Position：home

Unlocking Your Potential: A Guide to CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India, with over 2 lakh candidates appearing for it every year. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of the CAT is particularly challenging, with candidates often struggling to score well in it. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC, including tips and tricks, sample questions, and strategies to help you ace this section.

Understanding the VARC Section

The VARC section of the CAT 2018 Slot 1 exam will consist of 34 questions divided into three parts:

Verbal Ability: This part will test your vocabulary, grammar, and usage of English.
Reading Comprehension: This part will test your ability to read and understand complex passages of text.
Critical Reasoning: This part will test your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments and draw inferences from given information.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Start with the RCs: The Reading Comprehension (RC) questions are generally the most time-consuming. Start with these questions first, as they require more time to read and understand the passages.
Skim the passages: Before reading the RC passages in detail, skim through them quickly to get a general idea of the main points. This will help you focus your attention on the important information.
Annotate the passages: As you read the RC passages, annotate them by highlighting important points, circling unfamiliar words, and drawing diagrams to represent the structure of the arguments.
Practice, practice, practice: The key to success in the VARC section is practice. Solve as many mock tests and practice questions as you can to improve your speed and accuracy.

Sample Questions

Verbal Ability:

Choose the correct option to fill in the blank:

The company's reputation was ___ by the recent scandal.

(A) tarnished
(B) damaged
(C) ruined
(D) marred

Reading Comprehension:

Read the following passage and answer the question:

The recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 73% of Americans believe that the government should do more to address climate change. This is a significant increase from 2013, when only 57% of Americans held this view. The study also found that younger Americans are more likely to believe that climate change is a serious threat, with 84% of Americans under the age of 30 saying that the government should do more to address it.

What percentage of Americans believe that the government should do more to address climate change?

(A) 57%
(B) 73%
(C) 84%
(D) 27%

Critical Reasoning:

Read the following argument and identify the flaw in its reasoning:

The government should not ban the sale of sugary drinks because it would infringe on the personal freedom of individuals.

What is the flaw in this argument?

(A) It assumes that personal freedom is more important than public health.
(B) It ignores the fact that sugary drinks are a major contributor to obesity and other health problems.
(C) It fails to consider the potential benefits of a ban on sugary drinks.
(D) It equates personal freedom with the right to consume unhealthy products.

Strategies for Success

Time management: The VARC section is a timed section, so it is important to manage your time wisely. Allocate a specific amount of time to each part of the section and stick to it.
Elimination: When answering questions, try to eliminate the incorrect options first. This will increase your chances of choosing the correct answer.
Guessing: If you are unsure about the answer to a question, make an educated guess. You have nothing to lose and you might just get lucky.

Why VARC Matters

The VARC section is an important part of the CAT exam because it tests your communication and analytical skills. These skills are essential for success in any field, regardless of your career aspirations.

Benefits of Scoring Well in VARC

Improved communication skills: A strong score in the VARC section will help you communicate more effectively in both written and spoken English.
Enhanced critical thinking skills: The critical reasoning questions in the VARC section will help you develop your critical thinking skills and improve your ability to analyze arguments and draw inferences.
Increased problem-solving ability: The problem-solving questions in the VARC section will help you develop your problem-solving skills and improve your ability to think creatively and find solutions to complex problems.

Potential Drawbacks of Scoring Poorly in VARC

Limited career opportunities: A low score in the VARC section can limit your career opportunities, as many employers value communication and analytical skills highly.
Difficulty in higher education: A low score in the VARC section can make it difficult to succeed in higher education programs, such as MBA programs, which require strong communication and analytical skills.
Communication barriers: A low score in the VARC section can lead to communication barriers, making it difficult to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders.

Tips for Improving Your VARC Score

Read widely: The best way to improve your VARC score is to read widely. Read books, newspapers, magazines, and online articles on a variety of topics. This will help you build your vocabulary, improve your grammar, and develop your critical thinking skills.
Take practice tests: Practice tests are a great way to improve your speed and accuracy in the VARC section. Take as many practice tests as you can and analyze your results to identify areas where you need to improve.
Get feedback: Ask a friend, family member, or teacher to review your writing and give you feedback. This feedback can help you identify areas where you can improve your grammar, style, and clarity.

Conclusion

The VARC section of the CAT 2018 Slot 1 exam is a challenging but important section. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can improve your VARC score and increase your chances of success in the CAT exam.