Mastering CAT 2021 VARC: A Comprehensive Guide

Greetings, aspiring CAT conquerors! As you embark on your journey to the coveted IIMs, it's time to delve into the nuances of the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section. This section holds immense importance in your overall CAT score, so buckle up for a comprehensive exploration of its strategies, pitfalls, and the key to unlocking its potential.

Understanding the CAT 2021 VARC Slot 1

The VARC section in CAT 2021 Slot 1 comprises 24 questions, divided into three subsections:

• Verbal Ability (10 questions)
• Reading Comprehension (10 questions)
• Non-Verbal Reasoning (4 questions)

Verbal Ability tests your vocabulary, grammar, and sentence correction skills. Reading Comprehension assesses your ability to comprehend and analyze different types of passages. Non-Verbal Reasoning involves solving puzzles and analytical problems using visual and spatial reasoning.

Effective Strategies for VARC Domination

Verbal Ability:

• Build a Robust Vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary through consistent reading, flashcards, and word lists. Focus on understanding word meanings in context and their usage in different scenarios.
• Master Grammar Mechanics: Strengthen your foundation in grammar by practicing exercises and understanding sentence structures, parts of speech, and grammatical rules.
• Practice Sentence Correction: Analyze sentences carefully and identify errors in grammar, vocabulary, and style. Practice correcting these errors to improve your accuracy and attention to detail.

Reading Comprehension:

• Develop Active Reading Skills: When reading passages, actively engage with the text by highlighting key points, marking unfamiliar words, and making annotations.
• Understand Passage Structure: Identify the main idea, supporting arguments, and author's perspective. Understand the logical flow and transitions used within the passage.
• Practice Question Analysis: Pay close attention to the specific demands of each question and use the passage to accurately answer them. Look for keywords and support from the text.

Non-Verbal Reasoning:

• Develop Visual Reasoning Skills: Solve visual puzzles, diagrams, and spatial reasoning problems to enhance your ability to perceive patterns and relationships.
• Practice Spatial Aptitude: Visualize objects in different orientations and manipulate them mentally to solve problems involving rotations, mirroring, and transformations.
• Analyze Problem Patterns: Identify the commonalities and differences in different non-verbal reasoning questions. This will help you develop strategies and eliminate incorrect options faster.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Verbal Ability:

• Over-Reliance on Shortcuts: While shortcuts can be time-saving, avoid relying solely on them. Understand the underlying concepts to avoid potential errors.
• Guessing Without Elimination: Don't guess answers without eliminating at least two incorrect options. This will increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.
• Over-analyzing Options: Sometimes, the simplest option is the correct one. Avoid spending too much time over-thinking and eliminate options based on logic and common sense.

Reading Comprehension:

• Failing to Read Actively: Passive reading will lead to poor comprehension. Engage actively with the text and make an effort to understand its key points.
• Ignoring Passage Structure: Understanding the organization of the passage is crucial. Failing to identify the different sections and supporting arguments can hinder your ability to answer questions accurately.
• Mistaking Inferences for Facts: Avoid drawing conclusions that are not directly supported by the text. Stick to the information provided in the passage and answer questions based on evidence, not assumptions.

Non-Verbal Reasoning:

• Lack of Spatial Visualization: Poor visualization skills can lead to incorrect interpretations of visual puzzles and diagrams. Practice spatial reasoning exercises to improve your mental manipulation abilities.
• Falling into Puzzle Traps: Some non-verbal reasoning questions are designed to be tricky. Avoid rushing into answers and carefully analyze the cues and patterns presented.
• Ignoring Time Limits: Practice solving non-verbal reasoning problems under time constraints to avoid panic and guesswork during the actual exam.

Why VARC Matters and How It Benefits

VARC plays a crucial role in your CAT score for several reasons:

• High Weightage: In the overall CAT score, VARC carries a significant weightage of 24%. Excelling in this section can boost your overall score and percentile.
• Language Proficiency: VARC assesses your command of the English language, which is essential for effective communication and academic success in business schools.
• Analytical Abilities: Reading Comprehension and Non-Verbal Reasoning test your ability to analyze and interpret information, a valuable skill for decision-making and problem-solving in business management.
• Early Advantage: Securing a high score in VARC in Slot 1 can give you a substantial advantage in the overall CAT score, as it is the first section of the exam.

Pros and Cons of Focusing on VARC

Pros:

• High Return on Investment: Investing time in VARC preparation can yield a significant return in terms of your overall CAT score.
• Strong Foundation for Other Sections: A good understanding of language and comprehension will enhance your performance in other sections of the exam, such as Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation.
• Suitable for All Candidates: Regardless of your academic background or industry experience, VARC is a section that all candidates can improve with consistent effort.

Cons:

• Requires Consistent Reading: Preparing for VARC involves regular reading and vocabulary building, which can be time-consuming.
• Difficult for Non-Native English Speakers: Candidates whose native language is not English may face additional challenges in comprehending the passages and understanding grammar rules.
• Potential for Saturation: If all candidates focus excessively on VARC, it may lead to a decrease in the weightage of the section in future CAT exams.

Effective Study Schedule for VARC

Here's a suggested study schedule to help you prepare for the VARC section of CAT 2021 Slot 1:

Month 1:

• Start with a strong foundation in grammar.
• Practice identifying errors in sentence correction exercises.
• Begin building your vocabulary through reading and flashcards.
• Solve a few Reading Comprehension passages every day.
• Attempt non-verbal reasoning puzzles to improve spatial reasoning.

Month 2:

• Continue practicing grammar and sentence correction.
• Focus on expanding your vocabulary using word lists and context-based reading.
• Increase the frequency of Reading Comprehension practice.
• Dedicate more time to non-verbal reasoning problem-solving.

Month 3:

• Refine your grammar skills with practice exercises.
• Build a comprehensive vocabulary bank through regular reading.
• Practice diverse Reading Comprehension passages to improve your analytical abilities.
• Solve non-verbal reasoning puzzles under time constraints.

Month 4 (Pre-Exam Phase):

• Take mock tests to simulate the actual exam experience.
• Analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Focus on strengthening your weaker sections.
• Practice time management skills.

Tips for Effective Time Management

• Follow the 2-3-5 Rule: Allocate 2 minutes for each Verbal Ability question, 3 minutes for each Reading Comprehension question, and 5 minutes for each Non-Verbal Reasoning question. This is just an approximate guideline, so adjust it based on your strengths and weaknesses.
• Prioritize Questions: Attempt high-scoring questions first, especially in Reading Comprehension.
• Eliminate Options Wisely: Use the process of elimination to reduce the number of incorrect options and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.
• Avoid Guesswork: Don't guess answers if you're not confident. Leaving unanswered questions is better than attempting blindly.

Essential Resources for VARC Preparation

Websites:

• CAT 2021 VARC Guide by TIME
• VA for CAT by MBA Crystal Ball
• CAT VARC Preparation by Career Launcher

Books:

• Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
• High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin
• Reading Comprehension for CAT & Other MBA Entrance Tests by Nishit Sinha

Tables for Quick Reference

Table 1: VARC Subsections and Question Distribution

Table 2: Study Plan for VARC Preparation

**Table 3: Resources for VAR