Anisha has done MBA in Marketing from NMIMS And Executive Management(PMNO) from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in growing CATKing Digital with her experience with Marico and Henkel in the past.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is known for its challenging Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section. Scoring high in this section can significantly impact your overall percentile and open doors to prestigious MBA programs. In this blog, we will break down strategies to help you achieve scores of 95, 99, and beyond in the Verbal Ability section.
Understanding the Verbal Ability Section
The Verbal Ability section of the CAT has evolved over the years. In recent papers, it has comprised 24 questions out of a total of 66, divided into Reading Comprehension (RC), Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Para Completion, and Odd One Out. The section is designed to test not just your vocabulary but also your comprehension, analytical skills, and ability to structure coherent arguments.
Strategies for Achieving a 95 Percentile in Verbal Ability
To achieve a 95 percentile, your focus should be on efficiently handling the most common question types:
-
Mastering Reading Comprehension (RC)
-
Focus on 2 RCs: Aim to solve two Reading Comprehensions thoroughly. Since each RC usually has four questions, this will give you eight questions.
-
Prioritize Easy RCs: In the actual CAT, there are usually a couple of easier RCs. Identify and solve these first. This will help you secure marks quickly.
-
Efficient Handling of Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and Para Completion
-
Para Jumbles and Odd One Out: These questions can be tricky but tend to be straightforward once you grasp the structure. Practice solving these questions by identifying the sequence or the odd sentence out.
-
Para Summary and Para Completion: Look for key ideas and eliminate options that don't fit well with the main idea of the passage. Practicing these will help you quickly spot the correct answers in the exam.
-
Mock Tests and Analysis
-
Use Real CAT Mocks: Solve mocks that closely resemble the CAT papers from the last three years. Focus on the patterns and types of questions that frequently appear.
-
Analyze Mistakes: After each mock, analyze your mistakes and understand why you got certain questions wrong. This will help you avoid similar mistakes in the future.
Strategies for Achieving a 99 Percentile in Verbal Ability
To achieve a 99 percentile, you need to go beyond the basics and refine your approach:
-
Deep Dive into Reading Comprehension
-
Solve 2-3 RCs: Aim to solve two to three RCs, ensuring accuracy and speed. The idea is to maximize your correct attempts in RCs, which often constitute the bulk of the Verbal Ability section.
-
Identify Difficulty Levels: Within RCs, identify which ones are moderate or difficult and allocate your time accordingly. Aim to solve at least two easy to moderate RCs with high accuracy.
-
Enhance Your Skills in Other Question Types
-
Para Jumbles: Practice with a variety of para jumbles. Efficiently rearrange sentences to form a coherent passage.
-
Para Summary and Completion: Work on summarizing passages and completing them based on the context. Ensure you understand the passage thoroughly to make accurate choices.
-
Regular Practice and Revision
-
Consistent Practice: Regularly practice with CAT-level questions and revise the types of mistakes you tend to make. Focus on improving your speed and accuracy.
-
Advanced Material: Utilize advanced study materials, including practice books and online resources that provide high-quality practice questions and explanations.
Strategies for Scoring Above 99 Percentile
To achieve a score above 99 percentile, you need to excel in every aspect of the Verbal Ability section:
-
Excellence in Reading Comprehension
-
Master 3 RCs: Aim to solve three RCs with high accuracy. Choose RCs based on difficulty level and time available.
-
Time Management: Allocate sufficient time for each RC and ensure you don’t get stuck on any single passage for too long.
-
Perfect Your Approach to All Question Types
-
Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and Completion: Aim for near-perfect accuracy in these areas. Ensure that your answers reflect a deep understanding of the passages and sentence structures.
-
Advanced Strategies and Techniques
-
Practice Under Real Exam Conditions: Simulate exam conditions by timing your practice sessions and working through questions without breaks.
-
Review Past Papers: Analyze past CAT papers to identify trends and common types of questions. This will help you anticipate what to expect in the actual exam.
-
Seek Feedback and Guidance
-
Join Study Groups or Coaching: Engage with study groups or seek guidance from coaching institutes that offer in-depth strategies and personalized feedback.
Final Thoughts
Achieving a high percentile in the CAT Verbal Ability section requires a combination of strategic preparation, consistent practice, and efficient time management. By focusing on mastering Reading Comprehension, refining your skills in other question types, and regularly practicing with CAT-level questions, you can significantly enhance your chances of achieving your desired percentile.
Remember, the key to success is not just in practicing questions but in understanding the underlying patterns and strategies that can help you solve them more effectively. Keep track of your progress, stay motivated, and aim high!
FAQs
1. What is the importance of verbal ability in CAT?
Verbal Ability is crucial as it comprises a significant portion of the CAT exam, influencing overall scores. Mastery in this section can greatly impact your percentile.
2. How can I score 95 percentile in Verbal Ability?
Solve one RC passage completely and tackle two easy questions each from Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Para Completion, and Odd One Out.
3. What should I do to achieve 99 percentile in Verbal Ability?
Solve two RC passages and answer four questions each from Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and Para Completion accurately.
4. How can I target above 99 percentile?
Aim to solve three RC passages and maintain high accuracy in all types of questions, including challenging ones.
5. What resources are recommended for Verbal Ability?
Use past CAT papers, mock tests, specialized e-books, and video tutorials.
6. How should I approach Reading Comprehension (RC) passages?
Quickly understand the main idea and accurately answer related questions. Practice regularly to improve.
7. What if I find a Para Jumble or Para Summary question difficult?
Eliminate clearly wrong options and use logical connections. Practice these types of questions to improve.
8. How can I make the most of mock tests?
Simulate exam conditions, analyze performance, and adjust strategies based on results.
9. How can I manage time effectively during the CAT exam?
Prioritize easier questions, set time limits, and avoid spending too long on any one question.
10. What’s the best way to prepare for Verbal Ability?
Practice consistently, review mistakes, and use a variety of study resources.
