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 compound-complex 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.
Inferring from the passage, the author could be most supportive of which one of the following practices?
- The critique of standardised rules of punctuation and capitalisation.
- A campaign demanding that a writer’s creative license should allow the breaking of grammatical rules.
- A Creative Writing course that focuses on how to avoid the use of rhetoric.
- The availability of language software that will standardise the rules of grammar as an aid to writers
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
We need to identify the statement that coincides with the aspects discussed by the author. By adopting the author's perspective, we understand that grammar, along with the need for its proper learning, stands as the central idea to convey. The author contends that writers with a solid grasp of basic grammar rules can appreciate its "comforting simplicity at its heart." Therefore, the author is likely to endorse any stance in line with this notion.
Option A: The focus is broader, encompassing grammar rather than solely concentrating on punctuation and capitalization.
Option B: The author wouldn't likely advocate for such extreme measures, as it contrasts with the tone. While the author acknowledges the flexibility of grammatical rules, it's emphasized for those proficient in it. Therefore, this option can be discarded.
Option C: The author doesn't advocate for abandoning rhetoric, which diverges from the passage's discussion. Thus, this choice can be eliminated as the correct one.
Option D: This assertion would undoubtedly complement the author's claim, facilitating writers with a necessary understanding of the governing rules—an aspect underscored by the author. Thus, it's probable that the author would support such a proposition. Clearly, Option D emerges as the most sensible statement that the author would support here.
So, the correct option is (D): The availability of language software that will standardise the rules of grammar as an aid to writers.
“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:
- Take an apple tree, plant it in a field, and you have an orchard.
- A group of nouns arranged in a row becomes a sentence.
- A collection of people with the same sports equipment is a sports team.
- Take any vegetable, put some spices in it, and you have a dish.
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The author aims to emphasize that the fundamental pairing of a noun and a verb represents the most elementary form of expression. This combination, comprising two fundamental yet highly consequential entities, symbolizes a larger and potentially intricate group of entities—a sentence.
Option D closely mirrors this relationship: vegetables and spices, two elements merged to signify a broader concept - 'dishes'. Conversely, the other options diverge from the central message being communicated.
The correct option is (D):Take any vegetable, put some spices in it, and you have a dish.
All of the following statements can be inferred from the passage EXCEPT that:
- the primary purpose of grammar is to ensure that sentences remain simple.
- the subject–predicate relation is the same as the noun–verb relation.
- “Grammar Police” is a metaphor for critics who focus on linguistic rules.
- sentences do not always have to be complete.
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Option A: The author does not assert such a claim. Grammar functions as a tool to structure communication and prevent confusion. However, ensuring sentences remain "simple" is not the "primary purpose" of grammar. Since this statement cannot be inferred from the passage, it is the correct answer.
Option B: Drawing from the limited information provided in the passage, we can infer this from "...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)..."
Option C: Although not explicitly stated, we can grasp the implication behind the term "Grammar Police". The author utilizes this metaphor to represent staunch adherents of grammatical rules, who may swiftly judge and criticize.
Option D: This deduction can be drawn from the passage's excerpt: "... 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..." Here, the author employs an example to demonstrate how a simple combination of a noun and a verb constructs a comprehensive expression.
Therefore, we can deduce all statements except for the one presented in Option A.
So, the correct option is (A): the primary purpose of grammar is to ensure that sentences remain simple.
Which one of the following quotes best captures the main concern of the passage?
- “Bad grammar produces bad sentences.”
- “The telling clause here is Unless he is certain of doing well.”
- “Nouns and verbs are the two indispensable parts of writing. Without one of each, no group of words can be a sentence . . .”
- “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 . . .”
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The author initiates by underscoring the essential need for a system of regulations, facilitated by grammar, to structure communication and prevent misunderstandings. Subsequently, the author introduces additional arguments supporting this notion, involving elements related to rhetoric and its practitioners, while emphasizing that even deliberate simplification can only be achieved with a solid understanding of grammatical basics. Thus, it becomes apparent that grammar holds central importance here, and the correct selection should undoubtedly align with this emphasis.
Option A effectively encapsulates the primary concern addressed in the passage.
Options B and D neglect to incorporate the central theme of grammar and instead concentrate on supplementary aspects.
Option C comes close; however, the reference to nouns and verbs is intended to complement the idea highlighted in Option A. They simply serve as illustrations to underscore the importance of grammar.
Therefore, between the two options A and C, Option A emerges as the appropriate choice.
So, the correct option is (A): “Bad grammar produces bad sentences.”
Which one of the following statements, if false, could be seen as supporting the arguments in the passage?
- An understanding of grammar helps a writer decide if she/he is writing well or not.
- Perish the thought that complete sentences necessarily need nouns and verbs!
- Regarding grammar, women writers tend to be more attentive to method and accuracy.
- It has been observed that writers sometimes disregard the rules of rhetoric.
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
We need to identify a statement that, if false, corresponds with the discussion or acts as a supporting argument. Let's assess the options individually:
Option A: Currently, this statement aligns with the author's assertion. However, if it were false, it would contradict the claim made in the passage. Thus, we can dismiss this option.
Option B: This statement suggests that complete sentences don't require nouns and verbs. However, the passage contradicts this notion; therefore, if this statement were false, it would align perfectly with the argument presented in the passage.
Consequently, if Option B were false, it could serve as a supplementary argument.
Options C and D: Whether these statements are true or false, they contribute minimally to advancing the idea presented in the passage.
The correct option is (B): Perish the thought that complete sentences necessarily need nouns and verbs!
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
“Why do they pull down and do away with crooked streets, I wonder, which are my delight, and hurt no man living? Every day the wealthier nations are pulling down one or another in their capitals and their great towns: they do not know why they do it; neither do I. It ought to be enough, surely, to drive the great broad ways which commerce needs and which are the life-channels of a modern city, without destroying all history and all the humanity in between: the islands of the past.” (From Hilaire Belloc’s “The Crooked Streets”)
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the following statements is true?
- GATE CE - 2025
- General Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
- “His life was divided between the books, his friends, and long walks. A solitary man, he worked at all hours without much method, and probably courted his fatal illness in this way. To his own name there is not much to show; but such was his liberality that he was continually helping others, and fruits of his erudition are widely scattered, and have gone to increase many a comparative stranger’s reputation.”
(From E.V. Lucas’s “A Funeral”)
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the following statements is true?- GATE CE - 2025
- General Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
- Read the excerpt from a Handicrafts Manual: ‘Advanced Knitting Techniques’ and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
THE FAIR ISLE METHOD: Fair Isle knitting is a traditional technique that involves using two or more colours of yarn in a single row to create intricate patterns and designs. This method requires careful tension management to ensure even stitches and prevent puckering. To begin, select your colours and cast on the desired number of stitches. As you knit, alternate between colours every few stitches, carrying the unused yarn along the back of the work. Mastering the Fair Isle technique allows you to create stunning visual effects in garments, accessories, and home textiles.
THE CONTINENTAL STYLE: The Continental knitting style, often referred to as “picking,” involves holding the yarn in the left hand while the right hand manipulates the needles. This method allows for greater speed and efficiency, particularly when working with complex patterns or multiple colours. To practice this style, start by casting on your stitches and using your left hand to tension the yarn. With each stitch, simply “pick” the yarn with your right needle, forming a quick and fluid motion. As you become comfortable with this technique, you may find that your overall knitting speed and comfort improve significantly.
THE SHORT-ROW TECHNIQUE: Short-row knitting is an advanced technique that allows for the creation of shaped garments, such as sleeves and shoulders, without the need for complex shaping. To make a sleeve using this technique, begin by casting on the required number of stitches. Work a portion of the row, then turn your work and return without completing the full row to create the “short rows” that shape the curves of the sleeve. To prevent holes at the turn, wrap the stitch before you turn your work. Repeat this process as needed to achieve the desired shaping and dimension of the sleeve. Once you have shaped the sleeve, you can then sew the side seams to connect the pieces of your garment and finally, complete the edges to ensure a clean finish. This method not only helps shape curves but also adds dimension to your piece, allowing you to enhance fit and style.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- Read the following passage and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
The Story of Coffee
Coffee, a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions around the globe, has a rich and captivating history that spans centuries. The story of coffee begins in the ancient highlands of Ethiopia, where, according to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi discovered the stimulating effects of coffee beans. One day, Kaldi noticed his goats frolicking with unusual energy after eating red berries from a certain tree. Curious, he tried the berries himself and experienced a newfound alertness. This discovery soon spread to monasteries, where monks used it to stay awake during long hours of prayer. From Ethiopia, coffee cultivation and consumption spread to the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Yemen, where the practice of roasting coffee beans and brewing the drink began to take shape. By the 15th century, coffee had become a popular beverage in the Islamic world, with coffee houses known as ‘qahveh khaneh’ emerging as social hubs for conversation, music, and intellectual exchange. These coffee houses became centers of culture and commerce, influencing the spread of coffee to Turkey and beyond, eventually reaching Europe. In Europe, coffee initially faced resistance from religious authorities who considered it a ‘Muslim drink’ and tried to ban it. However, its popularity persisted, and by the 17th century, coffee houses had sprung up in major European cities, becoming important gathering places for artists, writers, and thinkers. The stimulating effects of coffee were embraced during the Age of Enlightenment, where it was seen as a catalyst for intellectual discussion and innovation. The journey of coffee continued with the establishment of colonial plantations in tropical regions such as the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. These plantations fuelled the global demand for coffee, transforming it from a regional specialty to a major commodity. The industrial revolution further accelerated coffee production and consumption, leading to innovations in coffee brewing methods and the development of instant coffee. In the modern era, coffee has evolved into a deeply ingrained part of daily life for people worldwide. Its cultural significance spans from the bustling cafes of Paris to the quiet coffee farms of Colombia. Today, coffee remains not only a popular beverage but also a symbol of social interaction, productivity, and enjoyment. Whether sipped slowly over a conversation with friends or grabbed hastily on the way to work, the story of coffee continues to unfold, intertwining with the histories and cultures of countless societies across the globe.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- Read the following passage and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
The intricate world of modern manufacturing is a web of precision and innovation, where even the tiniest components play a pivotal role. One such element, often overlooked but crucial, is the sub-subpart. Whether it’s a carpenter fashioning a bespoke piece of furniture or an automobile engineer designing the next generation of vehicles, the creation of sub-subparts is a fundamental process that demands meticulous craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. In the realm of woodworking, carpenters frequently work with sub-subparts like dowels, screws, and hinges. These minute components may appear insignificant, yet they determine the structural integrity and functionality of the final product. Crafting a dowel, for instance, begins with selecting the appropriate wood species, followed by precision cutting and shaping. The result is a perfectly cylindrical, sturdy sub-subpart that seamlessly joins two larger pieces of wood. The advent of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer numerical control (CNC) machines has revolutionised this process, enabling carpenters to create sub-subparts with unparalleled precision.
Similarly, in the automobile industry, sub-subparts are the unsung heroes of vehicle construction. Take, for instance, the ball bearing—a minuscule but essential component in the wheels and transmission system. Manufacturing these precision-engineered spheres involves intricate processes like forging, heat treatment, and precision machining. Modern techniques such as laser cutting and 3D printing have streamlined production, ensuring that these sub-subparts meet the demanding standards of the automotive sector. The manufacturing of sub-subparts is a testament to the convergence of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. Whether it’s a carpenter’s workshop or a high-tech automotive assembly line, the quest for perfection in sub-subpart creation remains unwavering. The attention to detail and precision required in these processes is a testament to the dedication of craftsmen and engineers alike.
To conclude, while sub-subparts may be small in size, their significance in various industries cannot be overstated. Whether it’s a carpenter working on a timeless piece of furniture or an automotive engineer striving for superior performance, the manufacturing of sub-subparts is a crucial step towards achieving excellence in craftsmanship and technology. This fusion of tradition and innovation accentuates the essence of modern manufacturing.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Questions Asked in CAT exam
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- CAT - 2024
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- CAT - 2024
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- When $10^{100}$ is divided by 7, the remainder is ?
- CAT - 2024
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- In September, the incomes of \(K\), \(A\), and \(V\) are in the ratio \(8:6:5\). They rent a house, contributing \(15\%\), \(12\%\), and \(18\%\) of their respective incomes. In October, the rent remains the same, but the salaries of \(K\), \(A\), and \(V\) increase by \(10\%\), \(12\%\), and \(15\%\), respectively. What percentage of their total income is paid as house rent in October? (Round to the nearest percentage.)
- CAT - 2024
- Percentages