CAT 2021 Slot 2 VARC: A Comprehensive Guide to Ace the Verbal Section

The Common Admission Test (CAT), conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is one of the most competitive entrance exams for business schools in the country. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section is a crucial part of CAT, testing candidates' skills in reading, comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. In the 2021 CAT, Slot 2 candidates faced a challenging VARC paper, but with proper preparation, you can conquer this section and maximize your score.

Effective Strategies for Success in CAT VARC Slot 2

1. Strong Vocabulary Foundation:

A robust vocabulary is essential for VARC success. Regular reading, using flashcards, and practicing synonyms and antonyms can significantly enhance your vocabulary.

2. Active Reading Comprehension:

Going beyond passive reading is crucial. Engage actively with the text, identify main ideas, supporting details, and author's perspective. Annotate and summarize to improve comprehension.

3. Time Management and Accuracy:

The VARC section is time-pressured; hence, it's imperative to manage your time effectively. Allocate specific time to each question and prioritize accuracy over speed.

4. Analytical Problem Solving:

VARC questions often require analytical and critical thinking skills. Break down questions, identify key words, and eliminate incorrect options logically.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice:

Consistent practice is fundamental. Utilize mock tests, solve previous year's papers, and take timed practice sessions to improve your skills and build confidence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in CAT VARC Slot 2

1. Lack of Vocabulary:

A limited vocabulary hinders comprehension and restricts answer choices. Expanding your vocabulary is paramount for success.

2. Passive Reading:

Simply reading the text without engaging actively will lead to poor comprehension and incorrect answers. Engage actively with the text.

3. Mismanagement of Time:

Poor time management can result in unanswered questions or hasty errors. Practice time management techniques and adhere to a planned strategy.

4. Guessing Instead of Reasoning:

Avoid guessing answers randomly. Use logical reasoning, key word identification, and elimination to arrive at the correct options.

5. Ignoring Question Types:

Different question types require specific strategies. Understand the nuances of each question type and approach them accordingly.

Why VARC Matters in CAT 2021

1. High Weightage:

VARC holds significant weightage in the CAT exam, comprising around 34% of the total score. Excelling in this section is crucial for overall success.

2. Differentiating Factor:

VARC is a differentiating factor among candidates. A strong performance in this section can set you apart from the competition.

3. Foundation for Business Communication:

VARC skills are essential for effective business communication, including reading, writing, and comprehension.

Benefits of Mastering CAT VARC Slot 2

1. Increased Overall Score:

A high VARC score significantly boosts your overall CAT score, enhancing your chances of securing admission to top IIMs.

2. Enhanced Competitive Edge:

Mastering VARC gives you a competitive advantage over other candidates who struggle in this section.

3. Strong Language Skills for Professional Success:

Strong VARC skills are instrumental for written communication, presentations, and interpersonal interactions in the business world.

CAT VARC Slot 2 2021 - Difficulty Analysis and Topic-wise Weightage

The VARC section of CAT 2021 Slot 2 was generally considered challenging, with candidates reporting a decrease in the readability and difficulty level compared to previous years.

• Reading Comprehension: RC passages were lengthy and complex, with a mix of fiction, non-fiction, and factual texts. Questions tested inference, critical thinking, and comprehension skills.
• Verbal Ability: This section included questions from grammar, vocabulary, sentence completion, and para jumbles. The vocabulary level was demanding, and questions tested both common and uncommon words.

FAQs on CAT 2021 Slot 2 VARC

1. What is the ideal time allocation for VARC in Slot 2?

Ans: Around 45-50 minutes for Reading Comprehension and 15-20 minutes for Verbal Ability.

2. What are effective reading strategies for RC passages?

Ans: Skimming, scanning, summarizing, and active annotation can enhance comprehension.

3. How do I improve my vocabulary for CAT VARC?

Ans: Consistent reading, memorizing synonyms and antonyms, and practicing vocabulary exercises are essential.

4. What is the importance of grammar in CAT VARC?

Ans: Sound grammar knowledge is necessary to identify grammatical errors, sentence structures, and eliminate incorrect answer choices.

5. How can I avoid common mistakes in CAT VARC?

Ans: Practice regularly, understand question types, enhance vocabulary, and ensure time management.

6. What resources are available for CAT VARC preparation?

Ans: Official CAT question papers, mock tests, coaching materials, and online resources provide valuable practice opportunities.

7. What strategies can I use to manage time effectively in CAT VARC?

Ans: Prioritize questions, skip difficult ones initially, and use a time-bound approach to cover all questions.

8. How does a high VARC score benefit my overall CAT performance?

Ans: A strong VARC score significantly boosts your overall CAT score and enhances your chances of securing admission to top business schools.