The Ultimate Guide to Conquering the CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC Section

Prepare yourself to triumph in the upcoming Common Admission Test (CAT) 2021 Slot 1 VARC section. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge, strategies, and tips to conquer this challenging test. Immerse yourself in our expert insights and empower yourself to achieve the score you aspire to.

1. Understanding the VARC Section

The VARC section of the CAT exam tests your proficiency in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). It comprises three major subsections:

• Reading Comprehension (DI, RCs) - 60 marks (30 questions)
• Verbal Ability (VA) - 40 marks (20 questions)

2. Analyzing the Exam Pattern

The VARC section is designed to assess your critical thinking, analytical skills, and ability to comprehend and interpret written text. The questions range from simple to complex, covering a wide spectrum of topics.

3. Tips for Enhancing Reading Comprehension

• Active Reading: Engage with the text by highlighting, annotating, and summarizing key points.
• Identify Main Idea and Supporting Details: Extract the central concept and supporting evidence from the passages.
• Inferential Thinking: Draw logical conclusions and make connections between different parts of the text.
• Time Management: Allocate time wisely for each passage and question.

4. Sharpening Verbal Ability Skills

• Vocabulary Expansion: Enhance your vocabulary by reading widely and using flashcards.
• Grammar and Usage: Brush up on grammar rules and ensure accurate usage in your answers.
• Critical Reasoning: Analyze arguments, identify flaws, and evaluate conclusions.
• Sentence Correction: Identify and correct errors in sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation.

5. Recommended Preparation Materials

• CAT Official Guide by Pearson
• Arun Sharma's Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT
• TIME Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT

6. Expert Insights: Success Stories

Candidate A: I meticulously analyzed the past year's CAT papers and identified that Verbal Reasoning questions often tested my logical reasoning skills. By focusing on practice questions and developing a logical approach, I conquered this section with ease.

Candidate B: Reading Comprehension was my nemesis. However, by practicing daily and learning to identify the main idea and supporting details, I transformed my performance. I ended up scoring in the top 99th percentile.

Candidate C: I struggled with Sentence Correction. I invested time in understanding grammar rules and practiced relentlessly. On the day of the exam, I approached the questions with confidence and secured full marks in this subsection.

7. The Power of Practice

• Solve mock tests and sectional tests to simulate the exam environment.
• Analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Dedicate ample time to practice, especially during the last few weeks leading up to the exam.

8. Tips and Tricks for Test Day

• Remain calm and focused during the exam.
• Read instructions carefully before answering questions.
• Utilize the rough sheet for calculations and jotting down notes.
• Guess intelligently if you are unsure about an answer.
• Manage your time effectively and avoid spending too much time on any one question.

9. The Importance of Time Management

• Allocate 20-25 minutes per passage in the Reading Comprehension section.
• Spend 10-15 minutes on the Verbal Ability subsection.
• Utilize any remaining time for review or attempting questions you skipped.

10. Call to Action

Your success in the CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC section hinges upon your dedication, preparation, and unwavering determination. Follow these invaluable strategies, practice relentlessly, and believe in your abilities. With consistent effort and a positive mindset, you will triumph over the challenges of the VARC section and achieve your desired score.

| Subsection | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 30 | 60 |
| Verbal Ability | 20 | 40 |

| Source | Figure |
|---|---|
| Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) | 1.4 million |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM) | 2 lakh |