Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure: Excel in the CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC with Proven Strategies
The Common Admission Test (CAT), administered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is widely regarded as one of the most challenging management entrance exams in the world. Among the three sections of the exam, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) often poses a significant hurdle for aspirants. To help you overcome this obstacle, this comprehensive guide provides expert insights, effective strategies, and valuable tips to excel in the CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC.
Understanding the VARC Section
The VARC section of the CAT 2021 comprises 24 questions divided into three main categories:
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Verbal Ability (VA): Tests your proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and usage of the English language.
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Reading Comprehension (RC): Assesses your ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret written passages.
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Critical Reasoning (CR): Evaluates your skills in evaluating arguments, spotting flaws, and drawing logical inferences.
Effective Strategies for Success
1. Comprehensive Preparation:
Devote ample time to study all aspects of VARC, including grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and reasoning. Refer to authoritative sources and practice regularly to enhance your understanding.
2. Time Management:
The VARC section is timed, so it's crucial to allocate time wisely during the exam. Divide the time effectively between different question types, prioritizing your strengths and addressing weaker areas later.
3. Reading Comprehension Techniques:
To excel in RC, practice active reading techniques such as SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review). Identify the main idea, key supporting points, and inferences from the passages.
4. Critical Reasoning Skills:
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Develop strong critical reasoning abilities by analyzing arguments, identifying assumptions, and evaluating evidence. Practice identifying common fallacies and logical reasoning errors.
5. Vocabulary Building:
Expand your vocabulary significantly by reading widely, using vocabulary-building apps, and reviewing word lists. This will enhance your comprehension and expression skills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Neglecting Practice:
Adequate practice is essential for success in the CAT VARC. Avoid the mistake of underestimating the importance of regular practice.
2. Ignoring Time Constraints:
Failing to manage time effectively during the exam can lead to unfinished questions. Familiarize yourself with the time limits and allocate time wisely.
3. Overreliance on Intuition:
While intuition can sometimes be helpful, rely primarily on logical reasoning and analytical skills to answer questions. Avoid guessing or relying solely on prior knowledge.
Why VARC Matters
Excelling in VARC is crucial for the following reasons:
1. High Weightage:
VARC carries a significant weightage in the overall CAT score. Performing well in this section can boost your overall percentile.
2. Core Skills Development:
VARC enhances your communication, comprehension, and analytical abilities, which are essential for success in management roles.
3. Competitive Advantage:
In a highly competitive exam like CAT, every edge matters. A strong performance in VARC can set you apart from other candidates.
Benefits of Preparing for VARC
Investing time and effort in VARC preparation offers several benefits:
1. Improved Language Proficiency:
Regular practice enhances your overall proficiency in English, making you a more effective communicator and reader.
2. Enhanced Analytical Skills:
VARC strengthens your critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities, valuable for various aspects of your professional and personal life.
3. Confidence Boost:
Success in VARC instills confidence in your abilities and reduces exam anxiety. This confidence can translate into better performance in other sections of the CAT.
Humorous Stories and Learnings
1. The Incomplete Passage:
A candidate skimmed through a passage, assuming they knew the topic. However, they realized during the exam that their assumption was wrong. This highlights the importance of reading the passage thoroughly.
2. The Grammar Trap:
A candidate confidently answered a grammar question based on a rule they had memorized. However, the question tested a different rule. This emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of grammar concepts.
3. The Logical Leap:
A candidate jumped to conclusions in a critical reasoning question without considering all the available information. This demonstrates the significance of careful analysis and logical reasoning.
Effective Techniques
| Technique |
Description |
| Active Reading: |
Actively engage with the text, highlighting key points, making annotations, and drawing inferences. |
| SQ3R Method: |
Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review the passage to enhance comprehension and retention. |
| Elimination of Options: |
Rule out obviously incorrect answer choices to narrow down the possibilities and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer. |
Tables for Your Reference
1. Question Distribution in CAT 2020 VARC:
| Question Type |
Number of Questions |
Percentage |
| Verbal Ability |
10 |
41.7% |
| Reading Comprehension |
10 |
41.7% |
| Critical Reasoning |
4 |
16.7% |
2. Time Allocation for CAT 2021 VARC:
| Section |
Time Limit |
| Verbal Ability |
20 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension |
20 minutes |
| Critical Reasoning |
10 minutes |
3. Common Grammar Topics Tested in CAT VARC:
| Topic |
Description |
| Parts of Speech |
Identifying and using different word classes |
| Tenses |
Understanding and using different verb tenses |
| Sentence Structure |
Analyzing and understanding sentence components |
Conclusion
To conquer the CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC, it's essential to adopt a comprehensive approach, focusing on effective strategies, avoiding common pitfalls, and understanding the importance and benefits of preparation. With dedication, perseverance, and a touch of humor, you can unlock your potential and achieve success in this challenging section of the CAT exam.
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