CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC: Master the Verbal Ability Section for Success

Introduction

The Common Admission Test (CAT), conducted by the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A), is a highly competitive entrance exam for admission to MBA programs at top IIMs and other prestigious institutes in India. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of the CAT is crucial for candidates aiming to excel in the exam.

The CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC exam is scheduled for November 28, 2021. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information, tips, and strategies to help you ace the VARC section and maximize your CAT score.

Section Overview

The VARC section in the CAT 2021 Slot 3 will consist of two separate sections:

1. Verbal Ability
2. Reading Comprehension

Verbal Ability: This section tests your vocabulary, grammar, and verbal reasoning skills.

Reading Comprehension: This section presents you with multiple passages of varying lengths and difficulty levels, followed by questions that test your reading comprehension and critical thinking abilities.

Importance of VARC in CAT

The VARC section holds significant importance in the CAT for several reasons:

• High weightage: VARC typically carries 25% of the total CAT score.
• Elimination round: It often serves as an elimination round, as candidates with strong VARC skills are more likely to qualify for subsequent stages of the selection process.
• Foundation for success: Strong verbal abilities are essential for success in all aspects of MBA studies and beyond.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Verbal Ability

• Expand your vocabulary: Read widely, use online resources like flashcards, and practice solving verbal reasoning questions to enhance your vocabulary.
• Master grammar: Ensure a thorough understanding of grammatical concepts, including parts of speech, sentence structure, and usage.
• Develop verbal reasoning skills: Practice solving critical reasoning questions, analogies, and other types of verbal reasoning problems.

Reading Comprehension

• Improve reading speed and comprehension: Develop efficient reading techniques like skimming, scanning, and active reading to maximize your comprehension of passages.
• Analyze the passage structure: Identify the main idea, supporting arguments, and logical flow of the passage before answering questions.
• Predict and infer: Anticipate what the author might say or imply based on the information provided in the passage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Verbal Ability

• Vague answers: Avoid using ambiguous or general terms in your responses. Be specific and precise in your answers.
• Grammatical errors: Pay attention to your grammar and avoid making unnecessary errors in your responses.
• Lack of supporting evidence: Provide specific examples and evidence from the passage to support your answers in the Reading Comprehension section.

Reading Comprehension

• Jumping to conclusions: Avoid assuming information that is not explicitly stated in the passage.
• Falling for distractions: Stay focused on the main idea and relevant details, avoiding irrelevant or misleading information.
• Time mismanagement: Allocate your time wisely by spending more time on difficult questions and less time on easier ones.

Step-by-Step Approach

Before the Exam

• Practice regularly: Solve mock tests and practice questions to refine your skills and build confidence.
• Analyze your performance: Identify your strengths and weaknesses through practice, and focus on improving areas where you need more progress.
• Stay updated: Familiarize yourself with the latest exam pattern and syllabus to ensure you are well-prepared for the actual exam.

During the Exam

• Time management: Divide your time wisely between the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension sections.
• Difficult questions: Don't spend too much time on difficult questions. Move on and come back to them later if you have time.
• Guessing: If you are unsure about an answer, make an educated guess based on the information in the passage.

Benefits of Strong VARC Skills

• Higher CAT score: Excellent VARC skills can significantly boost your overall CAT score and improve your chances of admission to top institutes.
• Effective communication: Strong verbal abilities are essential for effective communication in academic, professional, and personal settings.
• Analytical thinking: VARC enhances your analytical thinking abilities, which are crucial for solving complex problems and making informed decisions.

Tables

Table 1: VARC Question Distribution in CAT 2021 Slot 3

Table 2: Time Allocation for VARC in CAT 2021 Slot 3

Table 3: Performance Analysis of VARC in CAT 2020

Conclusion

Mastering the VARC section is key to achieving a high CAT score. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, and practicing regularly, you can develop the skills and confidence necessary to ace the exam. Remember, the key to success lies in consistent effort, strategic planning, and a positive attitude. Good luck with your preparation!