CAT VA-RC 2020 Slot 1: RC Passage 3

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RC Passage

Direction for the questions 10 to 14: The passage below is accompanied by a set of five questions. Choose the best answer to each question.

Vocabulary used in speech or writing organizes itself in seven parts of speech (eight, if you count interjections such as Oh! and Gosh! and Fuhgeddaboudit!). Communication composed of these parts of speech must be organized by rules of grammar upon which we agree.

When these rules break down, confusion and misunderstanding result. Bad grammar produces bad sentences. My favorite example from Strunk and White is this one: “As a mother of five, with another one on the way, my ironing board is always up.”

Nouns and verbs are the two indispensable parts of writing. Without one of each, no group of words can be a sentence, since a sentence is, by definition, a group of words containing a subject (noun) and a predicate (verb); these strings of words begin with a capital letter, end with a period, and combine to make a complete thought which starts in the writer’s head and then leaps to the reader’s.

Must you write complete sentences each time, every time? Perish the thought. If your work consists only of fragments and floating clauses, the Grammar Police aren’t going to come and take you away. Even William Strunk, that Mussolini of rhetoric, recognized the delicious pliability of language. “It is an old observation,” he writes, “that the best writers sometimes disregard the rules of rhetoric.” Yet he goes on to add this thought, which I urge you to consider: “Unless he is certain of doing well, [the writer] will probably do best to follow the rules.”

The telling clause here is Unless he is certain of doing well. If you don’t have a rudimentary grasp of how the parts of speech translate into coherent sentences, how can you be certain that you are doing well? How will you know if you’re doing ill, for that matter? The answer, of course, is that you can’t, you won’t. One who does grasp the rudiments of grammar finds a comforting simplicity at its heart, where there need be only nouns, the words that name, and verbs, the words that act.

Take any noun, put it with any verb, and you have a sentence. It never fails. Rocks explode. Jane transmits. Mountains float. These are all perfect sentences. Many such thoughts make little rational sense, but even the stranger ones (Plums deify!) have a kind of poetic weight that’s nice. The simplicity of noun-verb construction is useful—at the very least it can provide a safety net for your writing. Strunk and White caution against too many simple sentences in a row, but simple sentences provide a path you can follow when you fear getting lost in the tangles of rhetoric—all those restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses, those modifying phrases, those appositives and compoundcomplex sentences. If you start to freak out at the sight of such unmapped territory (unmapped by you, at least), just remind yourself that rocks explode, Jane transmits, mountains float, and plums deify. Grammar is . . . the pole you grab to get your thoughts up on their feet and walking.

RC Line-wise Explanation

Paragraph 1

"Vocabulary used in speech or writing organizes itself in seven parts of speech (eight, if you count interjections such as Oh! and Gosh! and Fuhgeddaboudit!)."

Explanation: Words in speech or writing fall into seven standard categories called parts of speech. Some people consider interjections (like "Oh!" or "Gosh!") an eighth category.

"Communication composed of these parts of speech must be organized by rules of grammar upon which we agree."

Explanation: To communicate clearly, we need to follow common grammatical rules to structure these parts of speech.

Paragraph 2

"When these rules break down, confusion and misunderstanding result."

Explanation: If grammar rules are ignored or broken, it leads to unclear communication and misunderstanding.

"Bad grammar produces bad sentences."

Explanation: Incorrect grammar results in poorly constructed sentences.

"My favorite example from Strunk and White is this one: 'As a mother of five, with another one on the way, my ironing board is always up.'"

Explanation: The author shares a humorous example from Strunk and White, where a grammatically flawed sentence makes it sound like the ironing board is the mother.

Paragraph 3

"Nouns and verbs are the two indispensable parts of writing."

Explanation: Nouns and verbs are essential building blocks of any sentence.

"Without one of each, no group of words can be a sentence, since a sentence is, by definition, a group of words containing a subject (noun) and a predicate (verb);"

Explanation: Every sentence needs at least a noun (subject) and a verb (predicate) to be complete.

"these strings of words begin with a capital letter, end with a period, and combine to make a complete thought which starts in the writer’s head and then leaps to the reader’s."

Explanation: A sentence must start with a capital letter, end with a period, and express a complete thought that connects writer and reader.

Paragraph 4

"Must you write complete sentences each time, every time? Perish the thought."

Explanation: You don’t always need to write in full sentences.

"If your work consists only of fragments and floating clauses, the Grammar Police aren’t going to come and take you away."

Explanation: Using sentence fragments occasionally isn’t illegal or punishable.

"Even William Strunk, that Mussolini of rhetoric, recognized the delicious pliability of language."

Explanation: Even the strict language expert Strunk acknowledged the flexibility and creativity in language use.

"‘It is an old observation,’ he writes, ‘that the best writers sometimes disregard the rules of rhetoric.’"

Explanation: Strunk noted that great writers sometimes break rhetorical rules.

"Yet he goes on to add this thought, which I urge you to consider: ‘Unless he is certain of doing well, [the writer] will probably do best to follow the rules.’"

Explanation: However, Strunk also warned that unless a writer is very skilled, it’s safer to stick to the rules.

Paragraph 5

"The telling clause here is Unless he is certain of doing well."

Explanation: The key idea is “Unless he is certain of doing well.”

"If you don’t have a rudimentary grasp of how the parts of speech translate into coherent sentences, how can you be certain that you are doing well?"

Explanation: If you don’t understand basic grammar, how can you be sure your writing is correct?

"How will you know if you’re doing ill, for that matter? The answer, of course, is that you can’t, you won’t."

Explanation: Without grammar knowledge, you won’t even realize if your writing is wrong.

"One who does grasp the rudiments of grammar finds a comforting simplicity at its heart, where there need be only nouns, the words that name, and verbs, the words that act."

Explanation: Grammar, at its core, can be simple: all you really need are nouns (naming words) and verbs (action words).

Paragraph 6

"Take any noun, put it with any verb, and you have a sentence. It never fails."

Explanation: Pairing a noun with a verb always creates a valid sentence.

"Rocks explode. Jane transmits. Mountains float."

Explanation: Examples of simple noun-verb sentences that work grammatically.

"These are all perfect sentences. Many such thoughts make little rational sense, but even the stranger ones (Plums deify!) have a kind of poetic weight that’s nice."

Explanation: Even if these sentences are strange or illogical, they are grammatically correct and can feel poetic.

"The simplicity of noun-verb construction is useful—at the very least it can provide a safety net for your writing."

Explanation: Noun-verb sentence structures are a helpful fallback when you’re unsure about writing.

"Strunk and White caution against too many simple sentences in a row, but simple sentences provide a path you can follow when you fear getting lost in the tangles of rhetoric—all those restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses, those modifying phrases, those appositives and compound-complex sentences."

Explanation: Though too many simple sentences can be dull, they offer clarity when you're overwhelmed by complex grammar.

"If you start to freak out at the sight of such unmapped territory (unmapped by you, at least), just remind yourself that rocks explode, Jane transmits, mountains float, and plums deify."

Explanation: When complicated grammar confuses you, remember the simplicity of noun-verb sentences.

"Grammar is . . . the pole you grab to get your thoughts up on their feet and walking."

Explanation: Grammar is a helpful support system that enables your thoughts to become clear, functioning writing.

RC Paragraph Explanation

Paragraph 1 Summary

Language is composed of parts of speech, traditionally seven or eight, and must follow grammar rules for clear communication.

Paragraph 2 Summary

Poor grammar creates confusion. The author shares a humorous example to illustrate how misused grammar can distort meaning.

Paragraph 3 Summary

Nouns and verbs are essential for sentence creation. A proper sentence starts with a capital letter, ends with a period, and conveys a complete thought.

Paragraph 4 Summary

Complete sentences aren't always necessary. Great writers can break rules, but only if they understand them well enough to do it skillfully.

Paragraph 5 Summary

Without understanding grammar basics, you can’t judge the quality of your writing. At its simplest, grammar is about pairing nouns and verbs.

Paragraph 6 Summary

Simple noun-verb sentences are always grammatically sound and offer clarity. They serve as a foundational tool for writers facing complex grammatical challenges.

RC Quick Table Summary
Paragraph NumberMain Idea
Paragraph 1Language follows structured parts of speech and agreed grammar rules.
Paragraph 2Bad grammar causes confusion, shown through a humorous example.
Paragraph 3Sentences need nouns and verbs to express complete thoughts.
Paragraph 4Rules can be broken by skilled writers, but understanding them is key.
Paragraph 5Basic grammar knowledge is essential for judging good writing.
Paragraph 6Simple noun-verb sentences offer clarity and are a useful writing strategy.

RC Questions

Ques 10. Which one of the following statements, if false, could be seen as supporting the arguments in the passage?

Correct Answer: (D) Detailed explanation by Wordpandit: Option A: If evaluated as false, this statement would be in direct contradiction to the author's primary contention, rather than supporting it. Hence, it can be confidently discarded as not aligning with the passage's discussion. Options B and C: These options are neutral in nature and don't have a significant impact on the discussion at hand. Whether these statements are true or false, they do not enhance or diminish the main idea posited by the author in the passage. Consequently, they are also not suitable candidates for the answer. Option D: This statement indicates that complete sentences do not necessarily require the presence of nouns and verbs. However, the author's perspective, as presented in the passage, argues to the contrary. Therefore, if this statement is proven false, it would indeed serve as an auxiliary line of reasoning that aligns with the author's initial claim. To summarize, Option D, when considered as a false statement, is the one that most clearly provides supplemental support for the author's argument as laid out in the passage. As such, Option D emerges as the most appropriate choice.

Ques 11. “Take any noun, put it with any verb, and you have a sentence. It never fails. Rocks explode. Jane transmits. Mountains float.” None of the following statements can be seen as similar EXCEPT:

Correct Answer: (A) Detailed explanation by Wordpandit: Option A resonates most closely with this idea by illustrating the concept that vegetables and spices—two distinct and basic ingredients—when combined, represent a broader category, which is 'dishes.' This option aligns perfectly with the notion that basic elements can come together to symbolize or construct something more complex. On the other hand, the remaining options diverge significantly from this core principle that the author aims to convey. These options do not serve as suitable analogies for the relationship between simple constituents and the more complex entities they can give rise to. To summarize, Option A stands out as the most appropriate choice because it mirrors the author's argument of how elementary components, when paired, can encapsulate or lead to more complicated structures or systems. Therefore, Option A is the best match for supporting the main idea articulated in the passage.

Ques 12. Which one of the following quotes best captures the main concern of the passage?

Correct Answer: (B) Detailed explanation by Wordpandit: The author commences the discussion by underscoring the vital role of grammar as a framework that governs the organization of language, serving as a necessary set of codes that prevent misunderstandings and ambiguity. The text then expands to include rhetorical elements and their practitioners as supporting evidence, reinforcing the argument that a well-ordered system of language arises from a solid understanding of grammar's foundational principles. Even the point about effective simplification, according to the author, cannot be realized without a proficient command of basic grammatical rules. In the context of the given options, it's crucial to recognize that the central theme revolves around the indispensability of grammar for coherent and effective communication. Option B perfectly encapsulates this focal point by linking grammar to the successful conveyance of complex ideas. While Options A and C do touch upon elements of communication, they sidestep the primary emphasis on grammar, concentrating instead on peripheral or supplementary aspects. Therefore, they can be readily dismissed. Option D, although relevant, specifically highlights nouns and verbs. However, it's important to note that the mention of these basic building blocks is mainly to accentuate the overarching importance of grammar. They are not an end in themselves, but examples used to further stress the key role that grammar plays. Consequently, when viewed through the lens of the passage's main thrust—namely, the pivotal role of grammar in structured communication—Option B stands out as the most accurate representation of the author's core argument.

Ques 13. All of the following statements can be inferred from the passage EXCEPT that:

Correct Answer: (C) Detailed explanation by Wordpandit: Option A can be safely inferred from the portion of the text that states, "Must you write complete sentences each time, every time? Perish the thought. If your work consists only of fragments and floating clauses, the Grammar Police aren’t going to come and take you away..." The author here is indicating that while complete sentences are ideal, not every piece of writing has to strictly adhere to this rule. This supports the idea that the author believes complete sentences are not always necessary. Option B finds its roots in the author's definition of what constitutes a sentence: "...no group of words can be a sentence, since a sentence is, by definition, a group of words containing a subject (noun) and a predicate (verb)..." This is an explicit claim that provides us with enough information to infer that a sentence, by definition, requires a subject and a predicate. Option C, however, cannot be substantiated from the passage. While the author emphasizes the role of grammar in organizing communication and reducing confusion, he does not claim that the primary purpose of grammar is to keep sentences simple. The focus is more on the effectiveness and organization of communication rather than on simplicity. Therefore, this statement is not inferable from the passage and is the correct answer. Option D is indirectly supported by the author's use of the term "Grammar Police." Though not expressly defined, the term serves as a metaphorical expression to denote those who are stringent about grammatical rules and quick to critique violations. The sentiment behind the term can be readily understood, making this statement inferable from the text. In summary, all the statements, except for Option C, can be inferred from the passage. The focus of the passage is not on the simplicity of sentences but on the role of grammar in enabling coherent and organized communication. Therefore, Option C is the correct answer as it cannot be inferred from the text.

Ques 14. Inferring from the passage, the author could be most supportive of which one of the following practices?

Correct Answer: (A) Detailed explanation by Wordpandit: Option A suggests the author would undoubtedly support initiatives that provide writers with a deep-rooted understanding of the grammatical norms that govern language. This aligns perfectly with the author's primary message, which emphasizes the necessity of mastering the basics of grammar. Therefore, it can be said that the author would likely advocate for such a position. Option B, on the other hand, does not resonate with the author's tone or main point. While the author does acknowledge the flexibility inherent in grammatical rules, this leniency is emphasized for those who have already achieved a solid understanding of the basics. Thus, the author would not likely support such drastic measures as implied in this option, making it an unsuitable choice. Option C veers off the central theme of the passage. The author doesn't explicitly or implicitly encourage avoiding rhetorical techniques. As such, this option can be dismissed as not representing the viewpoint of the author. Option D, although focused on elements of writing, is too narrow in its scope. The author's main focus is on grammar as a whole, which extends beyond just punctuation and capitalization. Therefore, this option doesn't encapsulate the author's broader focus on the subject. In sum, Option A stands out as the most fitting statement that the author would likely support, as it directly correlates with the primary message of understanding and mastering the fundamental rules of grammar.

Actual CAT VA-RC 2020 Slot 1: Question-wise Index

Reading ComprehensionWords from the Passage
RC Passage 1 (Q 1 to 5) Must-Learn Words (Passage 1)
RC Passage 2 (Q 6 to 9) Must-Learn Words (Passage 2)
RC Passage 3 (Q 10 to 14) Must-Learn Words (Passage 3)
RC Passage 4 (Q 15 to 18) Must-Learn Words (Passage 4)
Verbal Ability
Ques 19 (Misfit/Odd one out) Ques 20 (Paragraph Summary)
Ques 21 (Para-jumble) Ques 22 (Paragraph Summary)
Ques 23 (Paragraph Summary) Ques 24 (Para-jumble)
Ques 25 (Misfit/Odd one out) Ques 26 (Para-jumble)

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