Mastering the CAT 2022 Slot 2 VARC: A Comprehensive Guide

The Common Admission Test (CAT), conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is a highly competitive entrance exam for admission to MBA programs in India. CAT 2022 is scheduled to be held on November 27, 2022, in three slots: Slot 1, Slot 2, and Slot 3. Each slot consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Ability (QA), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR).

Slot 2 of CAT 2022 is scheduled from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the VARC section of Slot 2, covering important topics, strategies, and tips to help aspirants maximize their performance.

VARC in CAT 2022 Slot 2

The VARC section in CAT 2022 Slot 2 is expected to be similar to previous years, with the paper pattern and question distribution remaining largely unchanged. According to the official CAT website, the VARC section consists of 24 questions divided into three types:

• Verbal Ability: 10 questions
• Reading Comprehension: 10 questions
• Critical Reasoning: 4 questions

Verbal Ability questions test candidates' proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and usage. Reading Comprehension questions assess candidates' ability to understand and analyze written text. Critical Reasoning questions evaluate candidates' reasoning and analytical skills.

Preparation Strategies

To excel in the VARC section, candidates should adopt a comprehensive preparation strategy that covers all three question types. Here are some effective strategies:

Verbal Ability:

• Improve vocabulary: Regularly read newspapers, magazines, and books to expand your vocabulary.
• Practice grammar: Review grammar rules and practice exercises to strengthen your understanding.
• Solve practice questions: Attempt mock tests and practice questions to identify areas for improvement.

Reading Comprehension:

• Develop reading comprehension skills: Practice reading diverse texts from various sources to enhance your comprehension abilities.
• Identify key concepts and arguments: When reading a passage, focus on identifying the main idea, supporting arguments, and evidence.
• Summarize and paraphrase: Practice summarizing and paraphrasing texts to improve your understanding and memory.

Critical Reasoning:

• Develop reasoning skills: Engage in logical reasoning exercises to strengthen your deductive and inductive reasoning skills.
• Identify and evaluate arguments: Practice analyzing arguments to identify assumptions, premises, and conclusions.
• Make inferences and draw conclusions: Learn to draw logical inferences and conclusions based on the information provided.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Aspirants often make certain mistakes that hinder their performance in the VARC section. To avoid these mistakes, candidates should be aware of the following:

• Rushing through passages: Do not try to read passages too quickly. Take your time to understand the content thoroughly.
• Overthinking questions: Avoid overanalyzing questions. Read the question carefully and focus on the specific information required.
• Guessing blindly: If you are unsure about an answer, it is better to leave it blank than to guess randomly.
• Neglecting grammar and vocabulary: Pay attention to grammar and vocabulary while reading and answering questions.
• Ignoring time management: Manage your time wisely during the exam to avoid running out of time.

Sample Questions

To provide a better understanding of the question types, here are some sample questions that may appear in the VARC section of CAT 2022 Slot 2:

Verbal Ability:

1. Identify the grammatical error in the sentence: "The team has been practicing for weeks with the hopes of winning the championship."
2. Choose the synonym of the word "dilatory": (a) prompt, (b) delayed, (c) persistent, (d) exaggerated

Reading Comprehension:

Read the following passage and answer the question:

In a recent study conducted by the National Literacy Trust, it was found that children who read for pleasure have higher levels of literacy and academic achievement compared to those who do not read regularly. The study also found that children who read frequently have better cognitive skills, including improved memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities.

Question: According to the passage, what are some benefits of reading for pleasure?

Critical Reasoning:

The manager of a company has observed a significant decline in employee productivity. She has identified two possible explanations: decreased employee motivation and inadequate training.

Question: Which of the following statements would be necessary to evaluate the two explanations?

Stories and Learnings

To further illustrate the importance of effective preparation for the VARC section, here are three stories and the lessons we can learn from them:

Story 1:

Aspirant A devoted significant time to practicing reading comprehension passages from various sources. By doing so, they developed excellent comprehension skills and were able to identify key concepts and arguments accurately in the exam.

Learning: Consistent practice of reading comprehension exercises is crucial for improving comprehension abilities.

Story 2:

Aspirant B struggled with grammar and vocabulary. They relied heavily on guessing during the exam, which resulted in many incorrect answers.

Learning: Building a strong foundation in grammar and vocabulary is essential for answering questions accurately.

Story 3:

Aspirant C did not manage their time effectively during the exam. They spent too much time on one passage, leaving insufficient time to answer other questions.

Learning: Time management is vital to ensure that all questions are attempted within the time limit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the expected difficulty level of the VARC section in CAT 2022 Slot 2?

A1. The difficulty level is expected to be similar to previous years, with a balanced mix of easy, moderate, and difficult questions.

Q2. How many marks should I aim for in the VARC section?

A2. Aim for a score of at least 90-100 marks out of 120 to secure a good percentile.

Q3. What is the recommended time allocation for the VARC section?

A3. Allocate around 60-70 minutes for the VARC section, ensuring sufficient time for all questions.

Q4. How can I improve my reading speed and comprehension?

A4. Practice reading diverse texts regularly, using techniques such as scanning and skimming to improve your speed and comprehension.

Q5. What resources can I use to prepare for the VARC section?

A5. Refer to official CAT preparation materials, mock tests, and books specifically designed for the VARC section.

Q6. How important is accuracy in the VARC section?

A6. Accuracy is extremely important. Avoid guessing and focus on answering questions correctly.

Call to Action

To achieve success in the VARC section of CAT 2022 Slot 2, candidates must adopt a strategic approach that includes:

• Regular practice: Engage in consistent practice of reading comprehension, verbal ability, and critical reasoning exercises.
• Time management: Develop effective time management strategies to ensure adequate time for all questions.
• Accuracy: Focus on answering questions accurately, rather than guessing.
• Mock tests: Take mock tests to simulate the exam experience and identify areas for improvement.
• Thorough preparation: Cover all three question types (Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Critical Reasoning) thoroughly.

By following these guidelines and dedicating yourself to preparation, you can excel in the VARC section of CAT 2022 Slot 2 and enhance your chances of securing admission to your desired management program.