Decoding CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their postgraduate management programs. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of the CAT is designed to test candidates' abilities in reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and vocabulary. Slot 1 of the CAT 2021 VARC paper saw a total of 24 questions, carrying a total weightage of 48 marks.

Key Highlights

• Number of Questions: 24
• Total Weightage: 48 marks
• Total Duration: 60 minutes
• Distribution:
  • Reading Comprehension: 16 questions (36 marks)
  • Verbal Reasoning: 8 questions (12 marks)

Section Analysis

1. Reading Comprehension

• Number of Passages: 4
• Average Length: 600-750 words
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to High
• Types of Questions: Main Idea, Inference, Detail-based, Vocabulary
• Time Allocation: 30-35 minutes

2. Verbal Reasoning

• Question Types: Para Jumbles, Critical Reasoning, Summary, Fill in the Blanks
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Time Allocation: 25-30 minutes

Effective Strategies

1. Reading Comprehension

• Preview the passage: Skim the passage quickly to understand its general topic and structure.
• Identify the main idea: Look for keywords and phrases that summarize the passage's central argument or theme.
• Annotate the text: Highlight or underline important information, such as key terms, names, and dates.
• Answer questions in order: Move through the questions sequentially, as they often build upon each other.
• Eliminate wrong options: Rule out options that are clearly incorrect or irrelevant.

2. Verbal Reasoning

• Practice logical reasoning techniques: Familiarize yourself with common question types, such as syllogisms, analogies, and critical reasoning.
• Develop a strong vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary by reading widely and using flashcards.
• Manage time effectively: Allocate specific time slots for each question type.
• Check your answers carefully: Review your responses before submitting them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Reading Comprehension

• Assuming prior knowledge: Do not make assumptions based on external knowledge that is not provided in the passage.
• Confusing similar answers: Pay close attention to the wording of each question and answer choice.
• Relying solely on keywords: While keywords are important, they may not always provide the complete answer.

2. Verbal Reasoning

• Falling for irrelevant information: Focus on the key points of the argument or question.
• Ignoring logical flow: Make sure your answers follow the logical progression of the argument.
• Guessing without evidence: Support your answers with evidence from the passage or your own knowledge.

Step-by-Step Approach

1. Reading Comprehension

• Read the passage carefully: Focus on understanding the main idea and key details.
• Identify the question type: Determine the specific skill or knowledge being tested.
• Select the most appropriate answer: Eliminate incorrect options and choose the one that best fits the question.
• Move on if unsure: Do not waste time on questions you are not confident about.

2. Verbal Reasoning

• Read the question and options: Understand the argument or question being presented.
• Apply logical reasoning techniques: Use deduction, induction, or analogy to solve the question.
• Choose the best answer: Select the option that fits the logical flow of the argument.
• Review your answer: Ensure that your answer is consistent with the argument or question.

FAQs

Q1. How many questions were there in the CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC paper?
A: There were a total of 24 questions in the CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC paper.

Q2. What was the weightage of the VARC section in CAT 2021 Slot 1?
A: The VARC section carried a total weightage of 48 marks.

Q3. What was the average length of the Reading Comprehension passages in CAT 2021 Slot 1?
A: The average length of the Reading Comprehension passages in CAT 2021 Slot 1 was around 600-750 words.

Q4. What is the most important factor to consider when answering Reading Comprehension questions?
A: The most important factor to consider when answering Reading Comprehension questions is to understand the main idea of the passage.

Q5. How can I improve my vocabulary for the CAT VARC section?
A: You can improve your vocabulary for the CAT VARC section by reading widely, using flashcards, and practicing vocabulary exercises.

Q6. What is a good strategy for answering Verbal Reasoning questions?
A: A good strategy for answering Verbal Reasoning questions is to practice logical reasoning techniques, develop a strong vocabulary, and manage time effectively.

Table 1: Breakdown of CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC

Table 2: Question Types in CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC

Table 3: Difficulty Level of Questions in CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC

Conclusion

The CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC paper was a well-balanced section, with a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult questions. By following the effective strategies discussed in this article and avoiding common mistakes, candidates can improve their chances of success in the CAT VARC section. Remember, the key to success in CAT VARC is to develop a strong foundation in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and logical reasoning.