THE GATE ACADEMY's GATE Correspondence Materials consist of complete GATE syllabus in the form of booklets with theory, solved examples, model tests, formulae and questions in various levels of difficulty in all the topics of the syllabus. The material is designed in such a way that it has proven to be an ideal material in-terms of an accurate and efficient preparation for GATE. Quick Refresher Guide : is especially developed for the students, for their quick revision of concepts preparing for GATE examination. Also get 1 All India Mock Tests with results including Rank,Percentile,detailed performance analysis and with video solutions GATE QUESTION BANK : is a topic-wise and subject wise collection of previous year GATE questions ( 2001 – 2013). Also get 1 All India Mock Tests with results including Rank,Percentile,detailed performance analysis and with video solutions Bangalore Head Office: THE GATE ACADEMY # 74, Keshava Krupa(Third floor), 30th Cross, 10th Main, Jayanagar 4th block, Bangalore- 560011 E-Mail: info@thegateacademy.com Ph: 080-61766222

2. GGEENNEERRAALL AAPPTTIITTUUDDEE
((VVEERRBBAALL AABBIILLIITTYY))
By
www.thegateacademy.com

3. Contents General Aptitude
THE GATE ACADEMY PVT.LTD. H.O.: #74, Keshava Krupa (third Floor), 30th
Cross, 10th
Main, Jayanagar 4th
Block, Bangalore-11
: 080-65700750,  info@thegateacademy.com © Copyright reserved. Web: www.thegateacademy.com Page I
CC OO NN TT EE NN TT SS
Chapter Page No.
#1. Vocabulary Based – Synonyms and Antonyms 1-10
 Theory + Examples 1
 Assignment Questions 2-6
 Answer Keys 7
 Explanations 7-10
#2. Odd Man Out 11-16
 Theory + Examples 11
 Assignment Questions 12-13
 Answer Keys 14
 Explanations 14-16
#3. Analogies 17-25
 Theory + Examples 17
 Assignment Questions 18-21
 Answer Keys 22
 Explanations 22-25
#4. Multiple Usage 26-36
 Theory + Examples 26-27
 Assignment Questions 28-34
 Answer Keys 35
 Explanations 35-36
#5. Grammar Brush-Up 37-43
 Theory + Examples 37-43
#6. Fill In The Blanks 44-58
 Theory + Examples 44
 Assignment Questions 45-52
 Answer Keys 53
 Explanations 53-58
#7. Sentence Correction 59-67
 Theory + Examples 59
 Assignment Questions 60-64
 Answer Keys 65
 Explanations 65-67

4. Contents General Aptitude
THE GATE ACADEMY PVT.LTD. H.O.: #74, Keshava Krupa (third Floor), 30th
Cross, 10th
Main, Jayanagar 4th
Block, Bangalore-11
: 080-65700750,  info@thegateacademy.com © Copyright reserved. Web: www.thegateacademy.com Page II
#8. Jumbled Paragraphs 68-89
 Theory + Examples 68- 69
 Assignment Questions 69-82
 Answer Keys 83
 Explanations 83-89
#9. Reading Comprehension 90-112
 Theory 90
 Assignment Questions 91-108
 Answer Keys 109
 Explanations 109-112
Module Test 113-126
 Test Questions 113-121
 Answer Keys 122
 Explanations 122-126
Appendix 1 127-162
 High Frequency Words and their Meanings 127-162

5. Chapter 1 General Aptitude
THE GATE ACADEMY PVT.LTD. H.O.: #74, Keshava Krupa (third Floor), 30th
Cross, 10th
Main, Jayanagar 4th
Block, Bangalore-11
: 080-65700750,  info@thegateacademy.com © Copyright reserved. Web: www.thegateacademy.com Page 1
CHAPTER 1
Vocabulary Based – Synonyms and Antonyms
These are the most common type of verbal questions that can be asked in any exam. These are
simple to understand but can be answered only when the meaning of the words are known.
We’ll look into the different formats of these questions, so that we can get an overview of how
these questions can be framed. However, objective remains the same i.e. to test your vocabulary.
Synonym Based: The student has to identify the words closest in meaning.
For Example
Select the most suitable synonym for the main word or the group of words.
1. PANACEA
(A) Wonder
(B) Elixir
(C) Placebo
(D)Honey
Option (B) is the most suited answer as elixir and panacea both means ‘cure-all’.
2. A polite word for something shocking
(A) Plexus
(B) Pleonasm
(C) Aphorism
(D)Euphemism
Option (D) is most appropriate as ‘euphemism’ means to replace harsh word with a polite
one.
Antonym Based: Student has to identify the word which is opposite in meaning.
For Example:
Select the most suitable antonym for the main word or group of words.
1. CRUDE
(A) CRUEL
(B) SOPHISTICATED
(C) MALEVOLENT
(D)PRIMEVAL
Here Option (B) is most suited.
2. Select the pair which is opposite in meaning
1. DIGNITY
2. DISCORD
3. STRIFE
4. AGREEMENT
(A) 2 – 3
(B) 1 – 3
(C) 2 – 4
(D)1 – 4
Here, option (C) is most suited as ‘discord’ means disagreement.

6. Chapter 1 General Aptitude
THE GATE ACADEMY PVT.LTD. H.O.: #74, Keshava Krupa (third Floor), 30th
Cross, 10th
Main, Jayanagar 4th
Block, Bangalore-11
: 080-65700750,  info@thegateacademy.com © Copyright reserved. Web: www.thegateacademy.com Page 2
Assignment
Direction for questions 1 to 5: For each of the words below, a contextual usage is provided. Pick
the word from the alternatives given, which is closet in meaning in the given context.
1. The police officer appears oblivious to the opprobrium generated by his blatantly partisan
conduct.
(A) Harsh criticism
(B) Acute distrust
(C) Bitter enmity
(D) Stark oppressiveness
2. It appears to many that the US “war on terrorism” portends trouble in the Gulf
(A) Introduces
(B) Evokes
(C) Spells
(D) Bodes
3. When a videotape of her meeting was played back to her and she was asked to explain her
presence there, she started prevaricating
(A) Speaking evasively
(B) Speaking violently
(C) Lying furiously
(D) Throwing a tantrum
4. The Crowd became restive when the minister failed to appear even by 10 p.m.
(A) Violent
(B) Angry
(C) Restless
(D) Distressed
5. Manohar’s ostensible job was to guard the building at night
(A) Apparent
(B) Blatant
(C) Ostentatious
(D) Insidious
Directions for questions 6 to 10: For each of the words below, a contextual usage is provided.
Pick the word from the alternatives given, that is most inappropriate in the given context.
6. Many human beings live with the illusion that their problems are insurmountable, and
continue to blame their destiny.
(A) fact
(B) image
(C) clarity
(D) deadlock
7. The professor was famous for his discursive lectures.
(A) rambling
(B) laconic
(C) brief
(D) boring
8. Marilyn Monroe initially rose to fame by posing for some lewd photographs.
(A) decent
(B) moral
(C) lustful
(D) loose
9. The audience fled the hall as his crass cacophony began to sound over the speakers.
(A) jarring sound
(B) music
(C) melody
(D) voice

7. Chapter 1 General Aptitude
THE GATE ACADEMY PVT.LTD. H.O.: #74, Keshava Krupa (third Floor), 30th
Cross, 10th
Main, Jayanagar 4th
Block, Bangalore-11
: 080-65700750,  info@thegateacademy.com © Copyright reserved. Web: www.thegateacademy.com Page 3
10. He averred that we can definitely manifest our highest potential within his lifetime if we
only care to bring out a great inner change.
(A) erred
(B) went on
(C) affirmed
(D) discussed
Directions for questions 11 to 15: Each question has a sentence with one word underlined.
Identify the meaning of the underlined word from among the four alternatives and mark its
number as answer.
11. The Minister got an overwhelming encore when he finished his song.
(A) stone-pelting
(B) garlanding
(C) call for repletion
(D) financial help
12. The actor’s sitting room was luxurious and flamboyant.
(A) costly
(B) congested
(C) ostentatious
(D) elevated
13. At present, he is in pecuniary difficulties.
(A) monetary
(B) business
(C) minor
(D) professional
14. I left the letter on her bed and went to sleep, exhausted from sobbing.
(A) tired
(B) burnt
(C) vexed
(D) faint
15. What she did was a manifestation of her frustration.
(A) expression
(B) desire
(C) wishes
(D) aim
Direction for questions 16 to 25: From the given options, choose the word that is closest in
meaning to the word given in the question.
16. Acrimony
(A) Tenderness
(B) Slow
(C) Exonerate
(D) Virulence
17. Beguile
(A) Apprise
(B) Stupidity
(C) Convict
(D) Hoodwink
18. Exalt
(A) Expand
(B) Extol
(C) Enforce
(D) Entangle
19. Quandary
(A) Dilemma
(B) Sullen
(C) Mitigate
(D) Diffident

8. Chapter 1 General Aptitude
THE GATE ACADEMY PVT.LTD. H.O.: #74, Keshava Krupa (third Floor), 30th
Cross, 10th
Main, Jayanagar 4th
Block, Bangalore-11
: 080-65700750,  info@thegateacademy.com © Copyright reserved. Web: www.thegateacademy.com Page 4
20. Rapacious
(A) Meek
(B) Cunning
(C) Voracious
(D) Articulate
21. Goad
(A) Good
(B) Spur
(C) Beat
(D) Cattle
22. Sacrilege
(A) Blasphemy
(B) Sacrifice
(C) Surrender
(D) Kill
23. Twirl
(A) Twinkle
(B) Entangle
(C) Twist
(D) Tug
24. Wharf
(A) Dock
(B) Whiff
(C) Conspiracy
(D) Ship
25. Beatific
(A) Beautiful
(B) Beau
(C) Bawdy
(D) Celestial
Direction for questions 26 to 40: From the given options, choose the word that is closest to the
opposite meaning of the word given in the question.
26. Disconcert
(A) Fluster
(B) Hearten
(C) Perturb
(D) Abash
27. Abeyance
(A) Abbey
(B) Assent
(C) Continuation
(D) Abet
28. Fracas
(A) Concurrence
(B) Fray
(C) Quarrel
(D) Dilemma
29. Assiduous
(A) Persevering
(B) Caring
(C) Indolent
(D) Intelligent

9. Chapter 1 General Aptitude
THE GATE ACADEMY PVT.LTD. H.O.: #74, Keshava Krupa (third Floor), 30th
Cross, 10th
Main, Jayanagar 4th
Block, Bangalore-11
: 080-65700750,  info@thegateacademy.com © Copyright reserved. Web: www.thegateacademy.com Page 5
30. Slander
(A) Malign
(B) Traduce
(C) Soft spoken
(D) Praise
31. IMMACULATE
(A) Unclean
(B) Immobile
(C) Motherly
(D) Accumulated
32. AGGRAVATE
(A) Segregate
(B) Adulterate
(C) Ameliorate
(D) Accommodate
33. IGNOMINIOUS
(A) Crooked
(B) Dishonest
(C) Ominous
(D) Laudable
34. COGNIZANT
(A) Observant
(B) Perceptive
(C) Conscious
(D) Oblivious
35. DULL
(A) Monstrous
(B) Fascinating
(C) Horrid
(D) Ghastly
36. IMPUDENT
(A) Rude
(B) Courteous
(C) Impertinent
(D) Insolent
37. NOVICE
(A) Adept
(B) Dilettante
(C) Amateur
(D) Greenhorn
38. Awkwardness
(A) Aplomb
(B) Acumen
(C) Base
(D) Agile
39. Depressed
(A) Dull
(B) Daring
(C) Buoyant
(D) Aggressive
40. Urbane
(A) Aggressive
(B) Bolster
(C) Bucolic
(D) Sophisticated

10. Chapter 1 General Aptitude
THE GATE ACADEMY PVT.LTD. H.O.: #74, Keshava Krupa (third Floor), 30th
Cross, 10th
Main, Jayanagar 4th
Block, Bangalore-11
: 080-65700750,  info@thegateacademy.com © Copyright reserved. Web: www.thegateacademy.com Page 6
Directions for questions 41 to 45: For each of the words below, a contextual usage is provided.
Pick the word from the alternatives given, that is most inappropriate in the given context.
41. A specious argument is not simply a false one but one that has the ring of truth.
(A) Deceitful
(B) Fallacious
(C) Credible
(D) Deceptive
42. The new mass transit system may obviate the need for the use of personal cars
(A) Prevent
(B) Forestall
(C) Preclude
(D) Bolster
43. Some words fall into disuse as technology makes objects obsolete
(A) Prevalent
(B) Discarded
(C) Obliterated
(D) Unfashionable
44. The evidence was constructed from very parsimonious scraps of information
(A) Frugal
(B) Penurious
(C) Thrifty
(D) Altruistic
45. When I suggested that war is a method of controlling population, my father remarked that
I was being facetious
(A) Jovian
(B) Jovial
(C) Jocular
(D) Joking

11. Chapter 1 General Aptitude
THE GATE ACADEMY PVT.LTD. H.O.: #74, Keshava Krupa (third Floor), 30th
Cross, 10th
Main, Jayanagar 4th
Block, Bangalore-11
: 080-65700750,  info@thegateacademy.com © Copyright reserved. Web: www.thegateacademy.com Page 7
Answer Keys & Explanations
Answer Keys
1 A 2 D 3 A 4 C 5 A 6 B 7 A 8 C 9 A 10 C
11 C 12 C 13 A 14 A 15 A 16 D 17 D 18 B 19 A 20 C
21 B 22 A 23 C 24 A 25 D 26 B 27 C 28 A 29 C 30 D
31 A 32 C 33 D 34 D 35 B 36 B 37 A 38 A 39 C 40 C
41 C 42 D 43 A 44 D 45 A
Explanations:
1. [Ans. A]
Harsh criticism means the same as opprobrium or scorn.
2. [Ans. D]
Portend means a sign or warning and Bodes means to bring about some outcome.
3. [Ans. A]
Prevaricate means to act or speak evasively.
4. [Ans. C]
Restive means unable to keep still, same as restless.
5. [Ans. A]
Ostensible means anything that is apparently true.
6. [Ans. B]
An illusion is a deception, a false mental representation of facts which are not true.
7. [Ans. A]
A discursive lecture is wordy and rambling. It digresses from the main point to cover a
vast range of subjects.
8. [Ans. C]
Lewd implies something obscene, driven by lust or with exhibiting lustful desires.
9. [Ans. A]
A crass cacophony is a harsh, unrefined jarring sound.
10. [Ans. C]
To aver is to solemnly declare or affirm something as formally true.
11. [Ans. C]
12. [Ans. C]