CAT 2020 VARC [Slot 2] Solution 08

Question

The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4) below, when properly sequenced would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the four numbers as your answer:

  1. But the attention of the layman, not surprisingly, has been captured by the atom bomb, although there is at least a chance that it may never be used again.
  2. Of all the changes introduced by man into the household of nature, [controlled]large-scale nuclear fission is undoubtedly the most dangerous and most profound.
  3. The danger to humanity created by the so-called peaceful uses of atomic energy may, however, be much greater.
  4. The resultant ionizing radiation has become the most serious agent of pollution of the environment and the greatest threat to man’s survival on earth.

Option: 2413
Solution:

This might a little tricky question, but without doubt 2 will open the paragraph. The resultant ionising radiation in 4 is a consequence of large scale nuclear fission mentioned in 2. Thus 24 form a pair. 4 and 1 are contrasting ideas, something that justifies the presence of the conjunction “but” in 1. The resultant ionising radiation has become the most serious agent of pollution... but the attention of the layman has been captured by the atom bomb....3 comes as the appropriate conclusion. 3 can’t come after 4 because both 4 and 3 talk nuclear fission, which does not justify the presence of the word “however” in 3. We use however to contrast two ideas, but both 4 and 3 talk of peaceful uses of atomic energy. Nuclear fission is used for purposes other than atomic bomb. Thus 2413 is the right sequence.

CAT 2020 Verbal Ability Questions with Solutions

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