CFAT Verbal Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The mirror is to reflective. The glass is to:
- Transparent (Correct answer)
- Omni-directional
- Window
- Blue
Correct answer: Transparent
This is an analogy question based on primary characteristics. A mirror's defining characteristic is its ability to be reflective. Similarly, the defining characteristic of glass, in this context, is its ability to be transparent, allowing light to pass through.
Question 2: What is histionic speech?
- A memorable speech
- A speech that draws on historical facts
- A melodramatic speech (Correct answer)
- A funny speech
Correct answer: A melodramatic speech
The word 'histrionic' describes something that is overly theatrical or melodramatic in character or style. Therefore, 'histrionic speech' refers to a speech that is excessively dramatic, exaggerated, or emotional. 'A melodramatic speech' is the most accurate definition among the choices.
Question 3: "Maladroit" certainly implies:
- Insufficient
- Incapable
- Unskillful (Correct answer)
- Evil
Correct answer: Unskillful
The word 'maladroit' is derived from French, combining 'mal' (badly) and 'adroit' (skillful). Thus, it directly means clumsy or unskillful. The correct option, 'Unskillful,' accurately captures the core meaning of the term.
Question 4: Clout most nearly signifies
- Accumulation
- Lump
- Block
- Prestige (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Prestige
In contemporary usage, 'clout' most commonly refers to influence, power, or prestige, especially in a political or social context. While it can also mean a heavy blow, 'Prestige' is the closest synonym for its meaning of having significant sway or standing. The other options do not fit this common meaning.
Question 5: Please choose two words with a comparable connection. bear : bare
- hare : hair (Correct answer)
- prize : praise
- crazy : lazy
- dust : must
Correct answer: hare : hair
The relationship between 'bear' and 'bare' is that they are homophones – words that sound the same but have different spellings and meanings. Among the given options, 'hare' and 'hair' exhibit the same homophonic relationship. They are pronounced identically but are spelled differently and have distinct meanings.
Question 6: INCITE has the same meaning as:
- Place
- Provoke (Correct answer)
- Short
- Delay
Correct answer: Provoke
To 'incite' means to encourage or stir up (violent or unlawful behavior or strong feelings). 'Provoke' means to stimulate or give rise to (a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one). Therefore, 'Provoke' is the closest synonym for 'incite', as both imply initiating or stirring up a response.
Question 7: Select the most accurate definition of podium.
- Brief lecture
- Speaker
- Raised platform (Correct answer)
- None of the above
Correct answer: Raised platform
A podium is a raised platform, typically used by a speaker, conductor, or award recipient. It is a physical structure designed to elevate a person or object. Therefore, 'Raised platform' is the most accurate definition of a podium.
Question 8: If Genius is to Dunce then Waste is to:
- Conserve (Correct answer)
- Create
- Remove
- Bin
Correct answer: Conserve
This is an antonym analogy. A 'genius' is a person of exceptional intellectual or creative power, while a 'dunce' is a person who is slow at learning or stupid. They are opposites. Similarly, 'waste' (to use or expend carelessly) is the antonym of 'conserve' (to protect or use sparingly).
Question 9: What is the synonym for "impregnable"?
- Imperfect
- Unlimited
- Impossible
- Unconquerable (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Unconquerable
The word 'impregnable' means unable to be captured or broken into, or unable to be defeated or overcome. 'Unconquerable' directly conveys this meaning of being impossible to defeat or overcome. The other options do not accurately reflect this sense of invincibility.
Question 10: Identify the pair of antonyms.
- Encourage and Urge
- Collaborate and Combine
- Coalesce and Coordinate
- Liaise and Uncoordinated (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Liaise and Uncoordinated
To identify antonyms, we examine each pair. 'Encourage' and 'Urge' are synonyms. 'Collaborate' and 'Combine' are synonyms. 'Coalesce' and 'Coordinate' are closely related in meaning. 'Liaise' means to cooperate and communicate, while 'Uncoordinated' means lacking organization or cooperation, making them antonyms.
Question 11: A different way to say "cheering someone up" is:
- Exhilarate (Correct answer)
- Exaggerate
- Exclave
- Exhale
Correct answer: Exhilarate
To 'exhilarate' means to make someone feel very happy, animated, or thrilled, which is synonymous with 'cheering someone up.' The other options, 'exaggerate' (to overstate), 'exclave' (a portion of territory), and 'exhale' (to breathe out), have entirely different meanings.
CFAT Verbal Skills 1
The mirror is to reflective.
The glass is to: