Usage - Previous Year CAT/MBA Questions
The best way to prepare for Usage is by going through the previous year Usage CAT questions.
Here we bring you all previous year Usage CAT questions along with detailed solutions.
Click here for previous year questions of other topics.
It would be best if you clear your concepts before you practice previous year Usage CAT questions.
1. CAT 2008 VARC | Usage CAT Question
In each question, there are five sentences. Each sentence has a pair of words that is italicized and highlighted. From the italicized and highlighted words, select the most appropriate words (A or B) to form correct sentences. The sentences are followed by options that indicate the words, which may be selected to correctly complete the set of sentences. From the options given, choose the most appropriate one.
Anita wore a beautiful broach(A)/brooch(B) on the lapel of her jacket.
If you want to complain about the amenities in your neighbourhood, please meet your councillor(A)/counselor(B).
I would like your advice(A)/advise(B) on which job I should choose.
The last scene provided a climactic(A)/climatic(B) ending to the film.
Jeans that flair(A)/flare(B) at the bottom are in fashion these days.
- (a)
BABAA
- (b)
BABAB
- (c)
BAAAB
- (d)
ABABA
- (e)
BAABA
Answer: Option
C
Text Explanation :
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Anita wore a “brooch”, a pin or a clasp. “Broach” is used in several ways (e.g., ‘broach a subject’; ‘introduce a new topic’) but none in context of jewellery or something to be worn.
The second word is “councillor” which means ‘a person specially designated or selected to act in an advisory, administrative, or legislative capacity’ as against a “counsellor” meaning ‘a person who counsels or advises’ which is more generic.
“Advice” is used as a noun whereas “advise” is used as a verb. In the third sentence, ‘I would like your advice/advise...’ we need a noun. Therefore, “Advice” is the right word.
The fourth word refers to the end of the “film”, the ‘climax’. “Climactic” is the adjective form of ‘climax’ and the word for the fourth sentence. “Climatic” pertains ‘to climate’.
“Flair” is ‘a natural talent, aptitude, ability or knack’. The word to be used here is “flare”, which means, ‘to spread gradually outward as the bottom of a pair of trousers or a wide skirt’.
Therefore, the correct sequence is BAAAB.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
2. CAT 2008 VARC | Usage CAT Question
In each question, there are five sentences. Each sentence has a pair of words that is italicized and highlighted. From the italicized and highlighted words, select the most appropriate words (A or B) to form correct sentences. The sentences are followed by options that indicate the words, which may be selected to correctly complete the set of sentences. From the options given, choose the most appropriate one.
The cake had lots of currents(A)/currants(B) and nuts in it.
If you engage in such exceptional(A)/exceptionable(B) behaviour, I will be forced to punish you.
He has the same capacity as an adult to consent(A)/assent(B) to surgical treatment.
The minister is obliged(A)/compelled(B) to report regularly to a parliamentary board.
His analysis of the situation is far too sanguine(A)/genuine(B).
- (a)
BBABA
- (b)
BBAAA
- (c)
BBBBA
- (d)
ABBAB
- (e)
BABAB
Answer: Option
B
Text Explanation :
“Currant” is ‘a type of raisin or an edible nut’.
“Current”, a more common word, means ‘a steady, smooth, onward movement’. Thus the first word is “currants”. (The cake had lots of currants...)
“Exceptional” is a positive word, which means, ‘outstanding, excellent’.
“Exceptionable” (the second word) means, ‘objectionable and hence liable to be punished.’
For the third word, both “consent” and “assent” mean ‘to agree’. However, “assent” is more in tune with ‘yielding to something’ or ‘conceding’ whereas “consent” is more about ‘permitting or approving’. Therefore the appropriate word here is “consent” as an adult would “consent” or ‘give permission’.
In the fourth sentence, a minister is not “compelled” (forced) but “obliged” (necessitated or required) to report regularly. While oblige may have a connotation of force as well, compel clearly means ‘forced to’. Therefore, “obliged” is a more appropriate word here.
When we say something is “genuine”, it is not more or less, it is ‘simply and completely authentic’.
Therefore, far too will apply to the adjective “sanguine” which means ‘far too optimistic’ or ‘confident’.
Therefore, the correct sequence is BBAAA.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
3. CAT 2008 VARC | Usage CAT Question
In each question, there are five sentences. Each sentence has a pair of words that is italicized and highlighted. From the italicized and highlighted words, select the most appropriate words (A or B) to form correct sentences. The sentences are followed by options that indicate the words, which may be selected to correctly complete the set of sentences. From the options given, choose the most appropriate one.
She managed to bite back the ironic(A)/caustic(B) retort on the tip of her tongue.
He gave an impassioned and valid(A)/cogent(B) plea for judicial reform.
I am not adverse(A)/averse(B) to helping out.
The coupé(A)/coup(B) broke away as the train climbed the hill.
They heard the bells peeling(A)/pealing(B) far and wide.
- (a)
BBABA
- (b)
BBBAB
- (c)
BAABB
- (d)
ABBAA
- (e)
BBBBA
Answer: Option
B
Text Explanation :
A “retort” can be “ironic”, but only after it is uttered or said. Here, a more appropriate word would be “caustic” or ‘sarcastic’.
“Cogent” is ‘convincing’ or ‘well-argued’ and has a better ring to it than just “valid”. It is a more appropriate word than “valid” in this context.
The third word is “averse” meaning ‘unwilling or unenthusiastic’. “Adverse” means ‘unfavourable’ and it is usually used with words like weather (adverse weather, conditions etc.).
“Coup é” is the ‘end compartment in a railroad car’. Contextually, ‘a “coup é” gets detached while a train is climbing up the hill’ fits in.
“Coup” is a ‘clever action or accomplishment’ and is irrelevant in this context.
A peal is ‘a ringing of a set of bells. (Alternate usage: ‘she broke into peals of laughter’). Thus, the word required is ‘pealing’ as it deals with bells.
“peel” means to ‘to strip or cut away the skin or bark from’,eg. Peeling away the skin made it easier to cut the fruit.
Therefore, the correct sequence is BBBAB.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
4. CAT 2008 VARC | Usage CAT Question
In each question, there are five sentences. Each sentence has a pair of words that is italicized and highlighted. From the italicized and highlighted words, select the most appropriate words (A or B) to form correct sentences. The sentences are followed by options that indicate the words, which may be selected to correctly complete the set of sentences. From the options given, choose the most appropriate one.
We were not successful in defusing(A)/diffusing(B) the Guru’s ideas.
The students baited(A)/bated(B) the instructor with irrelevant questions.
The hoard(A)/horde(B) rushed into the campus.
The prisoner’s interment(A)/internment(B) came to an end with his early release.
The hockey team could not deal with his unsociable(A)/unsocial(B) tendencies.
- (a)
BABBA
- (b)
BBABB
- (c)
BABAA
- (d)
ABBAB
- (e)
AABBA
Answer: Option
A
Text Explanation :
“Defusing” or de-fusing is ‘to resolve or cool (a situation)’.
“Diffusing” is ‘spreading’ (Guru’s ideas) and the appropriate word for the first sentence.
To “bait” is ‘to trap or to tease’. The students were asking irrelevant questions to tease or torment the instructor.
“Bate” is to ‘lessen’ or ‘restrain’.
“Horde”, the third word, refers to ‘a mass or group’.
“Hoard” is ‘to stockpile’.
“Internment” is ‘imprisonment’ and is the fourth word.
“Interment” is ‘burial’.
“Unsocial” is ‘having or showing a lack of desire for the company of others.’
“Unsociable” goes a step further. It means, ‘not sociable; having, showing, or marked by a disinclination to friendly social relations; withdrawn.’ A team “could not deal” with someone - is a bit extreme. So, here, “unsociable” is more appropriate. Another way to arrive at the appropriate word here is by elimination. If you were able to figure out most of the other words, “unsocial” would have been in one of the eliminated options.
Therefore, the correct sequence is BABBA.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
5. CAT 2008 VARC | Usage CAT Question
In each of the following questions there are sentences that form a paragraph. Identify 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). Then, choose the most appropriate option.
- In 1849, a poor Bavarian imigrant named Levi Strauss
- landed in San Francisco, California,
- at the invitation of his brother-in-law David Stern
- owner of dry goods business.
- This dry goods business would later became known as Levi Strauss & Company.
- (a)
B only
- (b)
B and C
- (c)
A and B
- (d)
A only
- (e)
A, B and D
Answer: Option
A
Text Explanation :
Statement A is incorrect because the word immigrant has been mis-spelt as “imigrant” (with an ‘m’ missing). Options 3, 4 and 5 can be eliminated.
We are left with only options 1(B only) and 2(B and C).
Statement C should have a comma at the end, after “David Stern”.
Statement B is correct.
Statement D should be ‘an owner of a dry goods business’.
Statement E can be corrected in at least two different ways. “This dry goods business would later be known as ...” Or, “This dry goods business later became known as ...”(Omitted ‘would’).
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
6. CAT 2008 VARC | Usage CAT Question
In each of the following questions there are sentences that form a paragraph. Identify 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). Then, choose the most appropriate option.
- In response to the allegations and condemnation pouring in,
- Nike implemented comprehensive changes in their labour policy.
- Perhaps sensing the rising tide of global labour concerns,
- from the public would become a prominent media issue,
- Nike sought to be a industry leader in employee relations.
- (a)
D and E
- (b)
D only
- (c)
A and E
- (d)
A and D
- (e)
B, C and E
Answer: Option
D
Text Explanation :
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE The sentence takes off correctly in statement A.
Statement B is incorrect because there is a pronoun agreement error. It should be, “Nike implemented comprehensive changes” in its (not their) labour policy. The possessive pronoun ‘its’ should replace ‘their’ as it refers to the antecedent “Nike” which is singular.
Statement C does not require the comma given at the end of the line. The sentence (C and D) can be rephrased as, ‘Perhaps sensing that the rising tide of global labour concerns from the public would become a prominent media issue.’
It can be seen from this sentence that part D can be left unaltered and can be taken as correct.
The word ‘industry’ begins with a vowel sound and hence the article ‘an’ should be used and not ‘a’.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
7. CAT 2008 VARC | Usage CAT Question
In each of the following questions there are sentences that form a paragraph. Identify 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). Then, choose the most appropriate option.
- Charges and countercharges mean nothing
- to the few million who have lost their home.
- The nightmare is far from over, for the government
- is still unable to reach hundreds who are marooned.
- The death count have just begun.
- (a)
A only
- (b)
C only
- (c)
A and C
- (d)
A, C and D
- (e)
D only
Answer: Option
C
Text Explanation :
Statements A and C are correct.
Statement B is incorrect. The ‘few’ refers to a countable number, so the word following it should be in plural, that is ‘few millions’. Moreover, a few millions would have lost their ‘homes’- not ‘home’.
Statement D needs to take the article ‘the’ before ‘hundreds’. Therefore, it is incorrect.
Statement E is incorrect. There is a subject-verb agreement error here. In place of “The death count have just begun”, it should be, ‘The death count has just begun.’ ‘Death count’, a singular subject, should take a singular verb (has).
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
8. CAT 2008 VARC | Usage CAT Question
In each of the following questions there are sentences that form a paragraph. Identify 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). Then, choose the most appropriate option.
- I did not know what to make of you.
- Because you’d lived in India, I associate you more with my parents than with me.
- And yet you were unlike my cousins in Calcutta, who seem so innocent and obedient when I visited them.
- You were not curious about me in the least.
- Although you did make effort to meet me.
- (a)
A only
- (b)
A and B
- (c)
A and E
- (d)
D only
- (e)
A and D
Answer: Option
E
Text Explanation :
Statement B has tense inconsistency. ‘Lived’ is in past tense, hence, ‘associate’ in the same sentence should be ‘associated’ (in simple past as well).
Statement C again has tense inconsistency. The word ‘seem’ should become ‘seemed’ to go with ‘were’ and ‘visited’ in the same sentence.
Statement E is incorrect and we need to rephrase it. We may either change ‘effort’ to ‘efforts’ or change it to ‘an effort’.
Statements A and D are correct.
Hence, the correct answer is option 5.
9. CAT 2008 VARC | Usage CAT Question
In each of the questions, a word/phrase has been used in sentences in five different ways. Choose the option corresponding to the sentence in which the usage of the word/phrase is incorrect or inappropriate.
Run
- (a)
I must run fast to catch up with him.
- (b)
Our team scored a goal against the run of play.
- (c)
You can’t run over him like that.
- (d)
The newly released book is enjoying a popular run.
- (e)
This film is a run-of-the-mill production.
Answer: Option
C
Text Explanation :
Option 1 uses the verb ‘run’ appropriately with “fast” as an adverb qualifying it.
The phrase, ‘against the run of play’ is used in sports to describe an event or action against the flow of the game. For example, if Soccer team A has all the possession, all the chances and dictates the game, and team B has one chance and scores from it, then that goal is against the run of play. The term is used correctly in option 2.
Option 3 is incorrect. A person cannot “run over” someone. It can be a vehicle that can run over someone.
A person can ‘run after‘ (chase) someone, ‘run with‘, ‘run up to‘ or ‘run around‘ someone.
In option 4, a book can have a “popular run”, if a great number of copies of that book are getting sold.
In option 5, “run-of-the-mill production” is an ‘average’ or ‘mediocre’ or ‘banal’, ‘commonplace’ production that is not interesting. The usage here is correct.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
10. CAT 2008 VARC | Usage CAT Question
In each of the questions, a word/phrase has been used in sentences in five different ways. Choose the option corresponding to the sentence in which the usage of the word/phrase is incorrect or inappropriate.
Round
- (a)
The police fired a round of tear gas shells.
- (b)
The shop is located round the corner.
- (c)
We took a ride on the merry-go-round.
- (d)
The doctor is on a hospital round.
- (e)
I shall proceed further only after you come round to admitting it.
Answer: Option
E
Text Explanation :
In option 1, “firing a round of tear gas shells” means ‘a single discharge by one firearm’ and the word ‘round’ is correctly used.
The phrase, ‘round the corner’ in option 2 means, ‘nearby, a short distance away’.
In option 3, the usage is correct. “Merry-go-around” is a ‘carrousel in amusement parks, carnivals, etc. A merry-go-round is a revolving, circular platform with wooden horses or other animals, benches, etc., on which people may sit or ride, usually to the accompaniment of mechanical or recorded music.’
In option 4, the usage “on a hospital round” is correct. This is used to signify that the doctor is surveying the wards checking on patients.
“Come round” in the fifth option means ‘to change one's opinion, decision, especially to agree with another’s.’ A better option would have been to come around to admitting it meaning to change one’s position or opinion.
Hence, the correct answer is option 5.
11. CAT 2008 VARC | Usage CAT Question
In each of the questions, a word/phrase has been used in sentences in five different ways. Choose the option corresponding to the sentence in which the usage of the word/phrase is incorrect or inappropriate.
Buckle
- (a)
After the long hike our knees were beginning to buckle.
- (b)
The horse suddenly broke into a buckle.
- (c)
The accused did not buckle under police interrogation.
- (d)
Sometimes, an earthquake can make a bridge buckle.
- (e)
People should learn to buckle up as soon as they get into a car.
Answer: Option
B
Text Explanation :
“Beginning to buckle” in option 1 indicates that their knees were ready to collapse or that they were extremely tired.
“Buckle” is inappropriately used in option 2. The horse can break into a trot or a gallop. It may buck or it may even break into somebody’s garden, but not “into a buckle”.
Option 3 uses “buckle” in the sense of ‘collapse’ or ‘surrender’.
In option 4, “buckle” again refers to ‘bend’ or ‘collapse’, even ‘break’.
“To buckle up”, in option 5, means ‘to fasten one's belt, seat belt, or buckles’.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
12. CAT 2008 VARC | Usage CAT Question
In each of the questions, a word/phrase has been used in sentences in five different ways. Choose the option corresponding to the sentence in which the usage of the word/phrase is incorrect or inappropriate.
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.
Answer: Option
E
Text Explanation :
“File” can be defined as ‘a folder, cabinet, or other container in which papers, letters, etc., are arranged in convenient order for storage or reference.’ Another definition is ‘a collection of papers, records, etc., arranged in convenient order’. Option 1 uses the word in this sense.
In option 2, “to file” means ‘to apply’. The usage is correct.
In option 3, “file” refers to ‘a line of persons or things arranged one behind another’. Marching in a single file is similar to marching in a single column.
A “file” can even be a tool with ridges to smoothen or even out rough surfaces. Option 4 uses this meaning.
There is no phrase or idiom “broke the file” as mentioned in option 5. A soldier can break ‘rank’ but not a “file”.
Hence, the correct answer is option 5.
13. CAT 2007 VARC | Usage CAT Question
In each question, there are five sentences or parts of sentences that form a paragraph. Identify the sentence(s) or part(s) of sentence(s) that is/are correct in terms of grammar and usage. Then, choose the most appropriate option.
- When I returned to home, I began to read
- everything I could get my hand on about Israel.
- That same year Israel’s Jewish Agency sent
- a Shaliach a sort of recruiter to Minneapolis.
- I became one of his most active devotees.
- (a)
3 and 5
- (b)
3 only
- (c)
5 only
- (d)
2, 3 and 5
- (e)
3, 4 and 5
Answer: Option
A
Text Explanation :
Statement 1 is incorrect because of the phrase, ‘returned to home’. The correct usage is ‘returned home’.
Statement 2 is incorrect because the idiom is ‘get one’s hands on’ and not ‘hand on’.
Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 4 is incorrect because there should be a hyphen or a comma after a Shaliach. (a Shaliach – a sort of recruiter to Minnepolis.) “a sort of” though rather informal, is correct usage.
Statement 5 is correct.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
14. CAT 2007 VARC | Usage CAT Question
In each question, there are five sentences or parts of sentences that form a paragraph. Identify the sentence(s) or part(s) of sentence(s) that is/are correct in terms of grammar and usage. Then, choose the most appropriate option.
- So once an economy is actually in recession,
- The authorities can, in principle, move the economy
- Out of slump - assuming hypothetically
- That they know how to - by a temporary stimuli.
- In the longer term, however, such policies have no affect on the overall behaviour of the economy.
- (a)
1, 2 and 5
- (b)
2, 3 and 5
- (c)
3 and 4
- (d)
5 only
- (e)
2 only
Answer: Option
E
Text Explanation :
Statement 1 is incorrect – The use of the word, ‘so’ is redundant and inappropriate. (So and once, in the context are adverbs – one of them is enough).
Statement 2 is correct.
Statement 3 is incorrect because the use of ‘assuming hypothetically’ makes it redundant. One can either assume or hypothesize, but ‘assuming hypothetically’ is meaningless.
Statement 4 is incorrect in the plural use of ‘stimuli’ instead of ‘stimulus’ with the article ‘a’.
Statement 5 should have been ‘effect’ instead of ‘affect’.
Hence, the correct answer is option 5.
15. CAT 2007 VARC | Usage CAT Question
In each question, there are five sentences or parts of sentences that form a paragraph. Identify the sentence(s) or part(s) of sentence(s) that is/are correct in terms of grammar and usage. Then, choose the most appropriate option.
- It is sometimes told that democratic
- government originated in the city-states
- of ancient Greece. Democratic ideals have been handed to us from that time.
- In truth, however, this is an unhelpful assertion.
- The Greeks gave us the word, hence did not provide us with a model.
- (a)
1, 2 and 4
- (b)
2, 3 and 4
- (c)
3 and 4
- (d)
2 only
- (e)
4 only
Answer: Option
C
Text Explanation :
Statement 1 is incorrect because the verb ‘told’ is incorrectly used. The verb ‘said’ should be used instead.
There is no error in statement 2.
Statement 3 contains the incorrect idiom ‘handed to us’ instead of ‘handed down to us’.
Statement 4 is correct.
Statement 5 is incorrect because the word, ‘hence’ is used as a conjunction, whereas it is an adverb.The use of a proper conjunction (e.g. and / but) will improve the sentence.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
16. CAT 2005 VARC | Usage CAT Question
Each question has a base word that is used in the options given below. Choose the option in which the usage of the word is inappropriate.
NEAR
- (a)
I got there just after you left – a near miss !
- (b)
She and her near friend left early.
- (c)
The war led to a near doubling of prices.
- (d)
They came near to tears seeing the plight of the victims.
Answer: Option
B
Text Explanation :
‘Near friend’ in option 2 is the incorrect usage. ‘Close friend’ which is the right idiom.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
17. CAT 2005 VARC | Usage CAT Question
Each question has a base word that is used in the options given below. Choose the option in which the usage of the word is inappropriate.
HAND
- (a)
I have my hand full, I cannot do it today.
- (b)
The minister visited the jail to see the breach at first hand.
- (c)
The situation is getting out of hand here.
- (d)
When the roof of my house was blown away, he was willing to lend me a hand.
Answer: Option
A
Text Explanation :
To ‘have your hands full', is an idiom which means to be so busy that you do not have time to do anything else. Option 1 states ‘hand full’ which is a corruption of the idiom.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
18. CAT 2005 VARC | Usage CAT Question
Each question has a base word that is used in the options given below. Choose the option in which the usage of the word is inappropriate.
FOR
- (a)
He has a great eye for detail.
- (b)
We are waiting for the day.
- (c)
I can’t bear for her to be angry.
- (d)
It couldn’t be done for ever.
Answer: Option
D
Text Explanation :
Option 1 is a correct sentence because ‘to have an eye for detail’ is a standard idiom which means to be good at noticing a particular type of thing.
Option 2: We are waiting for the day – has no error. It can mean literally ‘waiting for the (wedding) day’ or idiomatically – ‘waiting for the opportunity’.
Option 3, however, seems to have a technical flaw. “I can’t bear for her to be angry” – None of the functions of either ‘bear’ (verb and noun) or the functions of ‘for’ (preposition and conjunction) seem to be applicable to this sentence. If ‘bear for’ is an idiom, our research is unable to find it.‘For ever’ variant of ‘forever’ has the following meanings in different contexts: Continually for example He was for ever looking at his watch.
For all time for example I'll love you for ever (and ever).
Though the spaced out forever is accepted as correct, none of the meanings of the word fits into the context of sentence 4. It couldn’t be done ever, or it could never be done will be correct versions.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
19. CAT 2005 VARC | Usage CAT Question
Each of the questions consists of a certain number of sentences. Some sentences are grammatically incorrect or inappropriate. Select the option that indicates the grammatically correct and appropriate sentence(s).
- When virtuoso teams begin their work, individuals are in and group consensus is out.
- As project progresses, however, the individual stars harness themselves to the product of the group.
- Sooner or later, the members break through their own egocentrism and become a plurality with single-minded focus on the goal.
- In short, they morph into a powerful team with a shared identity.
- (a)
1 and 3
- (b)
1 and 4
- (c)
2 and 4
- (d)
1, 3 and 4
Answer: Option
B
Text Explanation :
Statements B and C are incorrect.
Statement B is incorrect because ‘As project progresses’ should be corrected to “As the project progresses…” The (definite or indefinite) article is required as a determiner.
Statement C is incorrect in the phrase ‘a plurality with single-minded focus’ – should be corrected to “a plurality with a single- minded focus...” The noun ‘focus’ needs a determiner (definite/indefinite article) ‘a focus’ is correct. An adjective (single- minded) breaks this order. ‘A single- minded focus’ like ‘a beautiful car’ is correct.
Since statements B and C are incorrect, options 1, 3 and 4 are eliminated.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
20. CAT 2005 VARC | Usage CAT Question
Each of the questions consists of a certain number of sentences. Some sentences are grammatically incorrect or inappropriate. Select the option that indicates the grammatically correct and appropriate sentence(s).
- Large reductions in the ozone layer, which sits about 15-30 km above the Earth, take place each winter over the Polar regions, especially the Antarctic, as low temperatures allow the formation of stratospheric clouds that assist chemical reactions breaking down ozone.
- Industrial chemicals containing chlorine and bromine have been blamed for thinning the layer because they attack the ozone molecules, making them to break apart.
- Many an offending chemicals have now been banned.
- It will still take several decades before these substances have disappeared from the atmosphere.
- (a)
4 only
- (b)
2 and 4
- (c)
1 and 4
- (d)
1 and 3
Answer: Option
C
Text Explanation :
Statements B and C are incorrect. Statement B is incorrect because ‘to break apart’ is an incorrect idiom. It should be “making them break apart”- the verb ‘make’ is not followed by an infinitive (to+verb). For example ‘it makes me cry’ and not ‘it makes me to cry’.
Statement C is incorrect in ‘many an offending chemicals’. The correct versions will be ‘many offending chemicals (have)’ or ‘many an offending chemical (has)’.
This eliminates options 2 and 4. Statements A and D are both correct.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
21. CAT 2005 VARC | Usage CAT Question
Each of the questions consists of a certain number of sentences. Some sentences are grammatically incorrect or inappropriate. Select the option that indicates the grammatically correct and appropriate sentence(s).
- The balance of power will shift to the East as China and India evolve.
- Rarely the economic ascent of two still relatively poor nations has been watched with such a mixture of awe, opportunism, and trepidation.
- Postwar era witnessed economic miracles in Japan and South Korea, but neither was populous enough to power worldwide growth or change the game in a complete spectrum of industries.
- China and India, by contrast, possess the weight and dynamism to transform the 21st-century global economy.
- (a)
1, 2 and 3
- (b)
1 and 4
- (c)
3 only
- (d)
3 and 4
Answer: Option
B
Text Explanation :
Statements B and C are incorrect.
Statement B has to be corrected to “Rarely has the economic ….. been watched”.
Statement C is incorrect. ‘Post war era’ has to be corrected to ‘The post war era’ – ‘era’ (noun needs a determiner).
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
22. CAT 2005 VARC | Usage CAT Question
Each of the questions consists of a certain number of sentences. Some sentences are grammatically incorrect or inappropriate. Select the option that indicates the grammatically correct and appropriate sentence(s).
- People have good reason to care about the welfare of animals.
- Ever since Enlightenment, their treatment has been seen as a measure of mankind's humanity.
- It is no coincidence that William Wilberforce and Sir Thomas Foxwell Buxton, two leaders of the movement to abolish the slave trade, helped found the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1820s.
- An increasing number of people go further: mankind has a duty not to cause pain to animals that
- have the capacity to suffer.
- (a)
1 and 4
- (b)
2 only
- (c)
1 and 3
- (d)
3 and 4
Answer: Option
A
Text Explanation :
Statements B and C are incorrect.
Statement B should read ‘Ever since the Enlightenment…’ (the Enlightenment: a philosophical movement of the 18th century, characterized by belief in the power of human reason and by innovations in political, religious, and educational doctrine).
Statement C should read "…. in the 1820s".
From the above interpretation, options 2, 3 and 4 are eliminated.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
23. CAT 2005 VARC | Usage CAT Question
Each of the following questions has a sentence/paragraph with one italicized word that does not make sense. Choose the most appropriate replacement for that word from the options given below the paragraph.
Intelligent design derives from an early 19th-century explanation of the natural world given by an English clergyman, William Paley. Paley was the populariser of the famous watchmaker analogy. Proponents of intelligent design are crupping Paley's argument with a new gloss from molecular biology.
- (a)
destroying
- (b)
testing
- (c)
resurrecting
- (d)
questioning
Answer: Option
C
Text Explanation :
Paley started it (the concept of intelligent design) in the 19th century. The proponents of it are ________ Paley’s argument. The word proponents directly controls the word in the blank.
Proponents destroying, questioning or even testing Paley’s concept is illogical.
Resurrect means to bring to view, attention, or use again; to raise from the dead.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
24. CAT 2005 VARC | Usage CAT Question
Each of the following questions has a sentence/paragraph with one italicized word that does not make sense. Choose the most appropriate replacement for that word from the options given below the paragraph.
Women squat, heads covered, beside huge piles of limp fodder and blunk oil lamps, and just about all the cows in the three towns converge upon this spot. Sinners, supplicants and yes, even scallywags hand over a few coins for a crack at redemption and a handful of grass.
- (a)
shining
- (b)
bright
- (c)
sputtering
- (d)
effulgent
Answer: Option
C
Text Explanation :
The word that is to be replaced is directly controlled by the word ‘oil lamp’, however the setting in which the lamp is placed with women squatting (a village scene) with piles of limp fodder etc. tells us that the oil lamps definitely not effulgent (option 4) meaning radiant/splendorous.
Options 1, 2 and 4 are synonyms so they are chosen together or eliminated together. Sputtering in the context (a natural choice) makes better sense than other options.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
25. CAT 2005 VARC | Usage CAT Question
Each of the following questions has a sentence/paragraph with one italicized word that does not make sense. Choose the most appropriate replacement for that word from the options given below the paragraph.
It is klang to a sensitive traveler who walks through this great town, when he sees the streets, the roads, and cabin doors crowded with beggars, mostly women, followed by three, four, or six children, all in rags and importuning every passenger for alms.
- (a)
amusing
- (b)
irritating
- (c)
disgusting
- (d)
distressing
Answer: Option
D
Text Explanation :
The operative idea in the sentence that controls the word to be replaced is the idea of ‘the sensitive traveler’ followed by the scene he confronts.
The unpleasantness of the scene eliminates option 1 – amusing. Being sensitive – the capacity of being easily hurt, eliminates disgust and irritation (options 2 and 3) as these responses are not necessarily associated with being sensitive.
Distress (pain, suffering, or misery) is generally associated with being sensitive.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
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