Unleashing Excellence in CAT 2021: A Comprehensive Guide to Slot 2 VARC

The Common Admission Test (CAT), organized by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India. For the CAT 2021 exam, the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section will be held in Slot 2. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help candidates prepare effectively for this crucial component of the exam.

Understanding the CAT 2021 Slot 2 VARC Section

The CAT 2021 Slot 2 VARC section will consist of 24 questions, divided into three categories:

• Reading Comprehension (10 questions)
• Verbal Ability (9 questions)
• Non-MCQ-type questions (5 questions)

Candidates will have 60 minutes to complete this section.

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension questions assess candidates' ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written text. The passages cover a wide range of topics, including fiction, non-fiction, social sciences, natural sciences, business, and economics.

Tips for Preparing:

• Practice reading diverse texts from various sources.
• Develop strong vocabulary and background knowledge.
• Focus on understanding the main idea, supporting arguments, and inferences.
• Learn to identify different types of questions and practice answering them accurately.

Verbal Ability

Verbal Ability questions test candidates' grammatical skills, vocabulary, and reasoning abilities. The questions cover topics such as:

• Sentence correction
• Para jumbles
• Critical reasoning
• Sentence completion

Tips for Preparing:

• Strengthen grammar fundamentals and practice with exercises.
• Build a strong vocabulary by reading widely and using flashcards.
• Develop logical reasoning skills through practice and puzzle-solving.
• Focus on understanding the structure and patterns of different question types.

Non-MCQ-type Questions

Non-MCQ-type questions are designed to assess candidates' higher-order thinking skills. These questions include:

• Summary-writing
• Sentence reordering
• Logical reasoning

Tips for Preparing:

• Practice summarizing complex text in a concise and coherent manner.
• Develop a clear understanding of sentence structures and logical relationships.
• Enhance critical thinking skills by analyzing arguments and drawing inferences.

Step-by-Step Approach to CAT VARC Preparation

1. Build a Strong Foundation: Start by strengthening your grammar and vocabulary skills. Practice with exercises and focus on understanding the concepts clearly.

2. Analyze Past Papers: Study the question papers from previous years to understand the pattern and difficulty level of the exam. Identify the types of questions that are frequently asked.

3. Practice Regularly: Dedicate time each day to practice reading comprehension and verbal ability questions. Solve mock tests to simulate the exam environment.

4. Seek Feedback: Get feedback on your practice tests from experts or peers to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Work on improving areas where you struggle.

How VARC Matters

A strong performance in the VARC section is crucial for the following reasons:

• Higher Score: VARC carries a significant weightage in the overall CAT score, so a good score can boost your overall percentile.
• Verbal Proficiency: Excellent VARC skills are essential for academic success and professional life, as they improve communication, analytical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Business Communication: IIMs place great emphasis on business communication skills. Strong VARC scores demonstrate your proficiency in this area.

Benefits of Excelling in VARC

Candidates who excel in the VARC section reap several benefits:

• High Percentile: A strong VARC score can push your overall percentile to the top, significantly improving your chances of getting into your dream IIM.
• Admission to Prestigious Institutes: IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta value candidates with exceptional VARC skills.
• Enhanced Career Prospects: Strong VARC skills are highly valued in the corporate world, as they contribute to effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Humorous Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

A candidate named Anya was struggling with the Reading Comprehension section. She decided to tackle it by using a strategy called "prediction," where she predicted the answers before reading the passage. To her surprise, she got most of them right!

Lesson: Sometimes, unconventional strategies can lead to success.

Story 2:

Another candidate, Amit, always found the Verbal Ability section challenging. One day, he realized that the key was not to memorize grammatical rules but to understand the relationships between words and sentences. He started practicing sentence completion questions, and his performance improved dramatically.

Lesson: Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization.

Story 3:

Ramesh was confident in his VARC abilities, but he stumbled upon a Non-MCQ question that required him to reorder a jumbled sentence. He panicked and started to guess. However, by taking a deep breath and analyzing the sentence structure carefully, he was able to crack it.

Lesson: Don't let panic cloud your judgment. Stay calm and approach the questions systematically.

Call to Action

The CAT 2021 Slot 2 VARC section presents a unique opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their verbal and analytical skills. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can prepare effectively and achieve your desired score. Remember, the key to success lies in consistent practice, focused learning, and a strong mindset.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and should not be construed as professional advice. Kindly refer to the official CAT website for the most up-to-date information.

Additional Resources

• CAT Official Website

Tables:

Table 1: Question Distribution in CAT 2021 Slot 2 VARC

Table 2: Exam Pattern for CAT 2021 Slot 2 VARC

Table 3: Tips for Non-MCQ-type Questions