CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC: A Comprehensive Guide to Ace the Section

The Common Admission Test (CAT), conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is one of the most competitive entrance exams in the country. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) is a crucial section of the CAT exam, testing candidates' language skills, reading comprehension abilities, and analytical reasoning.

Understanding CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC Exam Pattern

In the CAT 2021 exam, Slot 1 VARC section will comprise 24 questions divided into three parts:

Tips and Tricks to Excel in CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC

1. Develop Strong Vocabulary and Grammar Foundation:

• Expand your vocabulary by reading widely, using flashcards, and exploring online resources.
• Strengthen your grammar skills through practice exercises, online courses, and grammar books.

2. Improve Reading Comprehension Skills:

• Skimming and Scanning: Develop the ability to quickly skim through passages to grasp the main idea and scan for specific information.
• Active Reading: Read passages carefully, taking notes, highlighting key points, and paraphrasing to enhance understanding.
• Inference and Analysis: Practice drawing inferences from passages and analyzing the author's perspective, tone, and style.

3. Enhance Critical Reasoning Abilities:

• Develop logical reasoning skills by solving puzzles, playing strategy games, and practicing critical thinking exercises.
• Learn to identify and evaluate arguments, recognize fallacies, and draw reasoned conclusions.

4. Practice Regularly:

• Take mock tests and practice questions from reputable resources to identify areas of improvement.
• Analyze your performance to pinpoint weaknesses and focus on targeted practice.

5. Time Management Strategies:

• Allocate time wisely during the exam, prioritizing questions you can solve quickly.
• Use the process of elimination to narrow down answer choices.
• If stuck on a question, skip it and return to it later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing through passages: Take your time to read and comprehend passages carefully.
• Over-relying on external resources: While external resources can be helpful, they should not replace your own preparation and understanding.
• Neglecting grammar and vocabulary: These are fundamental skills that are essential for success in VARC.
• Guessing blindly: If you are unsure about an answer, it is better to make an educated guess than to leave it blank.
• Panic: Stay calm and composed during the exam. Remember that everyone faces challenges, and a setback does not mean failure.

Step-by-Step Approach to CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC

1. Initial Scan:

• Quickly skim through all the questions to get an overview of the section.
• Identify questions that you can solve quickly and focus on those first.

2. Reading Comprehension:

• Read the passage carefully, highlighting key points and taking notes.
• Answer questions related to the passage's main idea, supporting arguments, inferences, and context.

3. Verbal Ability:

• Answer questions related to vocabulary, grammar, and usage.
• Use process of elimination to narrow down answer choices.

4. Time Check:

• Monitor your time throughout the section.
• If you get stuck on a question, skip it and return to it later.

5. Final Review:

• Once you have answered all the questions, review your answers to ensure accuracy.
• Check for any skipped questions and make informed guesses if necessary.

Call to Action

With the right preparation and a strategic approach, you can excel in the CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC section. Remember to focus on developing a strong foundation in vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension, practice regularly, and stay calm on exam day.

Useful Tables

Section-Wise Distribution of Questions in CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC

Time Allocation for CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC

Average Difficulty Level of CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC

Remember that difficulty level is subjective and may vary from individual to individual.