Ace the CAT 2021 Slot 2 VARC with Expert Strategies and Insights

Introduction

The Common Admission Test (CAT), conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is a highly competitive entrance exam for aspiring MBA students in India. In the 2021 edition of CAT, Slot 2's VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) section posed a significant challenge to test-takers. This comprehensive guide is your trusted companion to navigate the complexities of CAT 2021 Slot 2 VARC and emerge victorious.

Understanding the CAT 2021 Slot 2 VARC Format

The VARC section of CAT 2021 Slot 2 comprised 24 questions, divided into two broad categories:

• Reading Comprehension (RC): 18 questions based on 6 passages
• Verbal Ability (VA): 6 questions covering topics such as vocabulary, grammar, and logical reasoning

Transition: Breaking Down the RC Passages

The RC passages in CAT 2021 Slot 2 covered a diverse range of topics, including history, economics, philosophy, and science. Here's a tabular summary:

Transition: Analyzing the RC Questions

The RC questions in CAT 2021 Slot 2 tested a variety of skills, including:

• Main idea and argument identification
• Inference and conclusion drawing
• Vocabulary and grammar comprehension
• Critical reasoning and analysis

Transition: Tackling the VA Questions

The VA questions in CAT 2021 Slot 2 covered the following subtopics:

• Vocabulary (4 questions): Replacing words with synonyms or antonyms
• Grammar (1 question): Identifying grammatical errors
• Logical Reasoning (1 question): Drawing inferences from given statements

Transition: Stories, Learnings, and Tips

Story 1: The Power of Prior Knowledge

Candidate A had a good command of the topics covered in the RC passages due to her extensive reading in history, economics, and philosophy. As a result, she could quickly grasp the main ideas and answer the RC questions with confidence.

Learning: Familiarize yourself with the likely topics of the RC passages by reading widely in diverse fields.

Tip: Utilize resources such as news articles, books, and online journals to enhance your knowledge.

Story 2: Time Management is Key

Candidate B attempted all the RC questions but ran out of time for the VA questions. This cost him valuable marks.

Learning: Allocate time wisely between RC and VA. Prioritize answering the RC questions first, as they carry more weightage.

Tip: Practice time management techniques by taking timed mock tests.

Story 3: Understanding the Question Stems

Candidate C struggled with the VA questions because she didn't understand the question stems clearly.

Learning: Pay close attention to the question stems and identify the specific task you need to perform.

Tip: Analyze the structure and keywords of the question stems to comprehend their requirements.

Transition: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing through passages: Take your time to read the passages carefully before answering the questions.
• Over-interpreting passages: Stick to the information provided in the passages and avoid making assumptions.
• Ignoring the instructions: Read the instructions for each question carefully to avoid misunderstanding the task.
• Not timing yourself: Practice timed mock tests to avoid running out of time on the actual exam.
• Guessing blindly: If you're unsure about an answer, skip it and come back later if time permits.

Transition: Pros and Cons of CAT 2021 Slot 2 VARC

Pros:

• Diverse range of topics: The passages covered a wide spectrum of subjects, providing a challenge for all candidates.
• Progressive difficulty level: The questions gradually increased in difficulty, allowing candidates to adjust their strategies accordingly.
• Emphasis on conceptual understanding: The questions tested candidates' ability to comprehend and analyze complex ideas.

Cons:

• Time constraint: The time limit was tight, especially for candidates who struggled with RC passages.
• Complexity of passages: Some passages were dense and challenging, requiring candidates to read carefully and engage in deep analysis.
• Lack of clarity in VA questions: A few VA questions were worded ambiguously, leading to confusion among candidates.

Conclusion

The CAT 2021 Slot 2 VARC was a demanding test that required a combination of knowledge, skills, and strategies. By understanding the format, analyzing the questions, learning from others' experiences, avoiding common pitfalls, and considering the pros and cons, you can equip yourself to conquer this section and improve your overall CAT score. Remember, practice is key, so take advantage of mock tests and resources to refine your abilities. Best of luck in your CAT preparation!