CAT 2008 — VARC Question 3
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.
Answer & solution
- A
BBABA
BBBAB
- C
BAABB
- D
ABBAA
- E
BBBBA
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.