CAT 2010 VARC Slot 2 Question Paper(Available) :Download Solutions with Answer Key

- Step 1: Define the word. "Ephemeral" means lasting for a very short time, short-lived, or temporary.


- Step 2: Analyze options.

(1) Transient: Means passing quickly, similar to ephemeral.

(2) Permanent: Means lasting forever, opposite of ephemeral.

(3) Fleeting: Means brief or passing quickly, similar to ephemeral.

(4) Momentary: Means lasting for a moment, similar to ephemeral.


- Step 3: Select the opposite. Permanent is the clear opposite of ephemeral.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: For antonym questions, clearly define the given word and compare each option to identify the one with the opposite meaning.

- Step 1: Understand the context. The sentence suggests the discovery had a major, transformative impact on physics.


- Step 2: Evaluate options.

(1) Trivial: Means insignificant, does not fit.

(2) Groundbreaking: Means innovative and transformative, fits perfectly.

(3) Obscure: Means unclear or unknown, does not fit.

(4) Predictable: Means expected, does not convey impact.


- Step 3: Choose the best fit. Groundbreaking aligns with reshaping an entire field.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: For sentence completion, ensure the word fits both the meaning and tone of the sentence.

- Step 1: Understand the analogy. Big is the opposite of small. The relationship is antonymous.


- Step 2: Apply the relationship. Loud’s antonym is needed.

(1) Quiet: Opposite of loud, fits.

(2) Noisy: Synonym of loud, does not fit.

(3) Bright: Unrelated to sound, does not fit.

(4) Dark: Unrelated to sound, does not fit.


- Step 3: Confirm. Loud : Quiet mirrors Big : Small as antonyms.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (1) is correct.
Quick Tip: For analogies, identify the relationship between the first pair and apply it consistently to the second pair.

- Step 1: Analyze context. Ignoring economic data suggests a negative judgment by analysts.


- Step 2: Evaluate options.

(1) Astute: Means shrewd, positive, does not fit.

(2) Prudent: Means cautious, positive, does not fit.

(3) Absurd: Means ridiculous, negative, fits context.

(4) Insightful: Means perceptive, positive, does not fit.


- Step 3: Select the best word. Absurd conveys the analysts’ critical view.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (3) is correct.
Quick Tip: Pay attention to the tone (positive or negative) implied by the sentence context when choosing words.

- Step 1: Define the word. "Mitigate" means to make less severe or reduce.


- Step 2: Analyze options.

(1) Aggravate: Means to worsen, opposite.

(2) Intensify: Means to increase, opposite.

(3) Alleviate: Means to relieve or reduce, similar.

(4) Exacerbate: Means to worsen, opposite.


- Step 3: Select the synonym. Alleviate is closest in meaning to mitigate.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (3) is correct.
Quick Tip: For synonyms, eliminate options that are antonyms or unrelated to narrow down the correct choice.

- Step 1: Understand "affect" vs. "effect". "Affect" is a verb meaning to influence. "Effect" is usually a noun meaning result, or a verb meaning to bring about.


- Step 2: Evaluate options.

(1) Uses "effect" as a verb, should be "affect" to mean influence. Incorrect.

(2) Uses "affect" as a verb to mean influence, correct.

(3) Uses "affect" as a noun, should be "effect" for result. Incorrect.

(4) Uses "effect" as a noun, correct, but question asks for "affect." Incorrect.


- Step 3: Confirm. Option (2) correctly uses "affect" as a verb.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: Remember: "Affect" is a verb (to influence); "effect" is a noun (result) or rarely a verb (to cause).

- Step 1: Define the word. "Bolster" means to support or strengthen.


- Step 2: Analyze options.

(1) Support: Synonym of bolster.

(2) Undermine: Means to weaken, opposite of bolster.

(3) Strengthen: Synonym of bolster.

(4) Reinforce: Synonym of bolster.


- Step 3: Select the opposite. Undermine is the clear opposite.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: For antonyms, consider the core meaning of the word and look for options that reverse it.

- Step 1: Analyze context. "Despite" suggests contrast between outward appearance and inner feeling. He was concerned (negative), so his demeanor should appear positive.


- Step 2: Evaluate options.

(1) Anxious: Means nervous, aligns with concern, no contrast.

(2) Composed: Means calm, contrasts with concern.

(3) Distressed: Means upset, aligns with concern, no contrast.

(4) Agitated: Means restless, aligns with concern, no contrast.


- Step 3: Select the best fit. Composed provides the necessary contrast.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: In sentences with contrast (e.g., "despite"), choose a word that opposes the described emotion or state.

- Step 1: Define the word. "Pragmatic" means dealing with things sensibly and realistically.


- Step 2: Analyze options.

(1) Idealistic: Means pursuing perfection, opposite.

(2) Practical: Means realistic and sensible, similar.

(3) Visionary: Means imaginative, not realistic.

(4) Theoretical: Means based on theory, not practice.


- Step 3: Select the synonym. Practical is closest to pragmatic.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: For synonyms, focus on the word’s core meaning and eliminate options with different connotations.

- Step 1: Identify the relationship. A pen is a tool used to write (its primary action).


- Step 2: Apply the relationship. A hammer is a tool used primarily to hit or strike.

(1) Build: Too broad, not specific to hammer’s action.

(2) Hit: Matches hammer’s primary action.

(3) Cut: Incorrect action for hammer.

(4) Measure: Incorrect action for hammer.


- Step 3: Confirm. Pen : Write :: Hammer : Hit, as both describe the tool’s main function.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: In tool-action analogies, focus on the primary function of the tool.

- Step 1: Analyze context. "Uninspired" suggests the speech was dull or unengaging.


- Step 2: Evaluate options.

(1) Eloquent: Means expressive, positive, does not fit.

(2) Monotonous: Means dull and repetitive, fits context.

(3) Persuasive: Means convincing, positive, does not fit.

(4) Articulate: Means clear, positive, does not fit.


- Step 3: Select the best word. Monotonous aligns with leaving the audience uninspired.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: Choose words that match the emotional impact described in the sentence.

- Step 1: Define the word. "Obscure" means unclear or hidden.


- Step 2: Analyze options.

(1) Hidden: Synonym of obscure.

(2) Clear: Means easy to understand, opposite of obscure.

(3) Vague: Synonym of obscure.

(4) Ambiguous: Synonym of obscure.


- Step 3: Select the opposite. Clear is the opposite of obscure.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: For antonyms, eliminate synonyms first to focus on the correct opposite.

- Step 1: Understand non-restrictive clauses. The clause "which was held yesterday" is non-restrictive (extra information), requiring commas.


- Step 2: Evaluate options.

(1) Commas before and after the clause, correct.

(2) No commas, incorrect for non-restrictive clause.

(3) Missing comma after "yesterday," incorrect.

(4) Comma after "held" is misplaced, incorrect.


- Step 3: Confirm. Option (1) follows correct punctuation rules.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (1) is correct.
Quick Tip: Non-restrictive clauses (using "which") need commas before and after.

- Step 1: Define the word. "Tenacious" means holding firm or persistent.


- Step 2: Analyze options.

(1) Fragile: Means easily broken, opposite.

(2) Persistent: Means continuing firmly, similar.

(3) Yielding: Means giving way, opposite.

(4) Flexible: Means adaptable, not exact.


- Step 3: Select the synonym. Persistent is closest to tenacious.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: For synonyms, choose the word with the closest meaning in context.

- Step 1: Analyze context. Earning respect suggests a positive, systematic approach.


- Step 2: Evaluate options.

(1) Hasty: Means rushed, negative, does not fit.

(2) Methodical: Means systematic, positive, fits.

(3) Careless: Means negligent, negative, does not fit.

(4) Impulsive: Means acting without thought, negative, does not fit.


- Step 3: Select the best word. Methodical aligns with earning respect.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: Choose words that align with the positive or negative outcome described in the sentence.

- Step 1: Identify the relationship. A doctor primarily works in a hospital (workplace).


- Step 2: Apply the relationship. A chef primarily works in a kitchen.

(1) Kitchen: Chef’s primary workplace, fits.

(2) Restaurant: Broader location, less specific.

(3) Market: Not a workplace, incorrect.

(4) Garden: Not a workplace, incorrect.


- Step 3: Confirm. Doctor : Hospital :: Chef : Kitchen, both are specific workplaces.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (1) is correct.
Quick Tip: In profession-place analogies, focus on the specific workplace associated with the profession.

- Step 1: Check subject-verb agreement. "Data" is plural, requires plural verb "show."

Eliminate (1) and (3).


- Step 2: Check verb in clause. "Sales" is plural, requires plural verb "have," not "has."

Eliminate (2).


- Step 3: Confirm. Option (4) uses "show" and "have," correct for plural subjects.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (4) is correct.
Quick Tip: "Data" is plural and takes plural verbs like "show" or "are."

- Step 1: Define the word. "Verbose" means using more words than necessary.


- Step 2: Analyze options.

(1) Wordy: Synonym of verbose.

(2) Concise: Means brief and to the point, opposite.

(3) Loquacious: Means talkative, similar.

(4) Talkative: Similar to verbose.


- Step 3: Select the opposite. Concise is the opposite of verbose.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: For antonyms, focus on the word’s primary attribute (e.g., wordiness) and find its opposite.

- Step 1: Analyze context. "Kept readers engaged" suggests a captivating, interesting plot.


- Step 2: Evaluate options.

(1) Predictable: Means easily foreseen, not engaging.

(2) Intriguing: Means fascinating, fits context.

(3) Simplistic: Means overly simple, not engaging.

(4) Dull: Means boring, opposite of engaging.


- Step 3: Select the best word. Intriguing aligns with keeping readers engaged.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: Choose words that enhance the described effect (e.g., engagement) in the sentence.

- Step 1: Define the word. "Disparage" means to belittle or criticize.


- Step 2: Analyze options.

(1) Praise: Means to commend, opposite.

(2) Criticize: Means to find fault, similar.

(3) Encourage: Means to inspire, opposite.

(4) Support: Means to uphold, opposite.


- Step 3: Select the synonym. Criticize is closest to disparage.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: For synonyms, eliminate opposites to narrow down the correct choice.

- Step 1: Understand "its" vs. "it’s". "Its" is possessive (belonging to it). "It’s" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has."


- Step 2: Evaluate options.

(1) "It’s" should be "its" (possessive), incorrect.

(2) "Its" should be "it’s" (it is raining), incorrect.

(3) "Its" is possessive, correct.

(4) "It’s" should be "its" (possessive), incorrect.


- Step 3: Confirm. Option (3) uses "its" correctly.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (3) is correct.
Quick Tip: Test "it’s" by expanding to "it is" or "it has"; if it doesn’t fit, use "its."

- Step 1: Identify the relationship. A bird’s primary mode of movement is to fly.


- Step 2: Apply the relationship. A fish’s primary mode of movement is to swim.

(1) Swim: Matches fish’s movement.

(2) Walk: Incorrect for fish.

(3) Run: Incorrect for fish.

(4) Jump: Incorrect for fish.


- Step 3: Confirm. Bird : Fly :: Fish : Swim, both describe primary movement.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (1) is correct.
Quick Tip: In animal-movement analogies, focus on the characteristic mode of locomotion.

- Step 1: Analyze context. "Collaborative environment" suggests a positive, team-oriented leadership style.


- Step 2: Evaluate options.

(1) Authoritarian: Means controlling, not collaborative.

(2) Inclusive: Means involving everyone, fits context.

(3) Rigid: Means inflexible, not collaborative.

(4) Domineering: Means overbearing, not collaborative.


- Step 3: Select the best word. Inclusive aligns with fostering collaboration.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: Choose words that reflect the outcome (e.g., collaboration) described in the sentence.

- Step 1: Define the word. "Candid" means truthful and straightforward.


- Step 2: Analyze options.

(1) Honest: Synonym of candid.

(2) Deceptive: Means misleading, opposite.

(3) Frank: Synonym of candid.

(4) Sincere: Synonym of candid.


- Step 3: Select the opposite. Deceptive is the opposite of candid.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: For antonyms, eliminate synonyms to focus on the correct opposite.

- Step 1: Check pronoun case. Subjects use nominative case (I, he, she); objects use objective case (me, him, her).


- Step 2: Evaluate options.

(1) "She and I" are subjects, nominative, correct.

(2) "Him and me" are subjects, should be "he and I," incorrect.

(3) "My brother and me" are objects, objective case, correct.

(4) "He and she" are subjects, nominative, correct.


- Step 3: Confirm. Option (2) uses incorrect pronoun case for subjects.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct (as the incorrect sentence).
Quick Tip: Test pronouns by removing the other noun (e.g., "Him went" is wrong, so "He" is correct).

- Step 1: Define the word. "Vivid" means strikingly clear or bright.


- Step 2: Analyze options.

(1) Dull: Opposite of vivid.

(2) Bright: Means vibrant, similar to vivid.

(3) Faint: Opposite of vivid.

(4) Pale: Opposite of vivid.


- Step 3: Select the synonym. Bright is closest to vivid.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: For synonyms, focus on the word’s intensity or quality (e.g., vivid’s brightness).

- Step 1: Analyze context. "Disappointed" suggests a negative or underwhelming performance.


- Step 2: Evaluate options.

(1) Stellar: Means excellent, positive, does not fit.

(2) Mediocre: Means average or poor, fits context.

(3) Exceptional: Means outstanding, positive, does not fit.

(4) Outstanding: Means excellent, positive, does not fit.


- Step 3: Select the best word. Mediocre aligns with disappointment.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: Match the word to the emotional outcome (e.g., disappointment) in the sentence.

- Step 1: Identify the relationship. A book is created to be read (its primary interaction).


- Step 2: Apply the relationship. A painting is created to be viewed.

(1) Draw: Incorrect, relates to creation, not interaction.

(2) View: Matches painting’s primary interaction.

(3) Paint: Relates to creation, not interaction.

(4) Frame: Secondary action, not primary interaction.


- Step 3: Confirm. Book : Read :: Painting : View, both describe primary interaction.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: In object-interaction analogies, focus on how the object is primarily used or experienced.

- Step 1: Define the word. "Meticulous" means showing great attention to detail.


- Step 2: Analyze options.

(1) Careful: Synonym of meticulous.

(2) Careless: Means lacking attention, opposite.

(3) Precise: Synonym of meticulous.

(4) Thorough: Synonym of meticulous.


- Step 3: Select the opposite. Careless is the opposite of meticulous.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: For antonyms, focus on the word’s key trait (e.g., attention to detail) and find its reverse.

- Step 1: Understand colon usage. A colon introduces a list or explanation following a complete sentence.


- Step 2: Evaluate options.

(1) Colon after complete sentence, introduces list, correct.

(2) Comma does not introduce a list, incorrect.

(3) Semicolon joins independent clauses, not lists, incorrect.

(4) No punctuation, unclear, incorrect.


- Step 3: Confirm. Option (1) uses a colon correctly for a list.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (1) is correct.
Quick Tip: Use a colon to introduce a list after a complete sentence.

- Step 1: Define the word. "Elusive" means difficult to catch or grasp.


- Step 2: Analyze options.

(1) Obvious: Opposite of elusive.

(2) Evident: Opposite of elusive.

(3) Evasive: Means avoiding capture, similar.

(4) Clear: Opposite of elusive.


- Step 3: Select the synonym. Evasive is closest to elusive.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (3) is correct.
Quick Tip: For synonyms, eliminate opposites to focus on the correct choice.

- Step 1: Analyze context. "Offended" suggests remarks were negative or hurtful.


- Step 2: Evaluate options.

(1) Tactful: Means careful, positive, does not fit.

(2) Insensitive: Means lacking empathy, fits context.

(3) Considerate: Means thoughtful, positive, does not fit.

(4) Diplomatic: Means tactful, positive, does not fit.


- Step 3: Select the best word. Insensitive aligns with causing offense.


- Step 4: Conclusion. Option (2) is correct.
Quick Tip: Choose words that match the negative or positive impact described in the sentence.