2. Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Ability is to understand the Prose and to work
with Specialized and Technical Vocabulary
Verbal Ability falls under following categories:
*Synonyms
* Antonyms
* Analogy
* Sentence Completions
* Reading Comprehensions
* Spotting Errors
* Idioms
3. Formation Of Words
Primary Words:
Example : Run, Go, Do.
Compound Words :
Example : Moonlight, Sweetheart, Spendthrift, Drawing
room, Downfall.
4. Formation Of Words
Primary Derivatives:
Example : Breach (N) from break (V), Glaze from (V)
Glass (N)
Secondary Derivatives:
Prefix - a, un, mis.
Suffix - ful, less, ism
6. Root Words
Greek Roots: Example
chronicle - historical record
Metamorphosis - change of form
Panorama - an all round view
Neologism - new word or meaning
pyrotechnics - relating to fireworks
astronaut - space traveler
7. Root Words
Greek Roots:
ped - child
soma - body
gam - marriage
theo - god
onym - name
path - feeling
phil - to love
8. Root Words
Pediatrician - doctor who treats child
somatic - of body
monogamy - married to one person
theomacy - battle among god
toponym - word derived from name of place
Sympathy - Compassion for someone else‟s
pain
Philosophy - love of wisdom
9. Root Words
Greek Roots:
poly - many
bibli - book
misein - to hate
logy - study of
archy/ cracy - rule by
psyche - mind, spirit, soul
10. Root Words
Greek Roots: Example
polyglot - competent in many languages
bibliophile - book seller
misogamist - one who hates marriage
graphology - study of handwriting
theocracy - rule by gods
psychosis - a mental disorder
11. Root Words
Latin Roots:
cede, ceed, cess - go / movement
brev - short
nihil - nothing/abolish
omni - all
cide - to kill
nec - death
dorm, somn - to sleep
12. Root Words
Latin Roots:
recede - go back
breviary - summary
Annihilate - kill, reduce to nothing
Omniscient - all knowing
filicide - killing of children
necrology - list of the dead, obituary
dormant - asleep
13. Root Words
Latin Roots:
luc - light
loqu/locut - to speak
bene - good
mal - bad
cred - believe
bel - war
vor - eat
scribe - to write
14. Root Words
Latin Roots:
elucidate - make clear
solilquy - speaking alone
beneficial - good for
malevolent - harmful, wanting to cause harm
credulous - ready to believe
antebellum - preceding a war
omnivore - who eats everything
describe - write in detail
15. Root Words
Latin Roots:
later - side
magni - large
rect - straight
Doc - to teach
flect - to bend
fract - break
tract/ tang - touch
verto - to turn
16. Root Words
Latin Roots:
bilateral - side
magnify - greatness of size
rectify - straighten or to correct
doctrine - rule or principle
genuflect - Bend in a gesture of respect
fracture - break
intact - untouched
ambivert - to turn your thoughts in both direction
17. Antonym
• Think of a Context.
• Carefully Read the given Choices.
• Consider Secondary Meaning as well as the
Primary Meaning.
• Breakdown Unfamiliar Words into
Recognizable parts.
• Eliminate the Choices for Answer.
58. Synonym
• Think of a Context.
• Carefully Read the given Choices.
• Consider Secondary Meaning as well as the
Primary Meaning.
• Breakdown Unfamiliar Words into
Recognizable parts.
• Eliminate the Choices for Answer.
99. Analogy
• Relationship - two Words in the Pair.
• Similar or Parallel Relationship - Different Pair
of Words.
• Direction of Flow.
• Relationship in the Original pair - Specific and
Precise.
100. Tactics
• State the relationship - Capitalized Word.
• More than one answer - Narrower Approach.
• Consider Secondary Meaning as well as the
Primary Meaning.
• Familiarize - Common Analogy types.
101. Analogy Types
1. Definition
2. Defining Characteristic
3. Class and Members
4. Antonyms
5. Synonyms
6. Part to Whole
7. Function
8. Manner
102. Analogy Types
9. Action & its Significance
10. Worker and Article Created
11. Worker and Tool
12. Worker and Action
13. Sex
14. Symbol
103. Example 1
Friction: Abrasion ::
a) Sterility: Cleanliness
b) Dam: Flood
c) Heat: Evaporation
d) Literacy: Ignorance
119. Problem 11
Eternal: End ::
a) Precursory : Beginning
b) Grammatical : Sentence
c) Invaluable : Worth
d) Frenetic : Movement
e) Implausible : credibility
133. Problem 18
Synopsis: Condensed
a) Digression : Repeated
b) Mystery : Enticing
c) Excursion : Pleasant
d) Antiquity : Forgotten
e) Plagiarism : Pirated
139. Sentence Completion
It tests your
Ability to use Vocabulary
a)Ability to Recognize Logical
b)Consistency among the Elements in a Sentence
What makes SC difficult Vocabulary :
Use of words like Nonplussed, Harbingers, Eclectic
Use of Secondary Meanings
Example : Economy – Restrain
Cont…
Toy – Dally
140. Sentence Completion
B. Grammatical complexity :
They includes entire range of Grammatical Possibilities.
Use of Clauses, Prepositional Phrases, Gerunds etc. in a
Convoluted Manner.
C. Tone :
Writers Attitude towards the Subject Matter i.e ironic,
playful, skeptical, somber etc.
Cont…
141. Sentence Completion
Style :
Ideas maybe expressed in different manners, Ornately
or Sparely, Poetically or Prosaically, formally or
informally etc. An author‟s style depends on such
details as word Choice, Imagery Repetition, Rhythm,
Sentence Structures and Length.
Thought extenders - Continue the idea
Thought contrasters - Reverse the idea
Cont…
142. Sentence Completion
Signal Words :
additionally although
also but
and despite
as well nevertheless
besides in spite of
furthermore on the contrary
moreover still
too while
likewise which
illogically
surprisingly
paradoxically
unexpectedly
143. Tactics
• Read the Sentence ,think of a word – makes
sense.
• Look at all possible answers.
• In Double blank- options-testing the first word
in each choice.
• Watch for Single Word that link one part of the
Sentence to another.
• Break down Complex Sentences - Simpler
Components.
• Check whether the Metaphor controls the
Choice of Words.
144. Example:1
Because of experience had convinced her
that he was both self-seeking and
avaricious, she rejected the likelihood that
his donation had been ______.
a)Redundant
b)Frivolous
c)Inexpensive
d)Ephemeral
e)Altruistic
146. Example: 2
If you are trying to make a strong impression
on your audience, you cannot do so by being
understated, tentative, or ______.
a)Hyperbolic
b)Restrained
c)Argumentative
d)Authoritative
e)Passionate
148. Example: 3
Despite the mixture‟s________ nature, we
found that by lowering its temperature in the
laboratory we could dramatically reduce its
tendency to vaporize.
a)Resilient
b)Volatile
c)Homogeneous
d)Insipid
( INFOSYS 2008)
e)Acerbic
150. Example:4
In a happy, somewhat boisterous
celebration of the European discovery of
America, the major phase of the
Columbus Cinquecentennial got off to
______ start on Friday.
a) a slow.
b) A rousing.
c) a reluctant
d) an indifferent. Accenture 2007
e) a quiet.
152. Example:5
We are ___ the intellects of the past; or rather, like
children we take it for granted that somebody must
supply us with our supper and our _____ .
a) Ungrateful to …. Ideas.
b) Dependent on … repose
c) Unfaithful to … needs
d) Fortunate in …. Allowance
e) Generous to …. wants
160. Example:9
Harding was unable to ____ the results of the
survey; although entirely unexpected, the figures
were obtained by a market research firm with an
____ reputation.
a). accept - peerless
b). discount - impeccable
c). fault-mediocre
d). counter - unenviable
e). believe - fine
162. Example:10
Many so-called social playwrights are distinctly ____ ;
rather than allowing the members of the audience to
form their own opinions, these writers force a viewpoint
on the viewer.
a). conciliatory
b). prolific
c). iconoclastic
d). didactic
e). contumacious
164. Example - 11
In American film, some character actors have
found it _____ to gain widespread
recognition, although within the smaller
community of actors, directors, and producers
they are highly regarded.
a)Difficult
b)Acceptable
c)Unsatisfactory
d)Discouraging
e)Relatively simple
166. Example - 12
Despite the fact that over time the originally antagonistic
response to his sculpture had lessened, to this day,
hardly any individuals ____ his art.
a) Applaud
b) Castigate
c) Evaluate
d) Denounce
e) ignore
168. Example - 13
In contrast to physicists who base their research
on scientific theory, he modeled his
procedure on rigorous ____; so despite the
fact that his method was less sophisticated,
hid results were ___ sound.
a) Fiction …methodologically
b) abstraction…arguably
c) Intuition … scientifically
d) Observation…factually
170. Example - 14
Although he asserted his theology was derived from
____ school of thought, it actually utilizes
conventions from many religious and so it rightfully
could be described as having ____ origins.
a) A particular… diverse
b) A cogent …multitalented
c) A prominent …coherent
d) A single…consonant
172. Example - 15
Although bound to impose the law, a judge is
free to use her discretion to ___ the
anachronistic ___ of some criminal penalties.
a) Enforce … judiciousness
b) Impose…legally
c) Exacerbate…severity
d) Mitigate…barbarity
174. Example - 16
To examine the ___ of importing concepts from one
discipline to enhance another, merely look at the
degree to which words from the first may, without
distortion, be ___ the second.
a) danger… meaningless for
b) Popularity… created within
c) Etiquette…revitalized by
d) Validity … employed by
176. Example - 17
Recent investigation into business and morality
reveals the way in which apparently ____
business decisions, typically lost sight of in
the ordinary operations of commerce, in
reality ___ moral choices of major
importance.
a) unimportant… represent
b) Unreliable…provoke
c) Unparalleled…symbolize
178. Example - 18
While many people enjoy observing rituals and
customs not ___ their culture, they _____
participating in them.
a) Sanctioned by… encourage
b) Endemic to …eschew
c) Upheld in…. Condone
d) Central to …relish
e) Accustomed to … avoid
180. Example - 19
The sparring of the two lawyers appeared ____;
however, it is well known that, outside the
courtroom, the friendship between the two
is____.
a) pointless…cooperative
b) Hostile…obvious
c) Lighthearted…abrogated
d) Heightened… concealed
e) Brilliant … precluded
182. Example - 20
In radio, a morning broadcasting time often ___ a
larger and more ____ audience and, thus, one
that is more appealing to advertisers of
expensive products.
a) Demands … attractive
b) Denotes… agreeable
c) Indicates… prosperous
d) Overlooks… practical
184. Spotting Errors
• Grammatical Errors form the most
Probable Error in Error Spotting exercises.
• Mistakes in Preposition and Tenses is
more Common.
185. Examples
1) The car is / almost / the same / like mine.
2) The weather / feels / as / spring.
3) Mary‟s job / is as / hard / than Bill‟s.
4) Some of the M.P‟s absented/ from lok
sabha even/ when issues of the highest/
importance were being discussed.
186. Examples
5) India is one of/ those few countries/ which
has maintained /steady growth rate.
6) Let you and I/ press our minds/ into
thinking/ out the best solution.
7) None of the boys/ who were/ present there
came/ for help.
187. Examples
8) Shangai is/bigger than/ any city in/ the world.
9) I shall /leave this /place when /he will come.
10) When I returned /my home from office/ I saw the
flower pots are/ broken infront of my home/No
error. (Wipro 2008).
11) The walls are/ now wet/ because yesterday/ it has
been raining./ No error. (Wipro 2008).
188. Examples
12). At the music recital, Alexandra enjoyed
listening to her friend Mohammed‟s
insightful Interpretation, which she thought was
more sophisticated than the other performers.
No error. (infosys)
13). If one is interested in learning even more
about Zora Neale Hurston, you should read
Robert Hemingway's biography. No error.
(infosys)
189. Examples
14. Sponsors of the Olympic games who bought
advertising time on united states television includes
at least a dozen international firms whose names are
familiar to American consumers. No error. (infosys)
15. Originally a protest on conventional painting, the
pre-Raphaelite movement exerted great influence on
the art of its time. No error. (infosys)
190. Examples
16). In financial matters / it is important to / get
disinterested advice. / no error.
17). Credit cards have / brought about a
revolution / in people‟s spending habits. / no
error.
18). A cogent remark / compels acceptance
because / of their sense and logic. / no error.
19). He had been / saved of death as if / by
divine intervention. / no error.
191. Examples
20). The film was so disjointed / that I could not tell
you / what the story was about. / no error.
21). Take two spoonful / of this medicine / every
three hours. / no error.
22). Some women admit that / their principle goal in
life / is to marry a wealthy man. / no error.
23). If the allegations / made against him / are found
to be true / he could face rigorous imprisonment. /
no error
192. Examples
24). On discovering that / it was a forgery / he
torn up the agreement / he had signed. / no
error.
25). With regard to implementation the / details
of the proposal / the committee was divided /
in its opinion. / no error.
193. Solution
16). In financial matters / it is important to / get neutral
advice / no error.
17). Credit cards have / bought about a revolution / in
people‟s spending habits / no error.
18). A cogent remark / compels acceptance because / of
it sense and logic / no error.
19). He had been / saved from death as if / by divine
intervention / no error.
194. Solution
20). The film was so disjointed / that I can not tell you
/ what the story was about / no error.
21). Take two spoonfuls / of this medicine / every three
hours / no error.
22). Some women admit that / their principal goal in
life / is to marry a wealthy man / no error.
23). If the allegations / made against him / are found to
be true / he could face rigorous imprisonment / no
error
195. Solution
24). On discovering that / it was a forgery / he
torn up the agreement / he had signed / no
error.
25). With regard to implementation the /
details of the proposal / the committee was
divided / in its opinion / no error.
197. Some Strategies For Use
• Look carefully at the Parts of Speech specially
in the Synonym and Antonym variation
questions.
• Look for Secondary Meanings of words if the
Primary ones do not seem to fit.
• If the Meaning of a Word is not known, try and
place it within a Context, and then see what
Sense it makes.
198. Tactics
• Tackle Passages with Familiar Subjects before passages
with unfamiliar ones.
• First Read the Passage, then Read the Questions.
• Learn to Spot the Major Reading Question types.
a) Main idea.
b) Finding specific details.
c) Inference.
d) Application to other situations.
e) Tone.
f) Technique.
g) Vocabulary.
199. Idioms
•Idioms are the Expressions whose Meanings
cannot be easily worked out from the words
they contain.
• It is Expression in the Sentence.
• It is Different from Slang / Colloquial.
200. Example:1
The manager‟s bark is worse than his bite.
a) He shouts
b) He punishes
c) His action is worse than his speech
d) His speech is worse than action
204. Example:3
Political parties pay back in the same coin
when attacked.
a) Pay money to silence
b) Retaliate physically
c) Answer in the same manner
d) Reply differently
206. Example: 4
The new kid really gets under my skin.
a) The baby is of my complexion
b) The baby is less in colour than I am
c) Baby makes me laugh
d) The baby annoys me a lot
211. Example:1
A. It was never denied and seemed to be
integrated into the city life.
B. The poverty was there right in the open in
all the streets.
C. But, somehow it did not depress me as
much as I had.
D. Indian society is associated with great
poverty, and indeed I saw a lot of poverty in
Mumbai.
212. Jumbled Sentence
D) Indian society is associated with great
poverty, and indeed I saw a lot of poverty in
Mumbai.
C) But, somehow it did not depress me as much as
I had.
B) The poverty was there right in the open in all
the streets.
A) It was never denied and seemed to be
integrated into the city life.
213. Example:2
a) Their growing costs and a growing economy
must be reckoned with realistically.
b) Central programmes persist and in some
cases grow.
c) As demand expands, programmes expand.
d) It is extremely difficult to curtail them.
214. Jumbled Sentence
B) Central programmes persist and in some
cases grow.
C) As demand expands, programmes expand.
D) It is extremely difficult to curtail them.
A) Their growing costs and a growing economy
must be reckoned with realistically.
215. Jumbled Sentence
Rearrange the jumbled sentences. The first and
the last are in their proper places. Find the proper
sequence of ABCD.
216. Example:3
1. Eventually, tim brought in a communications
consultant named Gloria Hoffman to mediate.
A. She also forced them to talk about what they respected
about each other.
B. With Hoffman‟s help, they came to an agreement to
help ensure a smooth transition.
C. For the year that Ray planned to remain CEO, he
could veto tim‟s ideas. But after that year he would
pack up, leave the building and not interfere.
D. For six months, Ray and Tim met independently with
Hoff man to vent their frustration with each other.
6. „they began to think like that and ended up doing it on
their own‟, say Hoffman, „it changed their
„relationship considerably‟
217. Jumbled Sentence
1. Eventually, Tim brought in a communications
consultant named Gloria Hoffman to mediate.
D. For six months, Ray and Tim met independently with
Hoff man to vent their frustration with each other.
B. With Hoffman‟s help, they came to an agreement to
help ensure a smooth transition.
C. For the year that Ray planned to remain CEO, he could
veto Tim's ideas. But after that year he would pack up,
leave the building and not interfere.
A. She also forced them to talk about what they respected
about each other.
6. „They began to think like that and ended up doing it on
their own‟, say Hoffman, „it changed their „relationship
considerably‟
218. Example 4
a) It was never denied and seemed to be
integrated into the city life.
b) The poverty was there right in the open in all
the streets.
c) But, somehow it did not depress me as much
as I had feared.
d) Indian society is associated with great
poverty, and indeed I saw a lot of poverty in
mumbai.
219. Jumbled Sentence
a) It was never denied and seemed to be
integrated into the city life.
d) Indian society is associated with great
poverty, and indeed I saw a lot of poverty in
mumbai.
b) The poverty was there right in the open in all
the streets.
c) But, somehow it did not depress me as much
as I had feared.
220. Example - 5
a) Ask anybody who they work for nowadays, and the
answer is likely to be „a small company‟.
b) And that company is more likely to go bust.
c) Fascination with size is no more revealing in
management theory than it is other areas of life.
d) Regardless of the relative merits of big and small
companies, nowadays you are more likely to work
for a small company.
221. Jumbled Sentence
D) Regardless of the relative merits of big and small
companies, nowadays you are more likely to work
for a small company.
A) Ask anybody who they work for nowadays, and the
answer is likely to be „a small company‟.
B) And that company is more likely to go bust.
C) Fascination with size is no more revealing in
management theory than it is other areas of life.
