Test: Vocabulary - 2 (July 6) - CAT MCQ

Divisiveness means creating dissension or discord and nationalist refers to a common thread or a binding force.
So option (a) is the correct answer.

Options (a), (c) and (d) do not fit in the given context and are incorrect. Since the sentence mentions a yearning for the glorious past, the word 'wistful', as given in option (b), which means 'full of yearning or desire tinged with melancholy' fits in the blank and makes it meaningful. So option (b) is the correct answer.

A quick review of question indicates that the first blank should be filled with a word similar to society or the population. Similarly, in the second blank, an adjective for the word 'love' is needed. Option (b) is incorrect because 'irrevocable' means irreversible which doesn't fit in the sentence. Option (c) is also incorrect because 'unrequited' means unreturned which does not logically fit in the sentence. Option (d) is incorrect because 'civil obedience' cannot be demanded from the opposition. The words given in option (a) fit perfectly in the blanks; 'populace', meaning the ordinary people of a country, fits in the first blank and 'unquestioning' goes well with obedience. So option (a) is the correct answer.

Except option (b) all oth er options contradict t he thought contained in the given sentence. Option (b) keeps the thought intact that Mahatma Gandhi was respected for his convictions even by his critics. So option (b) is the correct answer.

In option (a) use of the word 'note' is correct. In the given context 'note' refers to explanation/s that the author has provided for reference of the readers. In option (b) the word 'note' has been used to refer a person who is distinguished or famous. In option (d) the word 'note' has been used correctly. The word 'note' is used in this context to refer to grief, condolence or similar emotional qualities. In option (c) there is incorrect use of the word 'note'. The word has been incorrectly used in the expression 'rings a note' in place of the idiom 'rings a bell'. The idiom 'rings a bell' is used to refer to something which evokes memory or recollection. So option (c) is the correct answer.

Let's analyze the usage of the word "hit" in each sentence:

1. In his new book he hits off the American temperament with amazing insight

   • "Hits off" is used here in the sense of describing or capturing something accurately. This is correct.

2. What will happen when the story hits the front page

   • "Hits" is used correctly here to mean "makes it to" or "appears on." This is correct.

3. Critics hit off at the administration’s new energy policy

   • "Hit off at" is incorrect usage. The phrase should be "hit out at" when referring to criticizing someone or something.

4. This course will hit the high spots of ancient history

   • "Hit the high spots" means to cover the most important or significant aspects. This is correct.

The incorrect or inappropriate usage of "hit" is in option 3.

‘Constructive’ means promoting further development or advancement. ‘Advanced’ means further along in progress. Though ‘preliminary’ and ‘advanced’ can be used to describe discussions, they do not fit in the context as the rest of the sentence says that “he remains optimistic that a positive outcome can be achieved”. ‘Reassert’ means to state with assureance or state strongly. The answer is option (b).

‘Exhaustive’ means compreshensive. ‘Secure’ and ‘complete’ do not fit in the context of taking printouts. ‘Manual’ means involving or using human effort and this fits in the context of a contrast with tracking messages on a real-time basis. The answer is option (d).

‘langour ously’ an d ‘quietl y’ would be th e on ly appropriate words for the first blank. The second blank can effectively help at arriving at the answer option as ‘abyss’ would be inappropriate. ‘refrain’ which means ‘a regularly occurring melody or chorus of a song’ would be more appropriate.

It is important to understand the comparison in the two sentences. In the first sentence we are in awe of the pyramids despite being aware of the misery that accompanied their construction. Therefore in the first blank we need a negative word, whereas for the second blank we would need a positive word. ‘smother’ and ‘art’ fit best.