Chapter 1: Critical Reasoning

1.1 Introduction to Critical Reasoning

Critical reasoning tests your ability to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate information presented
in a written form. This chapter focuses on two key areas: Text Completion/Sentence Equivalence
and Reading Passages.

1.2 Text Completion/Sentence Equivalence

These types of questions test your ability to understand the context of a sentence and choose the
most appropriate word(s) to complete it.

1.3 Reading Passages

Reading passages assess your ability to understand, interpret, and evaluate written information.
You will be required to answer questions based on the content of the passage.

1.4 Practice Questions

Text Completion/Sentence Equivalence (1 Mark Each)

1. Text Completion: The scientist's ________ nature led her to question everything and
accept nothing without evidence.
o a) gullible
o b) skeptical
o c) indifferent
o d) dogmatic

Answer: b) skeptical

2. Sentence Equivalence: The CEO's ________ response to the proposal indicated that he
was open to the idea but wanted more information before making a decision.
o a) cursory
o b) thoughtful
o c) hasty
o d) measured

Answer: d) measured

3. Text Completion: The politician's ________ remarks only served to inflame an already
tense situation.
o a) conciliatory
o b) inflammatory
o c) neutral
 o d) diplomatic

Answer: b) inflammatory

4. Sentence Equivalence: The artist's work is ________ for its originality and emotional
depth.
o a) notable
o b) criticized
o c) celebrated
o d) infamous

Answer: c) celebrated

5. Text Completion: Despite the ________ of the evidence, the jury acquitted the
defendant.
o a) paucity
o b) abundance
o c) clarity
o d) obscurity

Answer: a) paucity

6. Sentence Equivalence: The new policy was implemented in a manner that was both
________ and efficient.
o a) careless
o b) haphazard
o c) meticulous
o d) systematic

Answer: d) systematic

7. Text Completion: The author's latest novel was ________ as a masterpiece by critics.
o a) condemned
o b) hailed
o c) ignored
o d) dismissed

Answer: b) hailed

8. Sentence Equivalence: The ________ process of selecting a new leader was met with
widespread approval from the members.
o a) arbitrary
o b) transparent
o c) secretive
o d) deliberate

Answer: b) transparent
 9. Text Completion: Her ________ approach to problem-solving often led to innovative
solutions.
o a) conventional
o b) imaginative
o c) rigid
o d) dogmatic

Answer: b) imaginative

10. Sentence Equivalence: The manager's ________ attitude towards the team's concerns
created an atmosphere of distrust.
o a) dismissive
o b) respectful
o c) indifferent
o d) apathetic

Answer: c) indifferent

Reading Passages (2 Marks Each)

Read the following passage and answer the questions based on it:

Passage: In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the impact of climate change
on global food security. Researchers have pointed out that changes in temperature and
precipitation patterns are affecting crop yields, with some regions experiencing more severe
impacts than others. While technological advancements in agriculture offer some solutions, the
need for sustainable practices is becoming increasingly clear. Governments and organizations
worldwide are working together to address these challenges by promoting policies that
encourage environmentally friendly farming techniques.

11. What is the primary concern discussed in the passage?

o a) The role of technology in modern agriculture
o b) The effects of climate change on global food security
o c) The benefits of traditional farming methods
o d) The economic impact of agriculture

Answer: b) The effects of climate change on global food security

12. According to the passage, what is becoming increasingly necessary in agriculture?

o a) The use of pesticides
o b) Sustainable practices
o c) Government subsidies
o d) Mechanized farming

Answer: b) Sustainable practices

13. Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?
o a) Optimistic
 o b) Pessimistic
o c) Cautionary
o d) Indifferent

Answer: c) Cautionary

14. What do researchers suggest is one of the solutions to the challenges mentioned in
the passage?
o a) Abandoning modern farming techniques
o b) Adopting new agricultural technologies
o c) Increasing the use of fertilizers
o d) Reducing the global population

Answer: b) Adopting new agricultural technologies

15. Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?

o a) All regions are equally affected by climate change.
o b) Technological advancements alone can solve the issue of food security.
o c) Governments are not involved in promoting sustainable farming.
o d) Some regions are more severely impacted by climate change than others.

Answer: d) Some regions are more severely impacted by climate change than others.

16. What is implied about the future of agriculture in the passage?

o a) It will rely solely on traditional methods.
o b) It will continue to face challenges without sustainable practices.
o c) It will be unaffected by climate change.
o d) It will abandon technology altogether.

Answer: b) It will continue to face challenges without sustainable practices.

17. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a response to the challenges of climate
change?
o a) Promoting sustainable practices
o b) Developing new agricultural technologies
o c) Increasing industrial farming
o d) Government and organizational efforts

Answer: c) Increasing industrial farming

18. What does the passage suggest about the relationship between technology and
sustainable practices?
o a) They are mutually exclusive.
o b) Technology can complement sustainable practices.
o c) Sustainable practices render technology unnecessary.
o d) Technology hinders sustainable practices.

Answer: b) Technology can complement sustainable practices.

 19. What might be a long-term consequence if sustainable practices are not adopted?
o a) Increased crop yields globally
o b) Enhanced technological innovation
o c) Deterioration of global food security
o d) Stabilization of climate patterns

Answer: c) Deterioration of global food security

20. The passage suggests that addressing climate change in agriculture requires what
kind of approach?
o a) A short-term, technology-driven strategy
o b) A holistic approach that combines technology with sustainable practices
o c) A focus solely on government intervention
o d) An emphasis on returning to traditional farming methods

Answer: b) A holistic approach that combines technology with sustainable practices

1.5 Answer Key

1. Answer: b) skeptical
2. Answer: d) measured
3. Answer: b) inflammatory
4. Answer: c) celebrated
5. Answer: a) paucity
6. Answer: d) systematic
7. Answer: b) hailed
8. Answer: b) transparent
9. Answer: b) imaginative
10. Answer: c) indifferent
11. Answer: b) The effects of climate change on global food security
12. Answer: b) Sustainable practices
13. Answer: c) Cautionary
14. Answer: b) Adopting new agricultural technologies
15. Answer: d) Some regions are more severely impacted by climate change than others
16. Answer: b) It will continue to face challenges without sustainable practices
17. Answer: c) Increasing industrial farming
18. Answer: b) Technology can complement sustainable practices
19. Answer: c) Deterioration of global food security
20. Answer: b) A holistic approach that combines technology with sustainable practices
 Chapter 2: Error Analysis
2.1 Understanding Error Analysis

Error Analysis involves identifying and correcting mistakes in grammar, syntax, punctuation,
word usage, and spelling. Mastering this skill is crucial for writing error-free proposals, reports,
seminars, research articles, dissertations, and other technical documents.

2.2 Common Types of Errors

The most frequent types of errors include:

1. Grammar Errors: Issues with verb tense, subject-verb agreement, and incorrect use of
articles and prepositions.
2. Syntax Errors: Problems with sentence structure, such as fragments and run-on
sentences.
3. Punctuation Errors: Misuse of commas, periods, semicolons, etc.
4. Word Usage Errors: Incorrect word choice or contextually inappropriate phrases.
5. Spelling Errors: Misspellings that undermine clarity and professionalism.

2.3 Explanation and Strategy

Strategies for effective error analysis include:

 Read Aloud: Helps to catch errors missed during silent reading.

 Check Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure the subject and verb agree in number and
tense.
 Maintain Consistency: Be consistent in tense, point of view, and format.
 Use Correct Punctuation: Clarify meaning with appropriate punctuation.
 Watch Out for Homophones: Differentiate between words that sound alike but have
different meanings.

2.4 Practice Questions

Multiple-Choice Questions (2 Marks Total)

Each of the following questions is worth 1 mark. Identify the error in each sentence and choose
the correct option to fix it.

1. Which sentence is grammatically correct?

o a) The data was analyzed by the research team.
o b) The datas were analyzed by the research team.
o c) The data were analyzing by the research team.
o d) The datas was analyzed by the research team.
 Answer: a) The data was analyzed by the research team.

o Explanation: "Data" is treated as a singular collective noun, so "was" is correct.

2. Identify the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.
o a) Each of the students have submitted their assignments.
o b) Each of the students has submitted their assignments.
o c) Each of the students are submitting their assignments.
o d) Each of the student have submitted their assignments.

Answer: b) Each of the students has submitted their assignments.

o Explanation: "Each" is singular, so the verb should be "has."

3. Choose the correct sentence.
o a) The results of the experiments shows a clear pattern.
o b) The results of the experiments showed a clear pattern.
o c) The results of the experiments show a clear pattern.
o d) The results of the experiment shows a clear pattern.

Answer: c) The results of the experiments show a clear pattern.

o Explanation: "Results" is plural, so the verb should be "show."

4. Select the correct use of a contraction.
o a) She doesn't like the new software update.
o b) She don’t like the new software update.
o c) She doesn’t likes the new software update.
o d) She don't like the new software update.

Answer: a) She doesn't like the new software update.

o Explanation: "Doesn't" is the correct contraction of "does not."

5. Identify the correct sentence structure.
o a) The experiment was conducted on last Friday.
o b) The experiment was conducted last Friday.
o c) The experiment is conducted last Friday.
o d) The experiment had been conducted last Friday.

Answer: b) The experiment was conducted last Friday.

o Explanation: "On" is unnecessary before "last Friday."

6. Which sentence uses punctuation correctly?
o a) The engineer's analysis, were thorough and accurate.
o b) The engineers analysis were thorough and accurate.
o c) The engineer's analysis was thorough and accurate.
o d) The engineers' analysis, was thorough and accurate.

Answer: c) The engineer's analysis was thorough and accurate.

 o Explanation: "Analysis" is singular, and the correct possessive form is
"engineer's."
7. Select the correct use of homophones.
o a) Its important to proofread you're work.
o b) It's important to proofread your work.
o c) Its important too proofread your work.
o d) It's important to proof-read your work.

Answer: b) It's important to proofread your work.

o Explanation: "It's" is the contraction for "it is," and "your" is the correct
possessive form.
8. Identify the correct use of a preposition.
o a) The team is working in a new project.
o b) The team is working on a new project.
o c) The team is working for a new project.
o d) The team is working about a new project.

Answer: b) The team is working on a new project.

o Explanation: "On" is the correct preposition to use with "working" in this context.
9. Which sentence is correct?
o a) The equipments were tested thoroughly.
o b) The equipment were tested thoroughly.
o c) The equipments was tested thoroughly.
o d) The equipment was tested thoroughly.

Answer: d) The equipment was tested thoroughly.

o Explanation: "Equipment" is an uncountable noun, so it is treated as singular.

10. Choose the correct verb form.
o a) She don't know the answer to the question.
o b) She didn't knew the answer to the question.
o c) She doesn't know the answer to the question.
o d) She don't knows the answer to the question.

Answer: c) She doesn't know the answer to the question.

o Explanation: "Doesn't" is the correct contraction, and "know" is the correct verb
form.
11. Select the correct sentence.
o a) The report were submitted on time.
o b) The report was submitted on time.
o c) The reports was submitted on time.
o d) The report were submitting on time.
 Answer: b) The report was submitted on time.

o Explanation: "Report" is singular, so the verb should be "was."

12. Identify the correct form of the verb.
o a) They has completed the project.
o b) They have completed the project.
o c) They had completed the project.
o d) They is completing the project.

Answer: b) They have completed the project.

o Explanation: "Have" is the correct auxiliary verb for the plural subject "They."
13. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
o a) The team members include John, Jane, and Tom.
o b) The team members include, John, Jane, and Tom.
o c) The team members, include John, Jane, and Tom.
o d) The team members include John Jane, and Tom.

Answer: a) The team members include John, Jane, and Tom.

o Explanation: The list is correctly punctuated with commas.

14. Choose the correct use of an article.
o a) She is the most experienced engineer in a team.
o b) She is most experienced engineer in the team.
o c) She is a most experienced engineer in the team.
o d) She is the most experienced engineer in the team.

Answer: d) She is the most experienced engineer in the team.

o Explanation: "The" is the correct article to use with the superlative "most
experienced."
15. Identify the correct sentence structure.
o a) The results of the study was surprising.
o b) The result of the study were surprising.
o c) The results of the study were surprising.
o d) The result of the study was surprising.

Answer: c) The results of the study were surprising.

o Explanation: "Results" is plural, so the verb should be "were."

16. Which sentence uses the correct verb tense?
o a) He has went to the meeting.
o b) He had went to the meeting.
o c) He has gone to the meeting.
o d) He have gone to the meeting.
 Answer: c) He has gone to the meeting.

o Explanation: "Gone" is the correct past participle of "go" to use with "has."
17. Choose the correct form of the possessive.
o a) The managers' decision was final.
o b) The manager's decision was final.
o c) The managers decision was final.
o d) The managers's decision was final.

Answer: b) The manager's decision was final.

o Explanation: "Manager's" is the correct possessive form for a singular manager.

18. Identify the correct use of conjunctions.
o a) She was late, because she missed the bus.
o b) She was late; because she missed the bus.
o c) She was late because she missed the bus.
o d) She was late, she missed the bus.

Answer: c) She was late because she missed the bus.

o Explanation: "Because" does not need a comma when joining two clauses.
19. Which sentence uses the correct word order?
o a) The new system will be implementing soon.
o b) The new system soon will be implementing.
o c) The new system will soon be implemented.
o d) The new system will be implemented soon.

Answer: d) The new system will be implemented soon.

o Explanation: The correct word order is "will be implemented soon."

20. Choose the correct use of parallelism.
o a) She likes reading, writing, and to swim.
o b) She likes to read, writing, and swimming.
o c) She likes reading, writing, and swimming.
o d) She likes to read, to write, and swimming.

Answer: c) She likes reading, writing, and swimming.

o Explanation: The list items are parallel in structure.

2.5 Answer Key

1. Answer: a) The data was analyzed by the research team.

o Explanation: "Data" is treated as a singular collective noun.
2. Answer: b) Each of the students has submitted their assignments.
o Explanation: "Each" is singular.
3. Answer: c) The results of the experiments show a clear pattern.
o Explanation: "Results" is plural.
4. Answer: a) She doesn't like the new software update.
o Explanation: "Doesn't" is the correct contraction.
5. Answer: b) The experiment was conducted last Friday.
o Explanation: "On" is unnecessary before "last Friday."
6. Answer: c) The engineer's analysis was thorough and accurate.
o Explanation: "Analysis" is singular, and the correct possessive form is
"engineer's."
7. Answer: b) It's important to proofread your work.
o Explanation: "It's" is the contraction for "it is," and "your" is the correct
possessive form.
8. Answer: b) The team is working on a new project.
o Explanation: "On" is the correct preposition to use with "working" in this context.
9. Answer: d) The equipment was tested thoroughly.
o Explanation: "Equipment" is an uncountable noun, so it is treated as singular.
10. Answer: c) She doesn't know the answer to the question.
o Explanation: "Doesn't" is the correct contraction, and "know" is the correct verb
form.
11. Answer: b) The report was submitted on time.
o Explanation: "Report" is singular, so the verb should be "was."
12. Answer: b) They have completed the project.
o Explanation: "Have" is the correct auxiliary verb for the plural subject "They."
13. Answer: a) The team members include John, Jane, and Tom.
o Explanation: The list is correctly punctuated with commas.
14. Answer: d) She is the most experienced engineer in the team.
o Explanation: "The" is the correct article to use with the superlative "most
experienced."
15. Answer: c) The results of the study were surprising.
o Explanation: "Results" is plural, so the verb should be "were."
16. Answer: c) He has gone to the meeting.
o Explanation: "Gone" is the correct past participle of "go" to use with "has."
17. Answer: b) The manager's decision was final.
o Explanation: "Manager's" is the correct possessive form for a singular manager.
18. Answer: c) She was late because she missed the bus.
o Explanation: "Because" does not need a comma when joining two clauses.
19. Answer: d) The new system will be implemented soon.
o Explanation: The correct word order is "will be implemented soon."
20. Answer: c) She likes reading, writing, and swimming.
o Explanation: The list items are parallel in structure.
 Chapter 3: Analogies
3.1 Introduction to Analogies

Analogies are comparisons between two things that highlight similarities in their relationships. In
this section, you will identify the relationship between pairs of words and choose the best answer
that completes the analogy.

3.2 Types of Analogies

1. Synonym Analogy: Words that have similar meanings.
2. Antonym Analogy: Words that have opposite meanings.
3. Part-to-Whole Analogy: A relationship where one word is a part of the other.
4. Function Analogy: Words that serve similar functions.

3.3 Practice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark Each)

1. Hand is to Glove as Foot is to:

o a) Shoe
o b) Sock
o c) Boot
o d) Sandal

Answer: a) Shoe

o Explanation: A glove is worn on a hand just as a shoe is worn on a foot.

2. Bird is to Fly as Fish is to:
o a) Swim
o b) Walk
o c) Dive
o d) Glide

Answer: a) Swim

o Explanation: Birds fly, while fish swim.

3. Fire is to Heat as Ice is to:
o a) Water
o b) Cold
o c) Freeze
 o d) Solid

Answer: b) Cold

o Explanation: Fire produces heat, while ice is associated with cold.

4. Teacher is to Classroom as Chef is to:
o a) Restaurant
o b) Kitchen
o c) Food
o d) Meal

Answer: b) Kitchen

o Explanation: A teacher works in a classroom, just as a chef works in a kitchen.

5. Car is to Road as Airplane is to:
o a) Sky
o b) Airport
o c) Flight
o d) Hangar

Answer: a) Sky

o Explanation: A car travels on the road, while an airplane travels in the sky.
6. Pencil is to Write as Brush is to:
o a) Paint
o b) Color
o c) Draw
o d) Sketch

Answer: a) Paint

o Explanation: A pencil is used to write, just as a brush is used to paint.

7. Cat is to Kitten as Dog is to:
o a) Puppy
o b) Cub
o c) Calf
o d) Foal

Answer: a) Puppy

o Explanation: A kitten is a young cat, while a puppy is a young dog.

8. Book is to Read as Movie is to:
o a) Watch
o b) See
o c) Film
o d) Screen

Answer: a) Watch
 o Explanation: You read a book, just as you watch a movie.
9. Clock is to Time as Thermometer is to:
o a) Heat
o b) Cold
o c) Temperature
o d) Weather

Answer: c) Temperature

o Explanation: A clock measures time, while a thermometer measures temperature.

10. Tree is to Forest as Flower is to:
o a) Garden
o b) Petal
o c) Bloom
o d) Seed

Answer: a) Garden

o Explanation: A tree is found in a forest, while a flower is found in a garden.

11. Sugar is to Sweet as Lemon is to:
o a) Sour
o b) Bitter
o c) Tart
o d) Tangy

Answer: a) Sour

o Explanation: Sugar has a sweet taste, while lemon has a sour taste.
12. Bird is to Nest as Spider is to:
o a) Web
o b) Hive
o c) Den
o d) Hole

Answer: a) Web

o Explanation: A bird builds a nest, while a spider builds a web.

13. Sun is to Day as Moon is to:
o a) Light
o b) Night
o c) Shadow
o d) Bright

Answer: b) Night

o Explanation: The sun is associated with daytime, while the moon is associated with
nighttime.
14. Bicycle is to Rider as Horse is to:
o a) Jockey
 o b) Stable
o c) Saddle
o d) Trot

Answer: a) Jockey

o Explanation: A rider rides a bicycle, while a jockey rides a horse.

15. Oven is to Bake as Stove is to:
o a) Cook
o b) Fry
o c) Boil
o d) Roast

Answer: a) Cook

o Explanation: An oven is used to bake, while a stove is used to cook.

16. Heart is to Pump as Brain is to:
o a) Think
o b) Feel
o c) Remember
o d) React

Answer: a) Think

o Explanation: The heart pumps blood, while the brain is responsible for thinking.
17. Pen is to Ink as Brush is to:
o a) Paint
o b) Color
o c) Stroke
o d) Handle

Answer: a) Paint

o Explanation: A pen uses ink, while a brush uses paint.

18. Foot is to Walk as Hand is to:
o a) Write
o b) Grasp
o c) Shake
o d) Hold

Answer: a) Write

o Explanation: Feet are used to walk, while hands are used to write.
19. Rain is to Water as Sun is to:
o a) Light
o b) Warmth
o c) Energy
o d) Heat
 Answer: a) Light

o Explanation: Rain provides water, while the sun provides light.

20. Mountain is to Climb as River is to:
o a) Swim
o b) Walk
o c) Float
o d) Boat

Answer: a) Swim

o Explanation: You climb a mountain, while you swim in a river.

3.4 Answer Key

1. Answer: a) Shoe
o Explanation: A glove is worn on a hand just as a shoe is worn on a foot.
2. Answer: a) Swim
o Explanation: Birds fly, while fish swim.
3. Answer: b) Cold
o Explanation: Fire produces heat, while ice is associated with cold.
4. Answer: b) Kitchen
o Explanation: A teacher works in a classroom, just as a chef works in a kitchen.
5. Answer: a) Sky
o Explanation: A car travels on the road, while an airplane travels in the sky.
6. Answer: a) Paint
o Explanation: A pencil is used to write, just as a brush is used to paint.
7. Answer: a) Puppy
o Explanation: A kitten is a young cat, while a puppy is a young dog.
8. Answer: a) Watch
o Explanation: You read a book, just as you watch a movie.
9. Answer: c) Temperature
o Explanation: A clock measures time, while a thermometer measures temperature.
10. Answer: a) Garden
o Explanation: A tree is found in a forest, while a flower is found in a garden.
11. Answer: a) Sour
o Explanation: Sugar has a sweet taste, while lemon has a sour taste.
12. Answer: a) Web
o Explanation: A bird builds a nest, while a spider builds a web.
13. Answer: b) Night
o Explanation: The sun is associated with daytime, while the moon is associated with
nighttime.
14. Answer: a) Jockey
o Explanation: A rider rides a bicycle, while a jockey rides a horse.
15. Answer: a) Cook
o Explanation: An oven is used to bake, while a stove is used to cook.
16. Answer: a) Think
o Explanation: The heart pumps blood, while the brain is responsible for thinking.
17. Answer: a) Paint
o Explanation: A pen uses ink, while a brush uses paint.
18. Answer: a) Write
o Explanation: Feet are used to walk, while hands are used to write.
19. Answer: a) Light
o Explanation: Rain provides water, while the sun provides light.
20. Answer: a) Swim
o Explanation: You climb a mountain, while you swim in a river.