Fill in the blanks - Previous Year CAT/MBA Questions
The best way to prepare for Fill in the blanks is by going through the previous year Fill in the blanks CAT questions. Here we bring you all previous year Fill in the blanks 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 Fill in the blanks CAT questions.
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Each of the following questions has a sentence with two blanks. Given below each question are five pairs of words. Choose the pair that best completes the sentence.
The genocides in Bosnia and Rwanda, apart from being mis-described in the most sinister and ________ manner as ‘ethnic cleansing’, were also blamed, in further hand-washing rhetoric, on something dark and interior to ___________ and perpetrators alike.
- (a)
innovative; communicator
- (b)
enchanting; leaders
- (c)
disingenuous; victims
- (d)
exigent; exploiters
- (e)
tragic; sufferers
Answer: Option C
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
The statement condemns the way the genocides have been described and states the description to be sinister. The word for the first blank has to be synonymous to sinister.
Options 1 and 2 with ‘innovative’ and ‘enchanting’ can be eliminated as they do not give any negative connotations.
Option 4 too can be eliminated as ‘exigent’ has more to do with ‘demanding and urgent’ than something terrible.
In option 5, “tragic” does not fit in the context with ‘mis-described’ and ‘hand-washing rhetoric’.
‘disingenuous’ - ‘insincere’, ‘deceitful’, ‘hypocritical’ fits contextually with the word “manner” which follows the blank. In the second blank, a contrasting word to “perpetrators” is required. ‘Victims’ is a better fit compared to the words in all the other options.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
Workspace:
Each of the following questions has a sentence with two blanks. Given below each question are five pairs of words. Choose the pair that best completes the sentence.
As navigators, calendar makers, and other_________ of the night sky accumulated evidence to the contrary, ancient astronomers were forced to _________ that certain bodies might move in circles about points, which in turn moved in circles about the earth.
- (a)
scrutinizers; believe
- (b)
observers; agree
- (c)
scrutinizers; suggest
- (d)
observers; concede
- (e)
students; conclude
Answer: Option D
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
The first blank can have any of the three words mentioned in the options - ‘scrutinizers’, ‘observers’, ‘students’.
‘Scrutinizer’ means ‘one who examines or observes with great care; inspects critically’.
‘Observer’ means ‘a person who watches, views or notes for a scientific, official, or other special purpose.’
‘Student’ means ‘an individual formally engaged in learning, especially one enrolled in a school or college; pupil’
Out of these three, the part of the sentence prior to the first blank clearly suggests that the people involved in the exercise were experts in the subject under consideration. This eliminates the possibility of ‘students’ fitting into the first blank, and thus option 5.
The second blank has four possible alternatives.
‘Believe’ means ‘to have confidence in the truth, the existence or the reliability of something’.
‘Agree’ means ‘to have the same views’.
‘Suggest’ means ‘to mention or introduce’.
‘Concede’ means ‘admit; surrender or yield’.
The verb prior to the second blank denotes that the action is not voluntary but performed under duress.
It is not possible to be forced to place confidence in something. Therefore, it is difficult to be forced to ‘believe’ in something. This eliminates option 1.
The first part of the sentence makes it clear that contrary evidence was being gathered. If evidence opposite in nature or character is being gathered then it cannot be said that the ancient astronomers had the same view.
This removes ‘agree’ from further consideration as fitting into the second blank. This eliminates option 2.
The very element of force or compulsion eliminates ‘suggest’ as an appropriate fit for the second blank.
Therefore, option 3 is eliminated.
Both ‘observers’ and ‘concede’ fit in correctly.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
Workspace:
Each of the following questions has a sentence with two blanks. Given below each question are five pairs of words. Choose the pair that best completes the sentence.
Every human being, after the first few days of his life, is a product of two factors: on the one hand, there is his ______________endowment; and on the other hand, there is the effect of environment, including ___________.
- (a)
constitutional; weather
- (b)
congenital; education
- (c)
personal; climate
- (d)
economic; learning
- (e)
genetic; pedagogy
Answer: Option B
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
The first word needs to be related to something that is ‘inborn’, because it is an endowment or gift. Two words come close to mean that- ‘congenital’ and ‘genetic’.
‘Congenital’, may be ‘innate’ or ‘inherited’ or caused by the “environment”.
“Genetic,” means ‘pertaining to origins’.
However, the “effect of the environment” is more related to general teaching or ‘education’ than to ‘pedagogy’. ‘Pedagogy’ is ‘the function or work of a teacher’ or ‘science of teaching; education; instructional methods’.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
Workspace:
Each of the following questions has a sentence with two blanks. Given below each question are five pairs of words. Choose the pair that best completes the sentence.
Exhaustion of natural resources, destruction of individual initiative by governments, control over men’s minds by central __________ of education and propaganda are some of the major evils which appear to be on the increase as a result of the impact of science upon minds suited by _________ to an earlier kind of world.
- (a)
tenets; fixation
- (b)
aspects; inhibitions
- (c)
institutions; inhibitions
- (d)
organs; tradition
- (e)
departments; repulsion
Answer: Option A
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
The first blank can have ‘institutions’, ‘departments’, ‘organs’ or ‘tenets’. ‘Aspects’, compared to other options can be eliminated.
The second blank has the key to the answer. The phrase ‘suited by’ can be best followed by ‘fixated’, to make the sense complete- minds which were suited by ‘fixation’ or a preoccupation with one subject, issue, an obsession “to an earlier kind of world”. Also, ‘fixation’ flows perfectly with the idea of ‘an earlier kind of world’.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
Workspace:
Fill up the blanks A, B, C ... F, in the two passages below with the most appropriate word from the options given for each blank.
At that time the White House was as serene as a resort hotel out of season. The corridors were _______A______. In the various offices, _____B______ gray men in waistcoats talked to one another in low-pitched voices. The only colour, or choler, curiously enough, was provided by President Eisenhower himself. Apparently, his _____C_______ was easily set off; he scowled when he ______D_______ the corridors.
For Blank A-
- (a)
striking
- (b)
hollow
- (c)
empty
- (d)
white
Answer: Option C
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
In an out-of-season resort hotel, there should be less people. Similarly if the white house resembled this serene hotel, it should have empty (option 3) corridors.
Hollowis incorrect, as it does not blend with the context very well.
The corridors could be white but then again, we need a word which goes with the idea of an out-of-season hotel.
‘Striking’ too goes out of context.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
Workspace:
For Blank B-
- (a)
quiet
- (b)
faded
- (c)
loud
- (d)
stentorian
Answer: Option A
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
If people were speaking in low-pitched voices, they would not be loud (option 3) or stentorian (marked by loud voice, option 4).
Quiet goes more with the idea of low-pitched voices, therefore, we can eliminate ‘faded’ (option 2) as well.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
Workspace:
For Blank C-
- (a)
laughter
- (b)
curiosity
- (c)
humour
- (d)
temper
Answer: Option D
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
The only colour or choler (anger, irritability) was provided by the president; therefore, his ‘temper’ (option 4) would easily set off. Since the author indicates anger, humour and laughter can be ruled out. ‘Curiously’ does not go with the idea of anger.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
Workspace:
For Blank D-
- (a)
paced
- (b)
strolled
- (c)
stormed
- (d)
prowled
Answer: Option A
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
The president was not prowling the corridors as there is no mention of the president wanting to catch hold of someone (no predatory instinct that is). A stroll is a leisurely walk and in his angry mood, the president cannot be taking a leisurely walk! ‘Stormed’ will not fit where usage is concerned. A person may storm in or out of a corridor. Paced is the correct word. Pace is a manner of walking in which a person may stride or walk back and forth.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
Workspace:
Fill up the blanks A, B, C ... F, in the two passages below with the most appropriate word from the options given for each blank.
"Between the year 1946 and the year 1955, I did not file any income tax returns". With that ______A______ statement, Ramesh embarked on an account of his encounter with the Income Tax Department. "I originally owed Rs. 20,000 in unpaid taxes. With _____B________ and _______C______, the 20,000 became 60,000. The Income Tax Department then went into action, and I learned firsthand just how much power the Tax Department wields. Royalties and trust funds can be ______D_______; automobiles may be _______E______, and auctioned off. Nothing belongs to the ______F_______ until the case is settled."
For Blank A-
- (a)
devious
- (b)
blunt
- (c)
tactful
- (d)
pretentious
Answer: Option B
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
The statement that the person himself did not file returns is a straightforward or a blunt statement, no deceitfulness (treachery) or tact (diplomacy) or pretension (to give a false appearance). Therefore, ‘blunt’ is the best adjective here.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
Workspace:
For Blank B-
- (a)
interest
- (b)
taxes
- (c)
principal
- (d)
returns
Answer: Option A
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
The principal tax has already been mentioned, so we can eliminate option 3. Ramesh has mentioned that he has not filed his returns; hence the answer is not option 4 either. If the 20,000 became 60, 000 it could be because of interest levied. Therefore, ‘interest’ is more suitable option than ‘taxes’.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
Workspace:
For Blank C-
- (a)
sanctions
- (b)
refunds
- (c)
fees
- (d)
fines
Answer: Option D
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
If Ramesh has not paid income tax for the years mentioned, most likely, the IT department will levy charges. The charges could take the form of interests and fines. One of the options (the precious question) was ‘interest’. It follows that the second could be ‘fines’. Working with the options also gives us the same answer. Ramesh will not get a refund (option 2) unless he files his returns. IT department does not charge fees (option 3). There are no sanctions (option 1) involved in income tax.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
Workspace:
For Blank D-
- (a)
closed
- (b)
detached
- (c)
attached
- (d)
impounded
Answer: Option C
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
In legal terms, attach means ‘to seize persons or property by legal writ’. Impound also has a similar meaning– ‘to seize and retain in legal custody’. The word is generally used in terms of confiscating illegal possessions. But, for royalties and trust funds when seized by the use of a legal writ are said to be attached. Detached being the opposite, does not apply. Nor does the word ‘closed’.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
Workspace:
For Blank E-
- (a)
smashed
- (b)
seized
- (c)
dismantled
- (d)
frozen
Answer: Option B
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
The income tax department is a not violent mob which would destroy (smash) or dismantle (take apart) automobiles. Nor will it freeze an automobile. The correct word is seized. It can seize or get hold of automobiles.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
Workspace:
For Blank F-
- (a)
purchaser
- (b)
victim
- (c)
investor
- (d)
offender
Answer: Option D
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
The person who does not file his or her IT returns becomes an offender. He is neither an investor (option 3) in Income tax nor is he a purchaser (option 1). Since, it is Ramesh’s fault (by not filing his IT returns), he does not become a victim (option 2).
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
Workspace:
Each statement has a part missing. Choose the best option from the options given below the statement to make up the missing part.
The ancient Egyptians believed ________ so that when these objects were magically reanimated through the correct rituals, they would be able to function effectively.
- (a)
that it was essential that things they portrayed must have every relevant feature shown as clearly as possible
- (b)
it was essential for things they portray to have had every relevant feature shown as clearly as possible,
- (c)
it was essential that the things they portrayed had every relevant feature shown as clearly as possible,
- (d)
that when they portrayed things, it should have every relevant feature shown as clearly as possible
Answer: Option C
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
It is easier to tackle this question by eliminating the incorrect options.
Option 2 has a tense error. Instead of ‘have had’, use of ‘have’ is sufficient to remove the tense inconsistency.
Option 1 is inappropriate as the first that is redundant, it is not required.
Option 4 has a pronoun error. With the use of antecedent ‘things’, pronoun should be plural,
i.e- ‘they’ should be used in place of ‘it’.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
Workspace:
Each statement has a part missing. Choose the best option from the options given below the statement to make up the missing part.
Archaeologists believe that the pieces of red-ware pottery excavated recently near Bhavnagar and __________ shed light on a hitherto dark 600-year period in the Harappan history of Gujarat.
- (a)
estimated with a reasonable certainty as being about 3400 years old,
- (b)
are estimated reasonably certain to be about 3400 years old
- (c)
estimated at about 3400 years old with reasonable certainty,
- (d)
estimated with reasonable certainty to be about 3400 years old,
Answer: Option D
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
Option 1 can be eliminated because the usage should be ‘estimated … to be … 3400 years old.’
Similarly, option 3 is also incorrect. ‘With reasonable certainty’ modifies ‘estimated’ and should be placed close to it.
Option 2 is awkward. We can rephrase the sentence to begin with ‘estimated’. Also, ‘pottery’ is singular (plural is potteries) and therefore, ‘are estimated’ cannot apply to singular ‘pottery’. Plus, the sentence looks grammatically inconsistent. One is not sure whether ‘are estimated’ applies to archaeologists or the pottery.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
Workspace:
Each statement has a part missing. Choose the best option from the options given below the statement to make up the missing part.
Many people suggest ___________ and still others would like to convince people not to buy pirated cassettes.
- (a)
to bring down audiocassette prices to reduce the incidence of music piracy, others advocate strong legal action against the offenders,
- (b)
bringing down audiocassette prices to reduce the incidents of music piracy, others are advocating strong legal action against offenders,
- (c)
bringing down audiocassette prices to reduce the incidence of music piracy, others advocate strong legal action against offenders,
- (d)
audiocassette prices to be brought down to reduce incidence of music piracy, others advocate that strong legal action must be taken against offenders,
Answer: Option C
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
In option 1, ‘to bring down’ shows tense inconsistency. Since the sentence is in the present tense it should read, ‘bringing down audiocassette prices...’
Option 2 has an error of parallelism. Verb ‘suggest’ is not consistent in usage with verb ‘advocating’ in the same sentence. Both should take the same form.
Option 4 can also be eliminated as ‘… prices to be ...’ should be replaced by ‘should be’.
Option 3 is grammatically correct.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
Workspace:
There are two gaps in each of the following sentences. From the pairs of words given, choose the one that fills the gaps most appropriately. The first word in the pair should fill the first gap.
The British retailer, M&S, today formally _____ defeat in its attempt to _____ King's, its US subsidiary, since no potential purchasers were ready to cough up the necessary cash.
- (a)
admitted, acquire
- (b)
conceded, offload
- (c)
announced, dispose
- (d)
ratified, auction
Answer: Option B
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
Option 1 can be eliminated as M&S would not be interested in acquiring something which is its own!
The second word ‘auction’ also does not fit the idea that well, as the operative word here is ‘sell’. M&S was trying to sell King’s. Also, people do not ‘ratify’ defeat. Therefore, option 4 can also be eliminated.
‘Dispose’ in option 3 is used along with the preposition ‘of’- “He disposed of the problem quickly.” Therefore, option 3 can be eliminated as well.
Moreover, ‘conceding’ defeat sounds fine (which means agreeing that one has been defeated). ‘Offload’ here means ‘relieve of’ and is correct for the second blank.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
Workspace:
There are two gaps in each of the following sentences. From the pairs of words given, choose the one that fills the gaps most appropriately. The first word in the pair should fill the first gap.
Early _____ of maladjustment to college culture is _____ by the tendency to develop friendship networks outside college which mask signals of maladjustment.
- (a)
treatment, compounded
- (b)
detection, facilitated
- (c)
identification, complicated
- (d)
prevention, helped
Answer: Option C
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
The clue lies in the second part of the sentence. Tendency to develop friendships outside college “masks” or hides signals of maladjustment means there is an off-putting or unhelpful influence. Therefore, the second blank cannot have ‘facilitated’ (option 2) or ‘helped’ (option 4).
Option 3 is appropriate here. Early ‘identification’ of maladjustment in college is ‘complicated’ by people developing friendships outside the college.
In option 1, although the second word makes sense, the first word ‘treatment’ does not go with ‘compounded’. The ‘identification’ or detection of maladjustment can become ‘complicated’ or ‘compounded’ but not the ‘treatment’.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
Workspace:
There are two gaps in each of the following sentences. From the pairs of words given, choose the one that fills the gaps most appropriately. The first word in the pair should fill the first gap.
The _____ regions of Spain all have unique cultures, but the _____ views within each region make the issue of an acceptable common language of instruction an even more contentious one.
- (a)
different, discrete
- (b)
distinct, disparate
- (c)
divergent, distinct
- (d)
different, competing
Answer: Option A
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
A difficult question, perhaps because they (the paper setters) have given you synonyms of ‘different’ in all options. I suggest you skip this kind of question in the actual paper if possible (in earlier CAT papers you had choices!). For the first blank, the operative word is ‘different’. The regions have unique cultures and therefore they are different (unlike in form, quality, amount or nature).
‘Divergent’, you may be able to eliminate, because primarily it means ‘drawing apart from a common point’ and nothing in the sentence suggests that. So, let us eliminate option 3.
For the second blank, ‘competing’ does not fit that well. Competition is generally there for some advantage or a goal. The sentence does not suggest that either and therefore, we can do away with option 4.
Options 1 and 2 are very close, so instead of incorrect we would simply look at a more appropriate answer. We will go with option 1 because ‘different’ seems the best word for the first blank. Also, ‘disparate’ (option 2, word for the second blank) is slightly stretched for the sentence. ‘Disparate’ means ‘fundamentally distinct or different in kind; entirely dissimilar’ (too much!) and ‘containing or composed of dissimilar or opposing elements’. That is a bit extreme for a country.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
Workspace:
There are two gaps in each of the following sentences. From the pairs of words given, choose the one that fills the gaps most appropriately. The first word in the pair should fill the first gap.
A growing number of these expert professionals ______ having to train foreigners as the students end up _____ the teachers who have to then unhappily contend with no jobs at all or new jobs with drastically reduced pay packets.
- (a)
resent, replacing
- (b)
resist, challenging
- (c)
welcome, assisting
- (d)
are, supplanting
Answer: Option A
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
If the students end up ‘replacing’ the original teachers who are finally left with less-paying jobs or no jobs, the professionals are definitely not going to appreciate that or welcome that trend. Therefore, option 3 is eliminated.
Option 4 uses a neutral ‘are’ for the first blank, whereas the latter part of the sentence indicates that there should be a feeling of resentment or bitterness among those professional experts whose jobs are taken away from them or who have to be content with lower pay. Therefore, we can do away with option 4 as well.
Between options 1 and 2, option 1 is the best contender. ‘Resent’ is proper than ‘resist’, as the sentence does not imply that these professionals ‘resist’ or oppose to train foreigners, just that they dislike getting a raw deal in the end.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
Workspace:
There are two gaps in each of the following sentences. From the pairs of words given, choose the one that fills the gaps most appropriately. The first word in the pair should fill the first gap.
Companies that try to improve employees' performance by _____ rewards encourage negative kinds of behaviour instead of _____ a genuine interest in doing the work well.
- (a)
giving, seeking
- (b)
bestowing, discouraging
- (c)
conferring, discrediting
- (d)
withholding, fostering
Answer: Option D
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
If the companies are ‘giving’ (option 1), ‘bestowing’ (option 2) or ‘conferring’ (option 3) rewards why would that encourage negative kinds of behaviour?
Option 4 makes more sense. If the companies ‘withhold’ rewards, they are unable to ‘foster’ or promote a genuine interest in doing the work well.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
Workspace:
Fill in the blanks in the passage with the most appropriate set of words from the options for each blank.
Their achievement in the field of literature is described as ______; sometimes it is even called ______.
- (a)
magnificent, irresponsible
- (b)
insignificant, influential
- (c)
significant, paltry
- (d)
unimportant, trivial
Answer: Option D
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
There is an absence of a contrasting keyword like but, although etc. Therefore, the two words for the blanks have to be synonyms here. Plus, both the words apply to the same thing, that is, ‘achievement in the field of literature’. Either the achievement would be insignificant or really significant but not both at the same time.
Magnificent (superb) and irresponsible (careless, negligent) do not share similar meanings (option 1).
Something which is influential has some degree of significance and not insignificance (option 2).
Paltry or worthless would be an antonym of significant (option 3).
Only in option 4 both unimportant and trivial share similarity. Something unimportant is trivial.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
Workspace:
Fill in the blanks in the passage with the most appropriate set of words from the options for each blank.
From the time she had put her hair up, every man she had met had grovelled before her and she had acquired a mental attitude toward the other sex which was a blend of _______ and _______.
- (a)
admiration, tolerance
- (b)
indiffernce, contempt
- (c)
impertinence, temperance
- (d)
arrogance, fidelity
Answer: Option B
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
Grovel is to behave in a servile or demeaning manner. If someone groveled before her, she would not look at them with admiration (option 1) or a positive attitude. Therefore, we are looking for words with negative connotations.
Options 1 and 4 can be eliminated (fidelity in option 4 means faithfulness).
Temperance is ‘moderation and self-restraint in behaviour or expression’. Not a very negative thought (although impertinence is. It means disrespect). Thus, option 3 can be done away with as well.
Being indifferent (option 2) is to be apathetic, and have no concern. Her feelings were a blend of apathy and disdain (contempt, dislike).
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
Workspace:
Fill in the blanks in the passage with the most appropriate set of words from the options for each blank.
This simplified ________ to the decision-making process is a must read for anyone ______ important real estate, personal, or professional decisions.
- (a)
primer, maximizing
- (b)
tract, enacting
- (c)
introduction, under
- (d)
guide, facing
Answer: Option D
Join our Telegram Group for CAT/MBA Preparation.
Text Explanation :
Let us look at the second blank first. One does not maximize decisions (option 1). Plus, one does not need to enact (to make into law or act on stage) real estate, personal or professional decisions (into law!). Again, one can be under an umbrella but not a decision. But, one can face decisions. Therefore, we can eliminate options 1, 2 and 3.
The simplified guide (option 4) … a must read for anyone facing … decisions.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
Workspace:
Feedback
Help us build a Free and Comprehensive Preparation portal for various competitive exams by providing us your valuable feedback about Apti4All and how it can be improved.