STRATEGIES TO TACKLE VERBAL ABILITY SECTION

In the Verbal Ability section the language is not difficult; the questions have become more reasoning based. Now, we need to think logically rather than mechanically.Strategies to tackle RC:
Regarding RC, the mantra is, 'catch the main argument of the passage.'There is no doubt that RC is time-consuming. However, it is not always so if a student is well aware of proper strategy and technique. While skimming, simultaneously go through the questions. At times, you will come across a question that is linked to something you just read in the previous paragraph. The underlining process relieves you from storing or memorizing everything you read. After reading the questions, you can go back to the passage, refer to the underlined areas and mark the correct answer. You can also take the help of transitional key words, suchas Moreover, Besides, Furthermore, that support the passage or the author's view. Words such as However, Although, But, on the other hand, are against the flow. Finally, words like Hence, Thus, and Therefore are conclusions, and can be easily spotted in the final paragraphs or at the end of the passage. To prevent confusion, it is better to encircle these words so as to locate them easily when referring to the passage.The test-makers also use language traps that can hurt your score. For example, a period of two years mentioned in the passage is referred to as 24 months in the question; or, the passage mentions a distance in miles while the question uses kilometers. So stay alert and keep a hawk's eye for these traps.While taking the CAT, do not try to attempt every RC question, particularly if you are not sure of the answer, since this will attract negative marking and hurt your score. If there are a number of RC passages and students can afford to skip some passages and/or questions, the best way for average students to complete the RC section is by using one of two strategies -- Some Questions from All Passages (SQAP) and All Questions from Some Passages (AQSP). With SQAP, you should not attempt questions with options such as None of these, All of these, Except, Least Agree, Least Disagree, True and Not True. These are the most difficult RC questions and should be avoided .in the first round. Instead, answer the direct questions that, most of the time, are given in inverted commas. After answering all the direct questions in a passage, move on to the next one. In case you find passages that give only direct and specific information questions, you can immediately change your strategy and go for 'All Questions from Some Passages' (AQSP). With this strategy, you answer all the questions from the passages with direct questions, while avoiding the passages that have the most indirect questions. For answering inference based questions, PROCESS OF ELIMINATION is the best strategy; remember any direct statement given in the options is never an answer for inference based questions. Following these tips will help you earn the top possible marks and avoid a lot of stress. Strategies to tackle some other Verbal Ability questions:

PARAJUMBLES

Directions for questions 1 – 3: Rearrange statements A to D in coherent order.
1. Early in the 1970s we thought of the idea of satellite communication in order to spread education.
A. The IIM, Kozhikode, Kerala, launched the Interactive Distance Education Programme in 2002.
B. Using satellite based infrastructure it delivers real time live education to all participants by high quality video/audio and data delivered multimedia mode.
C. This was one of the largest experiments of its kind in the world using a satellite.
D. The Satellite Instructional Television Programme was transmitted through an American satellite ATS – F launched by NASA.
Specific management courses would be simultaneously transmitted to several centres in India from a classroom in Calicut, with the help of telecommunication and satellite television transmission.
(1) DBCA
(2) DCAB
(3) ACDB
(4) BACD
Sol.: Look for pairs DC & AB. The combination is present in the 2nd option only. Many a time options play a vital role in such cases.

2. “Too often,” as Bergson has said, “when philosophy faces the problems of the origin, nature, and destiny of man, it bypasses them in order to deal with questions which it regards as prior, and upon which the solutions of the more pressing problems are said to depend.
A. Before searching for the solution of anything, we are told that we must know exactly what it is to search.
B. Whence do we come? What are we? Whither do we go?
C. Study the mechanism of your thinking apparatus, analyze your knowledge, and criticize your criticism of it.
D. Those are the vital issues which we would face at once if we philosophized without bothering about the traditional philosophic systems. But an over-systematic philosophy interposes a whole host of other problems between those issues and ourselves.
Once you have assured yourself of the worth of the instrument, then you will see how to use it properly. But alas, that moment never comes.”
(1) ABCD
(2) ACDB
(3) CBAD
(4) BDAC
Sol.: Read the statements carefully and go through the options. B D makes a pair and so is AC. Option 4 has both.

3.
A. In use, the company says that the FIT format uses only a single image file for both thumbnail and full-size image creations and supports spatial scaling of displayed images and a variety of colour models.
B. File Flow has developed, what the company claims, a new ultra - efficient file compression system for the transmission of digital camera files, as well as for use in desktop publishing and document flow systems.
C. The Norwegian firm's technology is based around Java and allows massive file compression. The company says that a typical 37 megabyte (MB) file image will compress down to just 600 kilobytes (KB) using its system, allowing the file to transfer in under two minutes across a 56 kilobits-per-second (K-bps) modem connection.
D. File Flow says its compression technology is the result of more than 10 years of academic research to develop the ultimate still- mage compression format. Using the fast image transfer (FIT) format, the firm, produces significantly smaller file sizes than the equivalent JPEG (Joint photographic experts group) file - requiring significantly less disk space, dramatically reducing download time, bandwidth cost and server loads.
(1) ABCD
(2) DBCA
(3) BCDA
(4) BACD
Sol.: The best clue is statement-D; it speaks of FIT. A follows, beginning with “in use”. Now look for the option that has the combination. Option (3) only.
One of the best ways to solve such questions is to treat them as a story or something which is being communicated to others. You will realize what comes first and the next as well

FIILING THE PARENTHESIS

Direction for questions 4 – 5: For the following questions, select the option that best replaces the parenthesis in the given paragraph. To answer questions such as “Select the option that best replaces the parenthesis in the given paragraph”,
check the tone of the passage. If it starts with positive note and towards the end the theme remains unchanged, look for the option that is positive. Starting with positive ends negative, choose the option that is a contrast. Here are some examples for your practice.

4. Addressing media persons here, he said that the obstacles often highlighted for lack of growth in trade are not strong enough to justify the lack of initiative. To support his argument, he cited the example of China which now has booming trade with Brazil (.) even though the language problem and distance factor applies equally to the Chinese also, Mr. Scares noted. Calling for steps to boost trade and business ties, the ambassador said that Brazil was keen to forge strong links with Asia.  
(1) China does not want to encourage relations with Brazil.
(2) Brazil is not willing to enter into a trade agreement with China.
(3) China and Brazil are based on the same ground of cultural ethos.
(4) China and Brazil are even building a satellite jointly.
Sol.: Options (1) & (2) are against the flow of the passage; (3) speaks of a common problem; whereas the passage is based on upcoming relations between China and Brazil. Hence (4) is the correct option.

5. After all, the strategic $40 million deal with Parle Exports has given the company instant ownership of the nation's top soft drink brands like ThumsUp, Limca, Citra, Gold Spot and Maaza and also access to Parley’s extensive 54 plant bottling network and a base for the rapid introduction of the company’s international brands(.) And the recent decision of Ramesh Chauhan to sell out his bottling operations to Coke was all but a boost to the multinational's operations in India.
(1) The Thums Up plant however is not very lucrative.
(2) But the competition in the soft drink industry is cut throat.
(3) The network of independently owned bottles was and is India's largest soft drink bottling system.
(4) Pepsi is arch rival for Coke.
Sol.: The passage speaks of the positive aspects. Option (1) & (2) are negative choices. Competition is nowhere mentioned. Hence (3) is the best choice.

CONCLUDING ASSERTION
To solve “Concluding assertion, support, irrelevant and counter argument questions” the best strategy is to go via options. Here is an example.

6.
A. The lion depends on stealth rather than speed to catch the prey.
B. A lion cannot maintain a high speed for longer durations.
C. All the prey species can easily outrun the massive lion.
D. The jungle has its own rules.
(1) BADC
(2) CBAD
(3) BABC
(4) ABCD
Sol.: Its is very much clear that statement D is not at all related with the argument and that negates options (2) & (3), the choice is between (1) & (2). Next clue is statement A & C both supporting B, hence option (3) is the answer.
 
WORD USAGE
Directions for question 7: The question consists of a CAPITALISED word followed by four possible illustrations of the meaning. Choose the one, which is the most suitable illustration.

7. ADJUDICATION
(1) People voicing uncalled for suggestions regarding the way a company is to be run.
(2) A man strongly advocating the malfeasance administered during school days.
(3) An umpire deciding the proceedings in a cricket match.
(4) An autocrat dictating his terms in an authoritarian regime.
Sol.: Answer: (3)

For such questions you need to understand the usage of the word given. Words can be used in many ways. At times all four seem to be correct. The best way to solve is to be aware of the dictionary meaning and also synonyms
Direction for question  Find the statement where the given word hasn’t been used correctly.

8. ABSENT
(1) Absenteeism is a problem at some schools.
(2) His absentist nature showed that he wasn’t taking in the news.
(3) Why did you absent yourself from the vital meeting?
(4) His absence is due to illness.
Sol.: Answer: (2)
Absenteeism and absentist, the two words given are language traps. The word absentist is a created word and has nothing to do with usage or dictionary meaning.

STRATEGIES TO TACKLE VERBAL ABILITY SECTION (PART – II)

In Part I we had considered last minute tips and strategies to crack CAT verbal section. In this part we consider strategies for cracking other question types.Sentence Correction / Improvement:These are grammar based questions and a good knowledge ofgrammar rules is necessary. However, we can also try different strategies. For example in questions involving four/five statements, where we have to answer which of the statements are right/wrong, it is desirable to find one statement which is definitely right/wrong and which has to be part of our answer. Thereafter we can work from the answer options backwards and see which other statement(s) ought to be clubbed with the same. Likewise, in questions involving sentence improvement where we have to find out which is the best way to restate the sentence, it is necessary to pinpoint the error in the given sentence BEFORE we go to the options and then look for the option that rectifies the error with MINIMAL other changes. We give below an example each of both types:

Direction for question 1: Identify the incorrect sentence or sentences.
1.
A. A spa is a spring whose water has the highest temperature than the water in the surrounding area.
B. It is not too much to say that had there been no IMF; there would have been no East Asia crisis.
C. The police reached the place and when they left, 40 persons had been injured and 70 arrested.
D. If you go on to let your dog chasing cars, he will get run over one day.
(1) A, C and D
(2) B, C and D
(3) A, C and B
(4) B and C
Sol.: As we can see here, A can be easily picked as the incorrect sentence, as it uses superlative ‘highest’ in place of the comparative ‘higher’. That leaves the choice only between options (1) and (3). Between these two options also, C is common. We only have to see whether B is wrong or D is wrong. ‘Let your dog chasing cars’ is incorrect usage. So the right answer is (1). Direction for question 2: Identify the best improvement for the underlined part in the statement below.

2. Before you embark on your journey, a consultation with an astrologer is strongly recommended.
(1) a consultation with an astrologer is strongly recommended.
(2) you must consult an astrologer.
(3) it is recommended that you consult an astrologer.
(4) we recommend that you consult an astrologer.
Sol.: Here we find that the first part of the sentence is in active voice. So the latter part should also be in active voice. When once this is decided, there is only one answer (2).
Sentence Completion: Here too the students are tempted to go to the answer options without getting the flow of the sentence. The best way is to try to translate the sentence into our own words and try to predict the filler before going to the options. The option that best matches our prediction is the right answer. Keep in mind that this question can come in different formats. In CAT 2005, it appeared as words in italics (that did not make sense) in place of the blanks. The strategy was to treat these words as blanks. 

3. ‘Innocents Abroad’ was greeted with an ________ that made Mark Twain a celebrity overnight, though with too much ________ of a kind that was to persist throughout his career.
(1) insight; coherence
(2) enthusiasm; misunderstanding
(3) integrity; rectitude
(4) earnestness; empathy
Sol.: The statement here can be divided into two parts and the two parts present a contrast. Since Mark Twain became a celebrity overnight, the first part has to be positive; and since the latter part begins with ‘though’, the latter part has to be negative. The only option that has positive filler for the first blank and negative filler for the second blank is (2).

4. In days gone by, it was virtually impossible to tell the difference between a ________ and a ________ work of art, and forgers made millions by ________ the art world.
(1) fake, genuine, hoodwinking
(2) charlatan, quack; unflattering
(3) pinchbeck; tempting; trusting
(4) neoteric; naïve; duping
Sol.: The difference has to be between a genuine and a fake work of art. Therefore, the only answer can be (1).
Verbal Analogies: Here the meanings of the words are not as important as the relationship between the pair. If we can make a sentence using both the words in the pair, then the option where a similar sentence can be formed is the answer. Even if we do not know the meanings of some of the words, we can find out the right answer by working out the relationship, e.g. whether the words are positive/negative, whether they are nouns/verbs/adjectives, whether a word is a person/physical item/abstract quality or the like.
 
5. DOUGH : BREAD
(1) Sugar : Cake
(2) Words : Speech
(3) Paper : Author
(4) Skates : Ice
Sol.: The relationship between the stem pair is that of basic raw material and finished product. Sugar is not the basic raw material for a cake, but only one of the ‘other’ contents. So the relationship expressed in the sentence is: Dough makes bread; words make a speech. 

6. FACADE : BUILDING
(1) Page : Book
(2) Drawer : Desk
(3) Fence : Garden
(4) Dial : Watch
Sol.: Façade is the face of the building; same as dial is the face of a watch. Fact/Inference/Judgment: Here the strategy is to look for and locate a statement that is definitely a judgment or a fact. Then we can work backward from the options.
 
7.
1. Global production of wheat is declining every year and grim days for India are imminent as there are more mouths to feed.
2. The potential problem is that even if Australia and USA remain favorable and the harvest is good, these two exporters may not have enough to hawk in the world market.
3. According to the latest USDA estimates, world production of wheat has dropped from 629 million tonnes in 2004-05 to 593 million of tonnes in 2006-07.
4. The escalation of food-grain prices is likely to create problems for the farmers who thrive on animal farming.
(1) JFFI
(2) JIFI
(3) IIFJ
(4) IJFJ
(5) JIFJ
Sol.: Here statements 2 and 4 are definitive judgments about what can be or should be; and 3 is definitely a fact. So the answer is easy (4).

Critical Reasoning:
Here the strategy is two-pronged: first look to eliminate ridiculous answers; then subject the rest to the denial
test. If by rejecting a premise, the conclusion is also denied you have found the answer.
Questions 8 – 9: Within the advertising community, debate has long raged over the effectiveness of humorous commercials. Those who advocate using humour to sell products like to point to survey results, which show that ordinary consumers are almost twice as likely to recall a humorous commercial as they are to recall a serious commercial.

8. In their argument, the advocates of human in advertising assume that:
(1) the ordinary consumer has a sense of humor similar to that of most advertising copywriters
(2) humorous commercials can be effective even when shown during serious television dramas
(3) the effectiveness of humorous advertising is not affected by the nature of the product being sold
(4) a commercial that is recalled by consumers is a more effective selling vehicle than one that is not recalled
(5) most television viewers enjoy watching commercials as much as they enjoy the programme itself
Sol.: The debate is about the effectiveness of the commercials and the value of recall. Options (1) and (5) are not about effectiveness and can be easily eliminated. Options (2) and (3) are not about recall value. Since, the advocates of humor use a high rate of recall as evidence of their “effectiveness” of humor as a selling tool, they must assume that effectiveness and memorability are one and same as in (4).

9. Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument made by the advocates of humor in advertising?
(1) The consumers surveyed about humorous commercials included people considered unlikely to buy the particular products advertised.
(2) According to viewer ratings, the popularity of humorous television programming has been declining in recent years.
(3) Although most consumers surveyed were able to recall viewing humorous commercials, many said they enjoyed the serious commercial more.
(4) For certain types of products, humorous advertising would be inappropriate and potentially offensive.
(5) Although most consumers surveyed were able to recall viewing humorous commercials, most failed to recall the name of the product advertised.
Sol.: Statements (1), (3) and (4) can be easily eliminated as they do not weaken the conclusion about the recall value. Statement (5) weakens the argument of the humor advocates by exposing a loophole in their logic : It may well be that a memorable ad is an ineffective tool.