Headline: Mastering the CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their flagship management programs. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of the CAT is crucial, as it plays a significant role in determining a candidate's overall score. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to help you prepare effectively for Slot 1 VARC of the CAT 2018.

Section Overview

The CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC section will comprise the following sub-sections:

• Reading Comprehension (RC): Passages with accompanying questions to test comprehension, critical thinking, and inference skills.
• Verbal Ability (VA): Paragraphs with highlighted words or phrases, followed by questions on vocabulary, grammar, and usage.

Effective Strategies

Reading Comprehension:

• Skimming and Scanning: Quickly overview the passage to get a general understanding before reading in detail.
• Active Reading: Engage with the text by highlighting key points, annotating, and summarizing in your own words.
• Answering Questions: Read the questions carefully and identify the specific information required from the passage.

Verbal Ability:

• Vocabulary Enhancement: Read widely and use flashcards or apps to build a strong vocabulary.
• Grammar and Usage: Study grammar rules and practice exercises to improve your understanding of language structure.
• Contextual Understanding: Pay attention to the context of words and phrases to infer their meaning and usage.

Tips and Tricks

Reading Comprehension:

• Time Management: Allocate sufficient time for each passage and answer questions in the remaining time.
• Passage Structure: Understand the organization of the passage (e.g., chronological, thematic) to facilitate comprehension.
• Inference: Draw reasonable conclusions based on the information provided in the passage.

Verbal Ability:

• Word Formation: Identify root words, suffixes, and prefixes to deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words.
• Multiple Meanings: Be aware of words that have multiple meanings and choose the most appropriate one based on context.
• Sentence Correction: Analyze the structure of sentences to identify errors in grammar, usage, or punctuation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reading Comprehension:

• Superficial Reading: Avoid skimming over the passage without engaging in deep comprehension.
• Over-Interpretation: Do not infer information that is not explicitly stated in the passage.
• Guessing: Answer questions based on the text, not on assumptions or probabilities.

Verbal Ability:

• Relying on Intuition: Guessing words or phrases based on sound or appearance can lead to errors.
• Ignoring Context: Ignoring the context of words or phrases can result in incorrect interpretation.
• Neglecting Grammar: Weak grammar can hinder comprehension and sentence correction.

Table 1: Question Distribution in CAT 2017 VARC Slot 1

Table 2: Time Allocation for CAT 2018 VARC Slot 1

Table 3: Question Types in CAT 2017 VARC Slot 1

Conclusion

Preparing for the CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC requires a structured approach, effective strategies, and consistent practice. By following the tips and avoiding common mistakes outlined in this guide, you can improve your chances of success in this challenging section. Remember, the key to success lies in a strong foundation in language skills, a strategic approach to question-answering, and maintaining a positive and focused mindset throughout the preparation process.