CAT 2014 might be throwing following 3 types of questions on Vocabulary usage. Number of questions could be 4. Correct answers to Vocabulary questions will award you a percentile between 24 to 28 and wrong answers will take away a percentile between 30 to 36. Prof S K Agarwal, expert on Verbal Ability shares how well you can prepare for these questions that are not very tough but need an intelligent application of mind.
Marking the correct use of words in sentences-
This type tests the use of your vocabulary in different contexts. A key word is given which is used in four/five different contexts, you have to find out the incorrect use from the given options and mark the answer accordingly.
Question-1: Direction- Below is the word which has been used in five different ways. You have to choose the option that describes the incorrect/inappropriate use of the key word.
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.
1.A 2.B 3.C 4.D 5.E
Marking the correct choice of similar sounding/confusing word, used in same sentence
It also tests the vocabulary usage in specific context. Out of the two three words, used in a sentence, correct choice of the word, supposed to be used is to be marked from the given options.
Question-2: 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.
The icecream had lots of currents(A)/currants(B) and nuts in it.
If you remain engaged in such exceptional(A)/Exceptionable(B) activities, you will be punished.
He has the same capacity as an adult to consent(A)/assent(B) to surgical treatment.
His analysis of the situation is far too sanguine(A)/genuine(B).
1. BBAA 2.BAAA 3.ABBA 4. BAAA
Inserting the correct pair of words to fill in the blanks
Two Blanks are given in a sentence followed by four options of pairs of words; correct option has to be picked out. The strategy to solve is to Read the sentence in a flow, does something strikes you while reading especially at the given blanks. The need is to get one word correct, another will be clear in the option itself
Question 3: Direction for questions - Following questions has a sentence with two blanks. Four pairs of words are given below the questions. Choose the pair that best completes the sentence.
Mother told the _______ about her efforts to ______________ her brother to
get married.
A. story; move
B. anecdote; persuade
C. incident; influence
D. particulars; urge
1.A 2.B 3.C 4.D
Question-4: The lady was ________ to do just about anything in her ________ plans to ruin his fortune.
1. apt; invidious
2. able ; injurious
3. willing; obsolete
4. liable; discriminatory
1.A 2. B 3. C 4. D
Question 5: A country with no sporting ambition ______________ itself in front of others, putting up its claims of “superpowerdom” to immediate ________________
A. Softens; mocks
B. empowers; rides
C. emasculates; ridicule
D. strengthens; teases
E. enfeebles; humiliates
1.A 2.B 3.C 4.D 5.E
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Answers
Q.1-“Run over him” inappropriate use of phrase. Option c is to be marked
Q.2- 1. BBAA
B. Currants- dry fruit, ( current means flow, running)
B. Exceptionable- objectionable, undesired (Exceptional-uncommon, extraordinary)
A. consent- (agree or accede to voluntarily, to give assent)- assent means to agree to a proposal, concur to a plan.
A. Sanguine- (Optimistic, confident, convincingly correct); genuine-(sincere, actual – genuine problem/reason)
Q.3 Ans. 2 B. Explanation- Anecdote – a short narration of amusing event; persuade– to prepare for doing something, to exercise influence with various efforts, to convince
Q.4 Ans. 1. A Explanation – Apt- able to handle, clever to adjust according to the situation; invidious- hateful, envious – (negative usage)
Q.5 Ans.3.C -Emasculates, ridicule- other words A, E are synonyms with different usage hence option C is most appropriate. Option B & D have antonyms that would convey opposite message and change the meaning of the sentence.
How to prepare for Vocabulary in CAT Exam
There is a difference between understanding a word and knowing it. We may understand a word as to what it means-nearly but it is not necessary that we know well how to use it in its correct sense. We may recognize more words that we use and have some idea of their meaning. However, we do not use them often, so the correct use is not well known to us.
Enriching the word power would primarily require two aspects –
A. understanding and B. knowing the word.
The words which we have not come across earlier are to be recognized and interpreted. Later these words are to be learned and kept in memory, by using and revising them.
Hence, while getting ready to learn new words, take the periodical tips, their roots and prefixes-suffixes
GET READY FOR LEARNING
Most important of All- do not memorize long lists of new words. Before the examinations, half the night is spent trying to get the expressions of new words. But Most of them are forgotten the next day. Parrot-fashion learning will not stay in the head. The words which are learnt in context and those which can be put to use in speech and writing shall form the part of the vocabulary.
First of all try to guess the meaning of the word used in particular context (No wild guess- mind you). Then
-check the guess in dictionary, its correct spelling, pronunciation and then finally, practice the new word.
-Frame the sentences containing the word, write the sentences down.
-Try to think how many times you have used the word during the day. Speak out the sentences to yourself, standing before the mirror or whatever means you find to use the same.
-Try to picture the word, Memory works better on pictures than on reading & lectures etc. Grab the opportunity to use the word in conversation. Feel proud when you use it but never try to correct the other person using the same words. The person might be right and might be using it in some other context or you might have got it wrong. So be polite and bring more strength in yourself.
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