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 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of the CAT exam is notorious for its tricky questions and demanding time management. However, with the right strategy and focus, you can conquer this section and secure a high score. This blog will explore the must-do topics for CAT 2024 VARC, drawing insights from the esteemed IIM Calcutta, a leading institution in MBA education.
The Foundation: VARC Essentials
Reading Comprehension: This forms the core of the VARC section. Develop strong reading habits, focusing on comprehension, critical analysis, and identifying main ideas, supporting arguments, and author's tone.
Vocabulary & Grammar: A solid understanding of vocabulary and grammar is essential. Refer to books like "Word Power Made Easy" and focus on improving your sentence structure and understanding common grammatical errors.
Para-jumbles and Critical Reasoning: These topics test your ability to logically order sentences and identify assumptions, arguments, and conclusions. Practice analysing arguments and identifying fallacies.
Verbal Analogies and Synonyms/Antonyms: While these topics hold less weightage, they still require attention. Familiarise yourself with common word relationships and improve your vocabulary through root words and word families.
IIM Calcutta's Perspective: Topical Focus
Focus on Comprehension: IIM Calcutta emphasizes deep reading comprehension, focusing on extracting information, drawing inferences, and analysing authorial intent. Practice with diverse text types like editorials, essays, and news articles.
Critical Thinking and Reasoning: The institute stresses critical thinking skills. Engage with complex arguments, analyse authorial bias, and understand how arguments are constructed.
Time Management: IIM Calcutta emphasizes efficient time management. Practice timed reading comprehension passages and learn to quickly skim for key information.
Practice, Practice, Practice: IIM Calcutta recommends consistent practice. Solve past CAT papers, take mock tests, and analyse your performance to identify areas for improvement.
Must-Do Topics for CAT 2024 VARC
Reading Comprehension (RC) Passages: Focus on diverse topics like history, science, philosophy, social issues, and economy.
Para-jumbles: Master the art of arranging jumbled sentences into a logical sequence.
Critical Reasoning: Analyse arguments, identify assumptions, and evaluate conclusions.
Verbal Analogies: Improve your vocabulary and understanding of word relationships.
Synonyms/Antonyms: Enhance your vocabulary and understanding of word meanings.
Expert Tips From IIM Calcutta
Read Diverse Materials: Beyond academic texts, read fiction, editorials, and news articles to broaden your vocabulary and improve comprehension.
Engage in Discussion: Discuss your readings and interpretations with friends and peers. This helps enhance your critical thinking skills and understanding.
Active Reading: Mark key points, highlight important information, and take notes to improve comprehension and retention.
Practice with Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions and track your progress. Analyse your mistakes and identify areas requiring further study.
Conclusion
CAT 2024 VARC preparation is a journey that requires dedication and smart work. By focusing on the must-do topics, understanding IIM Calcutta's perspective, and employing expert tips, you can achieve your desired score. Remember, consistent practice, active learning, and a positive mindset are key to success!
