal conditional in past of the past. No probability If I had known OR Had I known mean the same and can be written either way; the requirement is that it must be placed in past perfect followed by a comma, main clause is to be placed with would/should/could/might+have+III form of the have. Type-2 Complete sentence is underlined The question comprises an underlined sentence which may or may not be correct as per the rules of standard written English. Again, four options (A, B, C, D) are given to replace the underlined Exclusive Page 13

standard written English. Again, four options (A, B, C, D) are given to replace the underlined sentence. Option A is same as the question. The test taker is directed to pick out the most appropriate option that should replace the underlined sentence in terms of standard written English. Sample Questions with answer explanationsQ.1 If I have enough money I would backpack around Europe. But unfortunately I am broke. A.If I have enough money I would backpack around Europe. But unfortunately I am broke. B.If I have had enough money, I would backpack around Europe. But, unfortunately I am broke. C.If I had enough money I would backpack around Europe. But, unfortunately I am broke. D.If I had enough money, I would backpack around Europe. But, unfortunately, I am broke. 1.A 2.B 3.C 4.D Q.2 A. B. C. D. 1. My neighbour as well as his wife always discuss the family problems before me. My neighbour as well as his wife always discuss the family problems before me. My neighbour as well as his wife have always discussed the family problems before me. My neighbour as well as his wife always discusses the family problems before me. My neighbour as well as his wife are always discussing the family problems before me. A 2. B 3. C 4. D

Q.1 Ans. 4.D- unreal past conditional with little or negligible probability. Punctuation usage commato be placed before and after the adverb unfortunately as the same has been used in the middle of the sentence. Had it been used in the beginning of the sentence, comma would have been required only after the said adverb. Q.2 Ans. 3.C-Explanation- Compound word as well as is followed by the verb and pronouns in accordance with the former (first) subject. We must write The Principal as well as the teachers is coming; use of plural verb are will be wrong Type-3 -Re-writing of entire sentence. There is no underlined part of sentence. It may contain one error, multiple errors or no error. Four options (A, B, C, D) with the re-written sentence structure are given and the most appropriate one has to be picked out. There may be the direction to the aspirant in the beginning of the question like- if you think, sentence needs re-writing, do not waste your time reading option A as it is same as the question. Proceed accordingly as close reading of Option A is required in case, you find no error or unable to find any error in the question. In this case all the options are required to be closely read before marking the correct answer. Sample Question with answers Direction- Below is given a sentence which may or may not be correct as per the rules of standard written English. The sentence is followed by four options labelled A,B,C & D. Option A is the same as the question. If you think that that no improvement is required in the sentence, choose option A, else do not waste your time reading this option. Please select the most appropriate option, out of the four options given for the following sentence, which, in your view, should be the correct one in terms of rules of standard written English including usage of grammar, punctuation and spelling. Please note that the meaning & context of the sentence must not change. Q.1 Although I know the answer already and he invited me to visit him often, since I just have seen her in the square, I am never determined to yield this point. A.Although I know the answer already and he invited me to visit him often, since I just have seen her in the square, I am never determined to yield this point. B.Although I have already known the answer and he invited me to visit him often but since I just have seen her in the square, I am never determined to yield this point. C. Although I knew the answer already, and he has often invited me to visit him, since I just have seen her in the square, I am never determined to yield this point. D. Although I already know the answer and he often invited me to visit him , since I have just seen her in the square, I am determined never to yield this point. 1. A 2. B 3. C. 4.D Ans-. 4. D - Explanation Adverb modifies a verb/an adjective or an adverb. Place it before the verb i.e. already know, often invited, have just seen, determined never to yield this point i.e. I will never compromise/surrender on this point, it is not never determined it will mean adverb never is giving emphasis on the determination of the subject I besides this is the particular point which is never to be yielded. Type-4 Marking the correct sentences in a paragraph This question type consists of four sentences, forming a paragraph, out of them one or more sentences or all the sentences, may be correct. The options (A,B,C,D) are given accordingly and you are supposed to mark the most appropriate option

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options (A,B,C,D) are given accordingly and you are supposed to mark the most appropriate option that identifies the correct sentences in the paragraph. Sample question with answer Direction for question- In the following question please identity the sentence(s) or part(s) of sentence(s) that is/are correct in terms of grammar and usage (including spelling, punctuation and logical consistency). Choose the most appropriate option. Q.1 A.If you couldnt find my umbrella, you may tell me so that B. I will ask someone over there to help me find out the same C. As you know ,it is still raining cats and dogs outside this shelter, D.and the gentleman, who has just dropped us to this bus shelter in his car, also left us. E. Now we cannot do anything else but to wait for someone who can help us. 1.A&E 2. C&D 3. B,D&E 4.C&E 5. A&D

Answer- 4. C&E- Explanation -The correct sentences can be picked out, if you have clarity of rules of English Grammar, punctuation, spelling and tenses along with the syntax pattern for short and long sentences, as this type of error creates more confusion. So a good deal of practice is required of various parts of speech in grammar alongwith correct use of punctuation. A. Incorrect - If you couldnt find my umbrella, you might tell me so that (use might-Conditional if clause in past,main clause would/should/could might+base verb) B. Incorrect- I would ask someone over there to help me find out the same (use would- clause is connected to if clause, again the same structure- would/should/could might+base verb) C.Correct- As you know ,it is still raining cats and dogs outside this shelter,( Cats & Dogs-use of idiom, verb is correct) D. Incorrect -and the gentleman, who has just dropped us to this bus shelter in his car, has also left us(Incorrect, instead use- has left parallel action has just dropped has left. If the sentence were framed and the gentleman who dropped us to this bus shelter in his car a few minutes ago, has also left-it would be correct. E. Correct-Now we cant do anything else but to wait for someone who can help us. (Correct) Type-5 -Marking the incorrect sentences in a paragraph-It is opposite to earlier one. Here also, you are given four sentences- the difference is that you have to mark the incorrect sentences, which may be one or more. Right choice of options can be exercised by following the rules of grammar, syntax and verbosity. Sample Questions with answer
Direction-Q. 1 & 2 In each question there are four sentences or parts of sentences that form a paragraph. Identify the sentence(s) or part(s) that is/are incorrect in terms of grammar including, spelling, punctuation and usage. Pick out the most appropriate option, out of the options that follow the question Q.1A. Did you hear that Margaret won $5,000/- in Las Vegas, B. and she had used the money to buy a new washing machine and dryer? C. How boring! If I had won that much money, D. I would go to Niagara for a couple of weeks. 1.B only 2.B&D 3. A&B 4. C&D Q.2 A. The hunter shot three tigers while in the forest but couldnt lie B. his hands on any of them as it transpired a cunning old man hid them C. under wild bush in the forest. I suggest that when you get there D. go into the third door on your right to see the old man. 1. A&B 2.A,B&C 3. B,C&D 4. A,C&D

Q.1 Answer 2.B&D simple past required money could not be used before being won, so she used; D-Would have gone C part of the para indicates unreal conditional in past of the past, therefore D part must be framed according to the rules.
Q.2 Answer- 2.A,B & C- A-couldnt lay; B-it transpired that.. C- that should not be used before when; Important tips to approach the answer options Your answers should conform to Standard Written English as per British Language and not as per American English

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American English Go for more exercises based on the concepts you have learnt along with other questions about which you know a little. Use complete words and sentences in proper writing style. It will help you to spot the spelling and punctuation errors in sentences and paragraphs. Avoid learning new concepts. For example use of certain compounds like would rather, had better no sooner I wish If only etc., in case, is not known, must not be learnt now, as it may prove confusing and may have adverse affect on your preparation strategy. Similarly, if the concept of use of conditionals, dangling and misplaced modifier is clear, go for more exercises based on these concepts, else dont try to learn them now. Errors are sometimes very simple ones. In our anxiety to find out something big, we tend to skip them like use of singular, plural, punctuation marks, preposition, infinitive etc. the suggestion is to read attentively. Sometimes sentences, when spoken a little aloud, make you feel that something is awkward in their formation. So, be careful. There may be one error, two errors or multiple errors in the paragraphs. You will be required to pick out the options that have the correct or incorrect sentences, in accordance with the direction given in the beginning of the question. Please therefore, never forget to carefully read the direction before going through the question else instead of finding out the correct sentences you may be tempted to find the incorrect ones and vice-versa. concentrate on the shortest, aptly written option, having no grammatical error, as this may be the correct choice. Already published article Part-1 http://www.mbauniverse.com/article/id/7139/ in the Verbal series-7 days to CAT described the solution tips on 6 types of LR problems and in the part-3 of the series I will guide you how to perform better in different types of Vocabulary questions, while Part-4 will focus on scoring high in Reading Comprehension. Those who missed the earlier article on Anticipated surprise questions in Verbal Ability should read it attentively by following the link http://www.mbauniverse.com/article/id/7137/

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04. 6 Vocabulary questions in CAT 2013 Verbal Section

17 October 2013 19:44 Vocabulary questions in Verbal Ability have shifted their focus from building up the stock of words to contextual usage. Parrot fashion learning may not be of much help now. The important tip to save time and energy in such a level of preparation module is to utilise your precious time on exercises and practicing to solve the different types of Vocabulary questions, and avoid fresh addition of vocabulary without context. Four Types of Usage The six vocabulary questions in CAT are broadly based on four types of usage. The errors that exist are on the usage of similar sounding and confused words; a word used in different ways; picking out correct pair of words to fill in the blanks; and phrasal verbs. Getting all of them correct may substantially improve your percentile. It is recommended to practice more exercises, quizzes and mocks and get the same analysed to avoid recurrence of mistakes. Marking incorrect use of a key word in sentences- This question tests your understanding of common words in different contexts. It is based on a familiar word from the everyday vocabulary, for example, fall, turn, take, stand, hand, bear, break, flair, hold, etc. This word is followed by four sentences and the aspirant has to pick out the sentence in which the word has incorrectly been used. There can be more than one sentence with incorrect use of the key word. You may find two-three such questions in CAT 2013. Question Examples with answers Direction- Below is the word which has been used in four different ways. You have to choose the option that describes the incorrect/inappropriate use of the key word. Q.1 Key word File A. You will find the paper in the file under C. B. I need to file an insurance claim C. The cadets were marching in a single file. D. File your nails before you apply nail polish E. When the parade was on, a soldier broke the file. 1.A 2.B 3.C 4.D 5.EQ. 2 - Key word - Flair A. He has beetling gray eyebrows and a flair for the dramatic B. The air smelled caustic flair and snowed flurrying motes of ash. C. He designs using traditional techniques with a modern flair. D. He preached austerity, yet practiced prodigality, doling out favors and privileges with flair and precision. Q.1 Ans.-5.E Soldiers do not break the file . For them, the correct use is "break the rank". Rank also means a line of soldiers, vehicles, or equipment standing in order. Q.2 Ans.- 2 B. The air smelled caustic flair and snowed flurrying motes of ash. Marking the correct choice of similar sounding/confusing word, used in same sentence- It is the test of vocabulary usage in specific context. There are four-five sentences in one question and every sentence has two words labelled A and B. The aspirant has to pick out the more appropriate of the two words, used in a sentence. Despite being similar sounding or near synonyms, these words have specific contextual usage. CAT 2013 may place two questions of this type in alternate sessions. Question examples and answers Direction In the following question, more than one word has been used in each sentence. You have to pick out the most appropriate option out of the four options that follow the sentences Q.1 The devaluation(A)/upvaluation(B) in Rupee will increase the price of foreign currency. Deficit(A)/Surplus(B) budgeting will reduce the gap in Indias Balance of Payment position. The collapse(A)/Relapse(B) of Dengue is a concern for health care system The army was malevolent(A)/benevolent(B) enough to kill a small boy. 1. ABAB 2. ABBA 3.BABA 4. AABB Q.2 The northern, eastern and north eastern regions suffered the outrage(A)/outage(B) Their respective grids collapsed in quick recession(A)/succession(B) Exclusive Page 17

Their respective grids collapsed in quick recession(A)/succession(B) The collapse of grids had devastating(A)/damaging(B) effect. States have been suffering from the unmanageable(A)/perennial(B) problem for last many years. 1. ABBA 2. BBAB 3. BABA 4.ABAB Q. 1-Ans. 2. ABBA Devaluation means decreasing the value of home currency, this will increase the price(value) of foreign currency; Surplus- means more revenue than expenditure-it will cover the gap of Indias Balance of payments position; Relapse- Recurrence of dengue is cause of concern. A person may collapse due to Dengue but not the dengue itself; Malevolent- hatred, ill will negative attitude. Q.2 Ans. 2.BBAB B. Outage means suspension of operation esp. Of electric power (Outrage means an act of extreme violence) SO, B B. Succession means events following one another (Recession means withdrawing or going back, so B) A. Devastating means highly destructive, causing shock or grief (damaging means having negative effect on someone or something, causing physical harm, so A) A. Perennial means -continuing, for a long time (Unmanageable means difficult or impossible to control, so A) Filling in the blanks with the correct choice of pair of words - This type of error correction is aimed to test the vocabulary usage in correct and most appropriate context. You may find that the words are close synonyms but as we have discussed every word has specific usage e.g. you cannot murder a sandwich, although you cut it with a knife; besides there will be a difference in use of knife when it is used by a criminal and by a surgeon. Similarly, Corruption is not fierce, it is rampant. You have to pick out the most appropriate pair of words out of the given options, to fill in the blanks. You may expect two such questions in CAT 2013. Question Example with answer Direction- Following question has a sentence with two blanks. Five pairs of words are the given below questions. Choose the pair that best completes the sentence. Q.1 Under __________, the government was mainly concerned about the rich __________, so the country adopted western patent laws. A. Antipathy; conclave B. Apartheid; enclave C. Discrimination; command D. Apathy; territory E. Approbation; domain 1.A 2.B 3.C 4.D 5.E Q.2 To protect the ministry of finance (MOF) from pressure exerted by ________________ partners, it needs to be ___________. A. Affiliation; segregated B. Coalition; sequestered C. Combination; integrated D. Alliance ;secluded E. Factions ;cloistered 1. B 2. A 3.C 4.D 5.E Q.1Answer- 2B -Apartheid, enclave - other words are absolutely different and will change the meaning and message of sentence. Apartheid- racial discrimination, Enclave is the area confined to a particular small territory (Rich Enclave) most appropriate. Other Options are not correct. Q.2.Answer-1B. Coalition; sequestered Explanation- Option A- Although synonyms but have different usage, C-has both the words contradicting each other; D- Alliance is used in bigger and continual tie up not appropriate, secluded cannot be used as it has different usage; E- both the words do not convey right message in the sentence. Please remember -The words as used in the sentences are not so difficult but are little confusing. You can definitely arrive at the conclusion (at least for the time being) that the words used in CAT will not be so unfamiliar to you and you can very well understand their usage with regular practice. So read much, understand more and practice the most. Marking the correct use of Phrasal Verbs, phrases and idioms- You may find distorted usage of these compounds in all the above types of questions based on similar and confusing words in sentences; one common word used in different sentences; fill in the blanks type or whatever surprise CAT 2013 may have in store for you. These compounds are of common and familiar nature. If you look around, you will find that the compounds formed with the most common word like break, call, hand may be confusing, unless we have clear understanding to the suffix and prefix used with these words.

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be confusing, unless we have clear understanding to the suffix and prefix used with these words. Question examples and answersDirection In the following question more than one word has been used in each sentence and one

of the two may not be so appropriate as the other. You have to pick out the most appropriate option out of the five options that follow the sentences
The Principal called-on (A)/called-for (B) the guest to make a speech. I discussed the matter for an hour, and then he came-to (A)/came round (B) to my opinion. The escaped prisoner gave himself up (A)/gave out (B) to the police The entourage is going to have a good day if the administration can hold up (A)/ hold off (B) the demonstrators. His avarice looks-on (A)/looks-through (B) his eyes. 1.BBAAB 2.ABABB 3. AAABA 4. ABBAB 5.BABBA.

Ans.2. ababb- Explanation-Called on-To appeal, to request a person; Called for-need, require, demand, to visit a place to collect a person; Came to to recover consciousness; Came round- to change opinion; Gave (oneself) up- surrendered; Gave out- announced; Hold up-delay, stop by threats; Hold off-stay away, keep at a distance; Looks-on-consider; Looks through-be visible or apparent Direction- Below is the word which has been used in four different ways. You may also find the usage in compound form. You have to choose the option that best describes the incorrect/inappropriate use of the key word. Q.2 Break A. The communication barrier is now broken down with all sincerity. B. The holiday is designed to enable patients and staff who might not be able to otherwise take a holiday to have a relaxing break. C. The cyclist pedalled fast but could not cope with the others and broke away from the pack. D. The break up will aid scientists in their mission to learn what sets us apart from other animals. E. I did a few fun songs then spoke from 10.00am until about 1.00pm with a short coffee break in the middle. 1. B, C&E 2. A&D 3.B only 4.D only 5.C only Answer Q.2- 4.D only Explanation- Break through should be used in place of break-up. Breakup means to separate and break through means sudden discovery invention, surpassing an obstruction. Now, follow the quick and simple Tips
First of all, Do read the Direction carefully before reading the question. You may have to find out the incorrect word usage while you might be searching for correct usage. You may, in your hurry, lose the credit, despite knowing the answer option. Next is to Use elimination method, if you can spot even one or two correct contextual usage in sentences. For example, you have the answer options - 1. BBAAB 2.ABABB 3. AAABA 4. ABBAB 5.BABBA and you are able to find two correct usage say - sentence 1-A and sentence 2-B; now there are only two such options, 2 and 4, that begin with AB So concentrate on them only and eliminate the other ones. Next is to find out more correct usage and you may save your time on rest of the sentences. Third and very important tip is to understand the meaning of the sentence. The word, used in different ways, has specific contextual usage. You cannot write Pretty Boy or Handsome woman although pretty and handsome are the synonyms. Understanding of suffixes in compounds will help a lot, for example, if you suffix on to any verb like Look-on move-on march-on; you have at least the understanding that now this word has got some meaning related to forward and it becomes a little easy. Some students get the correct usage when they read the sentence a little aloud. Find out various usage on common everyday life words but avoid parrot fashion learning now, as you may waste your time on it. Fourth key tip is to read the question with blanks without filling in any words. Dont even look at the answer options. Now see, what comes to your mind when you are stuck at blanks. This general understanding will lead you to appropriate answer option. Please, however, remember that the given words may be contradictory to meaning and losing your cool may get you a wrong answer option. Other published articles in Verbal series 7 days to CAT 2013, are : Part-1 http://www.mbauniverse.com/article/id/7139/ which described the solution tips on 6 types of LR problems; Part-2 http://www.mbauniverse.com/article/id/7142/verbal-ability-error-correction shared the types

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Part-2 http://www.mbauniverse.com/article/id/7142/verbal-ability-error-correction shared the types and tips to solve the five types of questions in Error correction segment. Next article in the series will guide you how to get the most, out of Reading Comprehension passages. Remember to carefully read the earlier article on anticipated surprise questions in Verbal Ability .
From <http://www.mbauniverse.com/article/id/7144/Vocabulary-questions-in-CAT-2013>

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05. How to score more on Reading Comprehension

17 October 2013 19:47

Other three published articles in Verbal series on types and tricks to solve CAT questions on Logical Reasoning ; Error correction in paragraphs and sentences; various types of Vocabulary questions , Anticipated surprise questions in Verbal Ability are of tremendous help to the aspirants to learn the next 7 days preparation path with strategy to perform better in Verbal section.
How important are the questions based on Reading comprehension passages, can be well understood by the fact that RC has a lions share in Verbal Ability section. One third part of the Verbal Ability & LR section and half of the Verbal Ability section is devoted to Reading Comprehension. Out of the 30 questions which include LR also, 9-10 questions are based on RC passages. Given the trend, one right answer awards a credit of three marks if all the 9 are correct, it will bestow 27 marks and after the equated system calculated- percentile will improve to a great extent. Topics that form the passages RC passage could be on any topic under the Sun. CAT prefers to have passages on philosophy, psychology, facts, socio-economic, non controversial political, business & commerce topics. Length of the passage has been reduced, from 1200-1400 words to 800-900 words to enable the students to concentrate more on the reduced number of questions, although difficult to some extent. Every examination session in CAT-2012 had three passages followed by 9-10 questions based on them and the same pattern is expected in CAT 2013. How to prepare and improve reading skills in 7 days Make it the regular practice to read the editorials, articles in the news paper. Underline the difficult words-search out their meanings and put them to use in writing, in conversation etc. Tests have shown that the number of unfamiliar words in a passage, if exceeds about one in twenty, the reader will lose track. If the proportion is lower, the reader may skip over the unfamiliar words and grasp, at least the general meaning. When you write, try to frame good sentences using the new words. This will give you ample opportunity to rectify the errors in sentences, improving the vocabulary, improving the speed and accuracy of reading and the skill to pick out the wrong sentences as well as how to complete the sentence or paragraph Read the passage/article fairly quickly to get the general idea. Read again, if possible, a little slowly so as to understand the details. Write a summary in your own words neatly and precisely with one third/fourth in length to the original length of the passage. Use complete sentences, Take care to understand Make a chart on time consumed in reading and writing the summary of the passage. Check whether the time is getting reduced day by day. Go for versatile reading on different topics since you may or may not get the passages of your interest in the examination. Example- RC Passage followed by questions- Please remember, Reading comprehension exercise is a passage upon which questions are set to test the students ability to understand the content of the given text and to infer information and meanings from it. Directions for questions 1 to 5- Read the short passage below and answer the questions that follow Language is not a cultural artefact that we learn the way we learn to tell time or how the federal government works. Instead, it is a distinct piece of the biological makeup of our brains. Language is a complex, specialized skill, which develops in the child spontaneously, without conscious effort or formal instruction, is deployed without awareness of its underlying logic, is qualitatively the same in every individual, and is distinct from more general abilities to process information or behave intelligently. For these reasons some cognitive scientists have described language as a psychological faculty, a mental organ, a neural system, and a computational module. But I prefer the admittedly quaint term instinct. It conveys the idea that people know how to talk in more or less the sense that spiders know how to spin webs. Web-spinning was not invented by some unsung spider genius and does not depend on having had the right education or on having an aptitude for architecture or the construction trades. Rather, spiders spin spider webs because they have spider brains, which give them the urge to spin and the competence to succeed. Although there are differences between webs and words, I will encourage you to see language in this way; for it helps to make sense of the Exclusive Page 21

and words, I will encourage you to see language in this way; for it helps to make sense of the phenomena we will explore Thinking of language as an instinct inverts the popular wisdom, especially as it has been passed down in the canon of the humanities and social sciences. Language is no more a cultural invention than is upright posture. It is not a manifestation of a general capacity to use symbols: a three year old, we shall see, is a grammatical genius, but is quite incompetent at the visual arts, religious iconography, traffic signs, and the other staples of the semiotics curriculum. Though language is a magnificent ability unique to Homo sapiens among living species, it does not call for sequestering the study of humans from the domain of biology, for a magnificent ability unique to a particular living species is far from unique in the animal kingdom. Some kinds of bats home in on flying insects using Doppler sonar. Some kinds of migratory birds navigate thousands of miles by calibrating the positions of the constellations against the time of day and year. In natures talent show, we are simply a species of primate with our own act, a knack for communicating information about who did what to whom by modulating the sounds we make when we exhale.

Once you begin to look at language not as the ineffable essence of human uniqueness but as a biological adaption to communicate information, it is no longer as tempting to see language as an insidious shaper of thought, and, we shall see, it is not. Moreover, seeing language as one of natures engineering marvels- an organ with that perfection of structure and co-adaption which justly excites our admiration, in Darwins words- gives us a new respect for your ordinary Joe and the muchmaligned English language (or any language). The complexity of language, from the scientists point of view, is part of our biological birth right; it is not something that parents teach their children or something that must be elaborated in school as Oscar Wilde said, Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught. A pre schoolers tacit knowledge of grammar is more sophisticated than the thickest style manual or the most state-of-the-art computer language system, and the same applies to all healthy human beings, even the notorious syntax-fracturing professional athlete and the, you know, like, inarticulate teenage skateboarder. Finally, since language is the product of a well-engineered biological instinct, we shall see that it is not nutty barrel of monkeys that entertainer-columnists make it out to be Q.1 According to the passage, which of the following does not stem from popular wisdom on language? A. Language is a cultural artefact. B. Language is learnt as we grow. C. Language is a psychological faculty D. Language is unique to Homo sapiens E. Language is a cultural invention 1.A 2. B 3. C 4.D 5. E
Q.2-Which of the following can be used to replace the spiders know how to spin websanalogy as used by the author? A. A donkey carrying a load B. A kitten learning to jump to jump over a wall C. Bees collecting nectar D. A pet dog protecting its owners property E. A horse running a Derby 1.A 2.B 3.C 4.D 5.E Q.3.- According to the passage, which of the following is unique to human beings? A. Ability to communicate information to other members of the species. B. Ability to use sound as means of communication. C. Ability to communicate with each other through voice modulation. D. Ability to use symbols while communicating with one another E. All of the above 1.A 2.B 3.C 4.D 5.E Q.4 - According to the passage, complexity of language cannot be taught by parents or at school to children becauseA. children learn the language on their own. B.children are born with the knowledge of semiotics. C. children instinctively know language. D. Children know language better than their teachers or parents E. Language is not amenable to teaching Exclusive Page 22

E. Language is not amenable to teaching 1. A 2.B 3. C 4.D 5.E Q.5 Which of the following best summarizes the passage? A. Language is instinctive ability of human beings. B. Language is use of symbols unique to human beings. C. Language is not a cultural invention or artefacts as it is made out. D. Language is neither learnt nor taught E. Language is unique to Homo sapiens. 1.A 2.B 3.C 4.D 5.E Answers with Explanation tips Q.1- Ans- 3.C- In the very first para author describes that Language is a psychological faculty. Q.2-Ans.3.C Spiders have the natural instinct to spin webs as common black bird build a cup nest or bees collect nectar. Q.3-Ans- 3.C Last three lines of second paragraph clarify the justification of the option who did what to whom by modulating the sounds we make when we exhale. Q.4-Ans.-3.C Second sentence of the first paragraph clarifies .which develops in the child spontaneously. Q.5-Ans. 1.A- Author emphasizes that human beings have the instinct to develop the language, hence it their instinctive ability. Important Tips to solve RC Passages Concentrate on main/important words in the sentence and while you go on reading try to link their reference to other parts. Central Idea of the passage, inferring the various types of information, the tone and purpose in the passage go on to cover all of them while you are reading the passage. This will help you to promptly answer the questions accurately. Read the passage and then proceed to questions. Jumping to questions before thoroughly reading the paragraph might affect adversely. Keep a plain paper and pencil with you while reading a passage and proceeding to solve the questions based on it. The sentences and paragraphs in passage have important phrases and words that determine tone and purpose of the passage. Note them down, by the time you finish reading the passage you have all the material with you to answer almost all the questions like What is the tone of the passage?; What is the purpose of writing the passage?; the central/main idea of the passage; besides, the meaning of various phrases and parts of the sentences will be clear to you. You may not need third reading of the passage. In the examination hall, you will be provided with scratch sheet, do not forget to make use of that especially in RC. Questions on certain words used in paragraph are something to test your vocabulary. Even if they are unfamiliar you may check for the general meaning of the part of the paragraph. This will enable you to understand the options and mark your answer. Scientific, technical, biological words wherever used, may be unfamiliar, but are the parts of the sentence and paragraph which you have understood in general, so nothing to worry. The options and the reference that you have made would, in all probability, be correct, if the general meaning is understood. Time Management is must. Not more than ten-twelve minutes should be given to thoroughly read and understand the passages besides marking the answers. If you are unable to understand the passage, dont waste time on it as you have two more passages to solve. Devoting more time on one passage will deprive you of the opportunity to answer other questions which are equally important. My suggestion is to go for reading with understanding and read between the lines. Do not get panicky, depressed, do not be in a hurry, maintain your cool. Try to read the passage quite attentively, at least twice before marking the answers. Next article in the series will guide you how to be the winner in Verbal Ability section. Read the earlier articles on types and tricks to solve CAT questions on Logical Reasoning ; Error correction in paragraphs and sentences; various types of Vocabulary questions and the article on Anticipated surprise questions in Verbal Ability .
From <http://www.mbauniverse.com/article/id/7151/How-to-score-more-in-RC>

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