CCAT - Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Sentence Completion Questions and Answers

Question 1

The board of directors was impressed with the new CEO, whose ______ management style brought a sense of ______ to the struggling company.

Accepted Answer

collaborative, cohesion

Answer

The phrase 'impressed with the new CEO' suggests a positive outcome. A 'collaborative' style, meaning working together, would logically lead to 'cohesion,' or a state of unity. The other pairs present contradictions; for instance, an 'autocratic' (dictatorial) style is unlikely to be praised if it brings 'confusion'.

Question 2

Despite the storm's ______ intensity, the town's newly constructed sea wall proved ______, preventing any significant flooding.

Accepted Answer

unprecedented, resilient

Answer

The word 'Despite' signals a contrast. The storm's intensity was a significant threat, so a word like 'unprecedented' (never done or known before) fits well. The sea wall succeeding against this threat means it must have been 'resilient' (able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions). The other options do not create this logical contrast.

Question 3

The ancient philosopher's writings were often ______, filled with complex ideas and dense prose that many students found difficult to ______.

Accepted Answer

abstruse, penetrate

Answer

The sentence describes writings that are 'difficult to' understand. 'Abstruse' means difficult to understand or obscure, which aligns perfectly with the description. 'Penetrate' is used metaphorically here to mean understand or grasp. 'Lucid' (clear) and 'simplistic' are direct opposites of the intended meaning.

Question 4

Her ______ nature made her an excellent diplomat; she was able to ______ tense negotiations with ease and grace.

Accepted Answer

conciliatory, facilitate

Answer

An 'excellent diplomat' is someone who can resolve conflicts. A 'conciliatory' nature means one is intended to placate or pacify. This trait would help 'facilitate' (make easier) tense negotiations. The other options are contradictory: a 'contentious' (controversial) person would 'exacerbate' (worsen) tensions.

Question 5

The scientist was careful to ______ her controversial theory with a ______ amount of verifiable data, anticipating the scrutiny of her peers.

Accepted Answer

bolster, substantial

Answer

Anticipating scrutiny from peers would motivate a scientist to strengthen her theory. 'Bolster' means to support or strengthen. A 'substantial' amount of data would be necessary to do this effectively. The other pairs do not fit the logical context of a scientist preparing for peer review.

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT - Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Sentence Completion Questions and Answers