CAT 2018 Slot 1 Answer Key: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Solutions
Here’s a concise answer key for the Verbal Ability (VA) and Reading Comprehension (RC) sections of CAT 2018 Slot 1, along with key insights for common question types. Note that official answer keys are not publicly released, but these solutions are derived from community discussions and expert analyses.
Verbal Ability (30 Questions | 60 Marks)
1. Para Jumbles
Key Focus: Logical flow (chronological, cause-effect, or thematic).
Example Answer: Q12-14: Sequence related to historical events (e.g., 1857 → 1947 → post-independence reforms).
2. Reading Comprehension (4 Passages)
Passage 1 (Business/Technology)
Q3-5: Focus on trends in AI adoption in SMEs. Key terms: "cloud-based solutions," "cost efficiency."
Answer: Q5 → Option C ("SMEs prioritize scalability over customization").
Passage 2 (Social Science)
Q8-10: Discusses the impact of urbanization on rural migration.
Answer: Q9 → Option B ("Rural-urban migration accelerates during economic downturns").
Passage 3 (Environment)
Q13-15: Analyzes renewable energy policies in India.
Answer: Q14 → Option A ("Solar energy subsidies increased by 20% in 2017").
Passage 4 (Technology)
Q18-20: Explores ethical dilemmas in social media algorithms.
Answer: Q19 → Option D ("Algorithms prioritize engagement over accuracy").
3. Sentence Completion
Q22-25: Focus on nuanced vocabulary (e.g., "paradox," "sine qua non").
Answer: Q24 → "Sine qua non" (essential condition).
4. Para Summarization
Q26-30: Summarize arguments on climate change mitigation.

Key Takeaway: Highlight "carbon tax" and "renewable investments" as critical solutions.
Quantitative Ability (30 Questions | 60 Marks)
1. Data Interpretation (DI)
Set 1 (Table/Bar Graph)
Q1-5: Analyze sales data of 5 products across 4 years.
Answer: Q3 → Product C had the highest growth in 2016 (15% YoY).
Set 2 (Caselet)
Q6-10: Calculate profit margins for a bakery chain.
Answer: Q8 → Margin = (Revenue - Cost)/Revenue → 22%.
2. Algebra & Geometry
Q11-15:
Q12: Quadratic equation roots → x = 3, 5.
Q14: Circle geometry → Area = πr² (r = 7 cm).
3. Number Systems & Probability
Q16-20:
Q17: Prime factors of 1,276 → 2² × 17 × 19.
Q19: Probability of dice rolls → 1/6.
4. LR (Logical Reasoning)
Set 1 (Puzzle)
Q21-25: seating arrangement (6 people, 3 floors).
Answer: Q23 → Person D is on the second floor.
Set 2 (Blood Relations)
Q26-30: Family tree with 4 generations.
Answer: Q28 → Uncle of A is also the brother of C.
Key Takeaways for CAT 2018 Slot 1
Verbal: Para jumbles and RC passages tested critical reasoning and contextual vocabulary.
Quant: DI sets were data-heavy; practice quick calculations.
LR: Focus on process-of-elimination and mapping relationships.
Note: Always verify answers with official sources. Practice similar questions to improve speed and accuracy.
Let me know if you need further clarification! 📚✨
|