CAT 2025 Slot 2 VARC Question & Solution
Question
The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, and 4) given 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. As books age, the cellulose and lignin in the paper begin to break down, releasing a mix of volatile organic compounds into the air.
2. Old books carry a scent that many people instantly recognize—and even love.
3. These compounds are benzaldehyde, which gives off an almond-like scent, vanillin, which smells like vanilla, ethyl hexanol (floral scent), toluene (sweet), and furfural (which has a slightly bready scent).
4. This familiar aroma isn't just dust or mildew; it's actually a result of slow chemical changes happening inside the paper and ink.
Solution
Identifying the Correct Sentence Order
To find the most logical sequence, we need to track how ideas are introduced and then explained or elaborated across the sentences.
Pairing Based on References
- Sentence 1 introduces the idea of "compounds".
- Sentence 3 discusses these compounds in detail.
Since sentence 3 uses the phrase "these compounds", it clearly refers back to sentence 1.
Conclusion:
Sentences 1 and 3 form an adjacent pair, in the order 1 → 3.
Another Intro–Elaboration Pair
- Sentence 2 introduces "a scent".
- Sentence 4 explains this scent further.
This indicates that sentence 4 depends on sentence 2 for context.
Conclusion:
Sentences 2 and 4 form another adjacent pair, in the order 2 → 4.
Connecting the Two Pairs
- Sentence 4 mentions "slow chemical changes".
- These chemical changes are explained in greater detail in sentences 1 and 3.
This shows that the pair (2 → 4) should come before the pair (1 → 3).
Final Sequence
Putting all the logical links together, the most suitable order of sentences is: