CAT 2025 Slot 1 VARC Question & Solution
Question
The given sentence is missing in the paragraph below. Decide where it best fits among the options 1, 2, 3, or 4 indicated in the paragraph.
Sentence: Historically, silver has been, and still is, an important element in the business of 'show' visible in private houses, churches, government and diplomacy.
Paragraph: ____(1) ____. Timothy Schroder put it succinctly in suggesting that electric light and eating in the kitchen eroded this need. As he explained to the author, 'Silver, when illuminated by
flickering candlelight, comes alive and almost dances before the eyes, but when lit by electric light it becomes flat and dead.' ____(2) ____. Domestic and economic changes may have worked against the market, but the London silver trade remained buoyant, thanks to the competition of collectors seeking grand display silver at the top end, and the buyers of 'collectables', like spoons and wine labels and 'novelties', at the bottom. ____(3) ____. Another factor that came into play was the systematic collection building of certain American museums over the period. Boston, Huntington Art Gallery and Williamsburg, among others, were largely supplied by London dealers. ____(4) ____.
Options
Solution
Main Idea of the Paragraph
The paragraph examines the social role and market for silver over time. It follows a clear progression:
- Why silver was once important
- Why that importance declined
- What factors kept the silver trade alive despite this decline
The focus is on explaining both the loss of domestic relevance and the continued strength of the silver market.
Explanation of the Correct Answer
Why Position (3) Is the Best Fit
The given sentence provides historical context, explaining why silver mattered in the first place:
- It was a visible symbol in private, religious, and diplomatic settings.
This idea is crucial because:
- It connects silver’s traditional role to the later discussion of its decline in domestic use
- It makes the survival of the silver trade appear more surprising and meaningful
Looking at the paragraph structure:
- After discussing electric lighting and changes in home life, the paragraph states:
“Domestic and economic changes may have worked against the market, but the London silver trade remained buoyant…”
Just before this contrast, a reminder of silver’s long-standing role strengthens the logic of the paragraph.
Placing the sentence at position (3):
- Looks back at silver’s role in display and symbolism
- Smoothly prepares the reader for the later focus on:
- Collectors
- Museums
- Institutional buyers
Why the Other Positions Do Not Work
-
Position (1):
- Comes too early
- The decline of silver’s importance has not yet been introduced, so the contrast is ineffective
-
Position (2):
- Appears after a quote about visual issues
- Interrupts the flow rather than providing clarification
-
Position (4):
- Comes too late
- The paragraph has already shifted to American museum acquisitions