Comprehensive Guide to CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC Section: Strategies, Tips, and Analysis

Introduction

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India's most prestigious and competitive MBA entrance exams, attracting a vast pool of candidates each year. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of CAT plays a crucial role in determining your overall score and plays a significant role in shortlisting candidates for the next step: the Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GDPI).

This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to help you excel in the CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC section. We will delve into the exam pattern, provide effective strategies, share important tips, and analyze past trends to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Exam Pattern and Key Statistics

The CAT 2021 VARC section consists of 34 questions carrying a total of 96 marks. The questions are divided into three types:

RC questions test your reading comprehension skills, while VA questions assess your command of the English language.

Key Statistics:

• 1 hour is allotted for the entire VARC section.
• The average overall CAT score in 2020 was 73.77.
• The average VARC score in 2020 was 23.5.
• The difficulty level of the RC passages ranges from easy to difficult.
• The RC passages cover a wide range of topics, including business, economics, history, science, and current affairs.

Effective Strategies

To effectively tackle the CAT 2021 VARC section, adopt these strategies:

1. Time Management:

• Allocate time wisely to each question and passage.
• Spend around 10-12 minutes on each passage and 2-3 minutes on each VA question.
• Don't get stuck on difficult questions; move on and return to them later if time permits.

2. Reading Comprehension:

• Read the passage carefully and actively, identifying key ideas and arguments.
• Understand the overall structure of the passage.
• Highlight or underline important points and keywords.
• Eliminate options that are clearly incorrect.

3. Verbal Ability:

• Identify the type of VA question (e.g., sentence completion, grammar, vocabulary).
• Focus on your strengths and attempt those questions first.
• If you have time, attempt questions you are less confident about.

4. Guessing:

• Guess only if you have eliminated at least two options.
• Use logical reasoning to eliminate implausible options.

Important Tips

1. Build a Strong Vocabulary:

Read widely to expand your vocabulary and improve your word power.

2. Practice Reading Regularly:

Read articles, newspapers, magazines, and books to enhance your reading speed and comprehension.

3. Take Mock Tests:

Solve mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and identify your areas for improvement.

4. Focus on Accuracy:

Aim for accuracy rather than attempting all questions.

5. Review Your Answers:

If time permits, spare a few minutes to review your answers.

Section-Wise Analysis: Past Trends

Reading Comprehension (RC):

• The difficulty level has remained consistent over the years.
• The number of medium-difficulty passages has increased.
• Questions related to inference, main idea, and tone have been prominent.

Verbal Ability (VA):

• The difficulty level has slightly increased in recent years.
• Sentence completion and grammar questions have been more common.
• Vocabulary-based questions have decreased in number.

Pros and Cons of Different Approaches

Paragraph First Approach:

Pros:

• Provides a holistic understanding of the passage.
• Helps identify the main idea and key points.

Cons:

• Time-consuming, especially for long passages.
• Difficult to retain information if the passage is complex.

Question First Approach:

Pros:

• Helps focus on specific information required for answering questions.
• Saves time by eliminating the need to read the entire passage.

Cons:

• May miss important details or context if the question is ambiguous.
• Can be challenging if multiple questions are based on the same passage.

Combination Approach:

Pros:

• Combines the benefits of both approaches.
• Balances time allocation and comprehension.

Cons:

• Requires practice and experience to master.
• May not be suitable for all candidates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many questions should I attempt in the VARC section?

Answer: Aim to attempt at least 28-30 questions.

2. What should be my target score in VARC for a 90+ percentile?

Answer: Target a score of 35-40 for a 90+ percentile.

3. Is it important to guess in the VARC section?

Answer: Yes, but only if you have eliminated at least two options.

4. Which areas should I focus on for VA preparation?

Answer: Focus on sentence completion, grammar, and vocabulary.

5. Can I improve my reading speed for VARC?

Answer: Yes, practice reading regularly and use techniques like skimming and scanning.

6. How many mock tests should I take before CAT?

Answer: Take at least 10-15 mock tests to prepare effectively.

7. What are the best resources for VARC preparation?

Answer: Refer to CAT preparation books, online courses, and mock test platforms.

8. How can I avoid making common mistakes in the VARC section?

Answer: Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and context. Avoid making assumptions or overinterpreting the text.

Conclusion

Excelling in the CAT 2021 Slot 1 VARC section requires a combination of effective strategies, consistent practice, and a thorough understanding of the exam pattern. Utilize the tips and insights provided in this article to enhance your preparation and perform to your full potential. Remember, a strong VARC score can significantly boost your overall CAT score and open doors to the esteemed B-schools in the country.

Stay focused, stay determined, and good luck with your preparation!