The Ultimate Guide to CAT 2020 Slot 1 VARC

Introduction

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive national-level entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to management programs. VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) is one of the three sections of the CAT exam, and it carries a weightage of 34%. Slot 1 of the CAT 2020 VARC section will be held on November 29, 2020, and this guide aims to provide comprehensive preparation strategies and tips to help candidates excel in this section.

Section Overview

The CAT 2020 VARC section will consist of 24 questions divided into three sub-sections:

• Reading Comprehension (RC): 10 questions
• Verbal Ability (VA): 8 questions
• Analytical Reasoning and Critical Thinking (AR&CT): 6 questions

Question Types

Reading Comprehension (RC):

• Passage-based questions
• Multiple choice questions
• True/False questions
• Inference-based questions

Verbal Ability (VA):

• Sentence completion
• Paragraph completion
• Summary writing
• Error detection

Analytical Reasoning and Critical Thinking (AR&CT):

• Syllogisms
• Critical reasoning
• Assumption identification

Preparation Strategies

Reading Comprehension (RC):

• Develop strong reading skills: Practice reading a variety of texts, including articles, novels, and technical documents.
• Identify main ideas and supporting details: Pay attention to the central theme of each passage and the evidence used to support it.
• Analyze the structure and organization: Understand how the passage is organized, including the use of paragraphs, transitions, and headings.

Verbal Ability (VA):

• Build a strong vocabulary: Use word lists and online tools to expand your vocabulary.
• Practice sentence and paragraph completion: Identify the missing words or phrases that make the text coherent.
• Master error detection: Quickly identify grammatical errors and incorrect word usage.

Analytical Reasoning and Critical Thinking (AR&CT):

• Understand logical reasoning: Develop a strong understanding of syllogisms, assumptions, and critical reasoning principles.
• Practice problem-solving: Solve a variety of AR&CT problems to improve your analytical skills.

Step-by-Step Approach

Before the Exam:

• Set a study schedule and allocate enough time for VARC preparation.
• Practice regularly using high-quality study materials.
• Take mock tests to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and question types.

During the Exam:

• Manage time effectively: Allocate 60-70 minutes to VARC.
• Read the instructions carefully: Understand the question types and time constraints.
• Attempt the RC section first: This is usually the most time-consuming part.
• Focus on accuracy: Aim for 80-90% accuracy to maximize your score.
• Don't panic: Stay calm and focused throughout the exam.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not practicing enough: Consistent practice is crucial for success.
• Ignoring the time constraint: Manage your time wisely during the exam.
• Guessing randomly: Avoid making wild guesses; eliminate incorrect options first.
• Overlooking errors: Proofread your answers carefully to avoid silly mistakes.
• Being intimidated by the exam: Believe in yourself and your preparation.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Relatively higher weightage compared to other sections.
• Questions are based on reading and writing skills.
• Can improve overall communication and reasoning abilities.

Cons:

• Time-consuming to complete the RC section.
• Requires a strong vocabulary and grammar foundation.
• Competition is intense at the national level.

Inspirational Quote

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs

Table 1: CAT 2020 Slot 1 VARC Section Details

Table 2: Common Mistakes to Avoid in CAT 2020 Slot 1 VARC

Table 3: Pros and Cons of Focusing on CAT 2020 Slot 1 VARC

Call to Action

To achieve success in the CAT 2020 Slot 1 VARC section, candidates are urged to follow the preparation strategies, avoid common mistakes, and utilize the provided resources. With consistent effort and smart preparation, it is possible to excel in this section and significantly improve their overall CAT score.