Verbal Ability 3

35 min Directions for questions 26 to 29: Read the paragraphs given and choose the best option that suits
the question asked.

26. Ever since I arrived at the college last week, I've been shocked by the poor behaviour of the students.
The student population is completely lacking in proper social skills.
Which of the following, if true, would weaken the above conclusion?
a. Students who are away from their parents often exhibit rude behaviour
b. The college numbers over 50,000 students.
c. The narrator is a student and has not interacted with many students.
d. Social skills should not be expected of college students

27. Cars are safer than planes. Fifty percent of plane accidents result in death, while only one percent of car accidents
result in death.

Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the argument above?
a. Planes are inspected more often than cars.
b. The number of car accidents is several hundred thousand times higher than the number of plane accidents
c. Pilots never fly under the influence of alcohol, while car drivers often do
d. Plane accidents are usually the fault of air traffic controllers, not pilots.

28. The Japanese economic model created strong domestic industries through subsidies from its Ministry
of Trade and by closing off competitive foreign firms to its domestic market. This strategy promised to help
economic growth by incubating domestic industries. New Japanese industries could count on a known local
demand and would be protected from competition by tariffs and other barriers. The program could reduce the
amount of imports and therefore improve the nation's balance of trade.
Which of the following, based on the passage above, is a weakness in this economic strategy?
a. A protectionist policy will create animosity among other nations.
b. Fast growth of small industries will create a class of millionaires and increase the inequality of income
c. Subsidies and import constraints keep domestic
prices high and impose a burden on consumers. d. Quotas are more regressive than tariffs

29. Sally has never received a violation from the Federal Aviation Administration during her 16-year flying
career. Sally must be a great pilot. Which of the following can be said about the reasoning above?
a. The definitions of the terms create ambiguity.
b. The argument uses circular reasoning.
c. The argument works by analogy.
d. The argument is built upon hidden assumptions.

Direction for 30 and 31:

Statement: According to a recent survey, managers of large companies are paid more than managers of small
companies. It does not seem fair that just because a manager is heading a big company s/he should be paid more.
Manager’s salary should be related to his contribution to the company’s growth, especially growth in
terms of sales and profits. Of course, big companies are more complex than the small, but all managers
require notable amount of energy and time

in managing companies. All managers should be paid according to their performance.

30. A person seeking to refute the argument might argue that

a. Managers should be paid equally.
b. Managing big companies is more challenging than small.
c. If managers of small companies perform well,
the company would become big and so would
the managers’ salary.
d. Managers who travel more should be paid more.

31. Which of the following, if true, would strengthen

the speaker’s argument?
a. Managers of small companies come from good educational background.
b. Managers in big companies take much longer to reach to the top, as compared to their counterparts in
smaller companies.
c. Managers of big companies are very difficult to hire.
d. A few big family businesses have managers from within the family.

Directions for questions 32 to 39: In each of the following sentences, a part of the sentence is
highlighted. Beneath each sentence, four or five different ways of phrasing the underlined part are indicated.
Choose the best alternative from among the four.

32. The manner in which Anand always plays up to his superiors is contemptible.
a. The manner in which Anand always plays up
b. The manner in which Anand is playing towards c. The offensive way in which Anand is playing
d. The way in which Anand is always playing up

33. The MLA insisted that he would regard it an honour if the Chief Minister would step on his coat. a. an
honour if the Chief Minister would step on
his coat.
b. an honour if the Chief Minister so much as se foot on his coat.
c. as an honour if the Chief Minister would step on his coat.
d. as an honour if the Chief Minister stepped on his
coat.

34. The state government also provides 10 crores to finance rural infrastructure projects and for development
work.
a. to finance rural infrastructure projects and for development work.

b. for financing rural infrastructure projects and to carry out development work.
c. in order to finance rural infrastructure projects and for development work.
d. to finance rural infrastructure projects and to carry out development work.

35. Though it was not fashionable being an N.R.I, Teja has made California his home, and remained in London as
a trader and businessman.
a. Though it was not fashionable being an N.R.I, Teja has made California his home
b. Teja has made California his home though being an N.R.I was not fashionable
c. Though it was not fashionable to be an N.R.I, California was home to Teja
d. Though it was not fashionable to be an N.R.I,
Teja made California his home

36. Discoveries of Homo habilis skeletons in Ethipia by Lee Strobel’s team and in NewZealands by Chong Chang
indicates that the first members of our genus had long arms and short legs.
a. indicates that the first members of our genus had long arms and short legs.
b. indicate that the first members of our genus had long arms and short legs.
c. indicate that the first members of our genus
 have had long arms and short legs.
d. does indicate that the first members of our genus had long arms and short legs.

37. The publishers, unwilling to shoulder the entire risk, insisted that the writer should pay half the cost of the
initial print run of his controversial new book. a. The publishers, unwilling to shoulder the entire risk, insisted
that the writer should pay half the cost of the initial print run of his controversial
new book.
b. The publishers, unwilling to shoulder the entire risk, insisted that the writer should be paying half the cost
of the initial print run of the author’s controversial new book.
c. The publishers, unwilling to shoulder the entire risk, insisted that the writer pay half the cost of the initial print
run of his controversial new book.
d. Unwilling to shoulder the entire risk, the publishers insisted the writer should pay half the cost of
the initial print run of his controversial new book.
e. Unwilling to shoulder the entire risk, the writer was required by the publisher to pay half the cost of the
initial print run of his controversial new book.

38. Unlike Sigm und’s belief that the unco nscio us was solely a storehouse of repressed memories, Carl
asserted that the unconscious also contained creative reservoirs.
a. Sigmund’s belief that the unconscious was solely
a storehouse of repressed memories
b. Sigmund and his belief that the unconscious was solely a storehouse of repressed memories
c. the belief of Sigmund that states the unconscious is solely a storehouse of repressed
memories
d. Sigmund, who believed that the unconscious was solely a storehouse of repressed memories
e. Sigmund and the belief that the unconscious solely stores of repressed memories

39. From what mountains or gardens would future painters draw their inspiration? Would move poets to craft
their symphonies, theologians to contemplate the meaning of God, and philosophers write their verse.
a. painters draw their inspiration? Would move poets to craft their symphonies, composers to contemplate the
meaning of God, and philosophers write their verse.
b. painters draw their inspiration? Would move poets
to write their verse, composers to craft their symphonies and philosophers to contemplate the meaning of
God
c. philosophers draw their inspiration? Would move poets to write their verse, composers to craft their symphonies,
and painters to contemplate the meaning of God
d. philosophers to contemplate the meaning of God?
Would move painters to draw their inspiration, composers to write their verse, and poets to craft their
symphonies?

Directions for questions 40 to 44: Read the passage and answer the following questions.

The piranha is a much-maligned fish. Most people think that this is a deadly creature that swarms
through rivers and creeks of the Amazon rainforest looking for victims to tear apart. And woe betide
anyone unlucky enough to be in the same water as a shoal of Piranhas. It takes only a few minutes for the
vicious Piranhas to reduce someone to a mere skeleton.
The truth is that the piranha is really a much more nuanced animal than the mindless killer depicted in the media.
In fact, Piranhas are a group made up of approximately twelve different species. Each piranha

species occupies its own ecological niche. One type of piranha takes chunks out of the fins of other fish. Another
type eats fruit falling from trees into the river. Each piranha species plays a unique role in the ecology of the rainforest
floodplains. So what should you do next time you hear someone talking about the “deadly piranha”? You can
 remind them that the piranha is not always the notorious killer fish that the tough, muscular heroes of
popular nature television shows would have us believe.
However, Piranhas are not always that deadly. In fact, they usually swim alone. They eat small fish as
well as seeds and fruits that fall into the water. Piranhas rarely attack people.
Piranhas swim in rivers and lakes in South America. And they are kept as pets around the world. Because
they eat so much and can be expensive to feed, some pet owners have released them into local waters. This practice
has introduced Piranhas to habitats outside their native range. In these new environments, many Piranhas have
eaten large numbers of fish, frogs, and other water animals.

40. The primary purpose of the author is to

a. correct misconceptions about the piranha
b. illustrate the importance of Piranhas in rainforest ecology
c. describe two different species of Piranhas
d. instruct the reader on what to say if someone describe the piranha as “deadly”

41. In paragraph 1, the author most likely uses the old-

fashioned expression “woe betide” to
a. highlight the danger posed by Piranhas
b. suggest that the reputation of the piranha is well-deserved
c. emphasize the sarcastic tone
d. indicate that the passage was written in the 19th
century

42. In paragraph 1, the author uses hyperbole— characterized by the use of exaggeration for effect—to
describe the piranha. The author most likely uses hyperbole to
a. frame an argument that is supported in a later paragraph
b. create ambiguity so the reader cannot be sure which position the writer supports
c. juxtapose the myth of the piranha with the truth about the fish
d. evoke vivid images of nature television shows in
the reader’s mind

43. As used in paragraph 2, which is the best synonym for notorious?

a. celebrated
b. disreputable c. notable
d. renowned

44. As used in paragraph 2, which is the best definition for unique?

a. replaceable b. important
c. individual d. unusual

Directions for questions 45 to 49: Read the passage and answer the following questions.

The Maastricht Treaty can be termed as the first formal treaty that led to the creation of European Union.
The treaty was signed on Feb 7th 1992 and came to the existence on Nov 1st 1993. Denmark, France and Great Britain
rejected the treaty in its original format. With the Edinburgh Agreement in Dec 1992 and second referendum
on 18th May 1993, Denmark adopted the treaty with exceptions, namely with provisions on Citizenship,
Unified Economic and monetary policies, and Defence policies and Justice and Home Affairs. The adoption
of treaty required approval from citizens of each member states. France narrowly adopted the referendum in September
1992, with 51.05% in favour. Britain has consistently opposed the idea of currency unification with Euro, although
some provisions of Maastricht treaty were supported.
 Although the treaty initiated the unification of European community in areas of criminal justice and
inter-governmental cooperation, the advantages of Euro as a currency over national currencies for stronger
European economies have yet to be established. Almost all European states are following an economic
cycle of boom and bust, with UK’s economy showing a high correlation with that of US. Lack of a federal
structure to control inflation, interest rate and taxes in the European Union have made it difficult for ECB to
make effective monetary policies. The success of EU depends on each state, and weak links in the system can
destabilize the entire union, as has been the case with the crisis in Greece, Ireland and Spain. With a unified monetary
policy, the central bank has exposure to debts in weak economies. Politicians of strong economies have to convince
the parliament, the people and other member states about a justifiable bailout package. The risk on Euro increases
with interest rate hikes. With economic growth, risk of inflation is high. Strong economies opt for interest rate
hikes to compensate inflation. Each country, its economy and people has different sensitiveness
towards inflation and interest rate hikes. When an

economy is faced with debt, unemployment and slow demand, interest rate hikes can be catastrophic. With the
abolishment of independent monetary policies, Euro faces the risk of dissolution.

45. The passage is primarily concerned with:

a. providing the context of a historical phenomenon and the long-term advantages
b. underlying one interpretation of a historical
phenomenon
c. assessing the merits and weaknesses of a historical phenomenon
d. discussing the historical importance of a treaty

46. According to the passage, what does the author mean with the conclusion “With the abolishment of independent
monetary policies, Euro faces the risk of dissolution” mean:
a. Providing a hypothetical scenario when the risk on Euro is extremely high.
b. The author is providing a scenario where the risk on Euro is extremely high.
c. Highlighting the disadvantages of Euro
d. Providing a current scenario where the risk on
Euro has increased

47. Which of the following is the primary reason for problems like inflation and economic instability in the
European Union?
a. The central bank is exposed to debts of weak economies
b. Each country doesn’t have its own independent
monetary policy
c. The weak unions can destabilise the entire union thus forcing the stronger economies to offer bailout packages.
d. An effective monetary policy cannot be framed because of lack of federal structure.

48. Infer why “interest rate hikes can be catastrophic”

in the context of the passage.
a. With a unified monetary policy, the usage of Euro as a currency by the union countries carries the possibility
that it can even destabilize the entire union.
b. Each country’s economy has different sensitivity
to interest rate hikes.
c. Weak economies cannot afford to hike interest rates.
d. The already slow economic growth of the countries will be threatened.

49. Even though provisions of Maastricht treaty were supported, who constantly opposed the idea of currency
unification?
 a. Britain b. Ireland c. France d. Greece

Directions for questions 50 to 53: Read the each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error
in it. The error, if any will be in one part of the sentence.
50. That hospital is so badly run (A) / that neither the nurses nor the doctor (B) / come on time, and so the patients
(C) / have to wait indefinitely to get attended to (D).

51. The chairman reviewed the many details (A) / connecting with probability (B) / of the company and then
decided that (C) / further expansion was not desirable (D).

52. Many working men and women have been (A) / able to acquire a university degree (B) / during the last ten
years after (C) / many universities started correspondent courses (D).

53. Like his brother who did not wear his helmet (A) / and was injured in the accident (B) / Raja was always careful
(C) / and wore his helmet without fail (D).

Direction for the questions 54 to 61:

Choose the set of words for each blank which best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

54. Although the defender troops had solved a number of problems, their past incidents made them .......... to show out
a positivity that they would definitely succeed.
a. Rash b. Ambivalent c. Scornful d. overjoyed

55. Sharks of the masculine gender are generally creatures; however, when they are
enviously looking after their areas, they have been known to the war ships.
a. docile, attack b. aggressive, strike
c. Large, assault d. Peaceful, ignore

56. The costume Aathira wore ______ with oval shaped, glassy beads, caused a gleamming effect.
a. Titillated b. Reiterated c. Scintillated d. enthralled

57. Her poems are ; she uses a lengthy roundabout expression when a direct coupling of simple
parts of speech would be best.
a. prolix b. Pedestrian c. Succinct d. vapid

58. The reason that the people have the votes to counteract a governmental veto, the Prime minister has no choice
but to .
a. Object b. Abdicate
c. Abstain d. Compromise

59. The director believes that all actors are , for her main idea is, whatever qualities they may lack, are
in fact preeminent qualities of .
a. clever . . . ingenuity
b. covetous . . . greed
c. virtuous . . . deceit
d. successful . . . ambition

60. Having faith to ------- the argument, the moderator proposed a lettter stating that their fault would
be ------- to both the workers and the bosses.
 a. enforce . . useful
b. end . . divisive
c. overcome . . unattractive
d. resolve…acceptable

61. Her beauty was a double‐edged sword; in her peer groups, it aroused both admiration and
_.
a. envy
b. laudation
c. equanimity
d. obstinacy

Directions for questions 62 to 65: Read the each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error
in it. The error, if any will be in one part of the sentence.

62. She was wearing a wig that was (A) / far more attractive than (B) / the other women who had (C) / their natural
hair (D).

63. It is futile to discuss this further (A) / since neither his nor you (B) / are going to agree (C) / with the other
on this problem (D).

64. Each of the dancers whom I invited (A) / to participate in the competition has (B) / indicated their
unwillingness (C) / because of the short notice(D).

65. If one watches the news regularly (A) / you will be surprised at the improvement (B) / in your overall reading
skills (C) / from day to day (D).