CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level entrance exam for admission to prestigious management programs in India. The VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) section is crucial in determining the candidate's language and comprehension skills. This guide will provide an in-depth analysis of the CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC section, covering key aspects such as question types, difficulty levels, and strategies for success.

Question Types

The VARC section in CAT 2021 Slot 3 consisted of the following question types:

• Reading Comprehension (RC): 24 questions, 5 passages
• Verbal Ability (VA): 10 questions, 3 sets

- RC:
- 10 Factual questions
- 7 Inference questions
- 7 Vocabulary questions

- VA:
- 4 Para Jumbles
- 3 Odd One Out
- 3 Summary

Difficulty Level

According to experts, the overall difficulty level of the CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC section was moderate to difficult.

• RC Passages: The passages were lengthy and complex, requiring careful reading and analysis.
• RC Questions: The questions tested a wide range of comprehension skills, from factual recall to inferencing and vocabulary understanding.
• VA Questions: The para jumbles were challenging, with complex sentence structures and multiple possible combinations. The odd one out questions required strong reasoning abilities, and the summary questions tested candidates' ability to condense complex information into concise and accurate statements.

Strategies for Success

To excel in the CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC section, candidates can employ the following strategies:

Reading Comprehension

• Skimming and Scanning: Read the passages quickly to get an overview before answering specific questions.
• Annotation: Highlight important points and mark unfamiliar vocabulary words while reading.
• Inference: Look for clues within the passages to make logical deductions.
• Vocabulary: Enhance your vocabulary by reading widely and practicing flashcards.

Verbal Ability

Para Jumbles:
- Identify the topic sentence and the logical flow of ideas.
- Experiment with different combinations until you find a coherent paragraph.

Odd One Out:
- Analyze the options carefully to identify the one that is different or out of place.
- Consider the context, tone, and logical connections between the options.

Summary:
- Read the original passage thoroughly to understand its main points and supporting details.
- Condense the information into a concise and accurate statement.

Tips and Tricks

• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely, aiming to spend around 75-85 minutes on RC and 25-35 minutes on VA.
• Answer Easy Questions First: Focus on answering the easier questions first to build confidence and save time for more challenging ones.
• Eliminate Incorrect Options: Process of elimination can help narrow down the choices and increase your chances of choosing the right answer.
• Review and Analyze: After answering all the questions, spend a few minutes reviewing your choices and analyzing your performance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overreading: Don't spend too much time on a single passage or question.
• Guessing: Avoid guessing answers unless you have eliminated other options.
• Neglecting Vocabulary: Don't underestimate the importance of vocabulary in VARC.
• Ignoring Time Management: Failing to manage your time effectively can lead to rushing and inaccuracies.

FAQs

Q1. What was the average score in the CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC section?
A1. 85-90 percentile

Q2. How many questions were there in the CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC section?
A2. 34 (24 RC, 10 VA)

Q3. What is a good strategy for answering para jumbles?
A3. Identify the topic sentence and the logical flow of ideas and experiment with different combinations.

Q4. How can I improve my vocabulary for VARC?
A4. Read widely, use flashcards, and practice answering vocabulary-based questions.

Q5. What is the ideal time allocation for the CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC section?
A5. RC: 75-85 minutes, VA: 25-35 minutes

Q6. Should I guess answers if I'm unsure?
A6. Only guess if you have eliminated other options.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

Candidate A went into the CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC section overconfident, assuming it would be easy. They didn't spend enough time preparing for vocabulary and struggled to answer several questions. They also overread the passages, wasting valuable time. Lesson: Preparation and time management are crucial for success in VARC.

Story 2:

Candidate B had a strong vocabulary and a good understanding of comprehension techniques. However, they panicked under the pressure of the exam and made careless mistakes. Lesson: Staying calm and focused is essential, even under pressure.

Story 3:

Candidate C had a strategic approach to the exam. They skimmed the passages first, answered the easier questions, and used process of elimination to narrow down choices. This systematic approach helped them maximize their score. Lesson: A well-defined strategy can help candidates overcome challenges and achieve success.

Tables

Table 1: Question Type Distribution

Table 2: Difficulty Level of Questions

Table 3: Ideal Time Allocation

Conclusion

The CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC section was a challenging but manageable test of language and comprehension skills. By understanding the question types, mastering comprehension techniques, and employing effective strategies, candidates can maximize their score in this crucial section of the CAT.