Harvard Business School (SPNM), MBA: SP Jain Institute of Management & Research, Master of Information Technology, Virginia Tech.
CAT VARC Tips:
Reading and Vocabulary Building:
- Increase Reading Speed: The CAT has a time crunch, so being a fast reader is crucial. Regularly read newspapers, articles, or books on diverse topics to improve your reading speed and comprehension simultaneously. [invalid URL removed]
- Build Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary aids comprehension and question-solving. Use flashcards, mnemonic devices, or phone apps to learn new words daily. Focus on words from high-quality publications you read. CAT online courses
Comprehension and Strategy:
- Reading Comprehension (RC) Strategy: Don't just read passively. Approach RC passages with a goal - understand the main idea, identify supporting arguments, and anticipate the kind of questions that might be asked. There are various RC question types; practice different ones to develop a diverse skillset.
- Focus on Accuracy Over Speed: While time management is important, prioritize accuracy over attempting too many questions. There's a negative marking in CAT, so avoid impulsive guesses.
CAT pattern:
Sections
|
Total No. of questions
|
MCQs
|
Non-MCQs
|
Scoring Pattern (Negative Marking is only for MCQs)
|
VARC
|
24
|
19
|
5
|
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
|
DILR
|
20
|
15
|
5
|
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
|
QA
|
22
|
14
|
8 |
+3 for Correct;
-1 for Incorrect;
0 for Not Attempted
|
Total
|
66
|
198
|
Time Management and Test-Taking:
- Develop a Time Management Strategy: During mock tests, experiment with different approaches to find a time management strategy that works for you. This might involve attempting Verbal Ability (VA) questions first or switching between RC and VA sections strategically.
- Mock Tests and Analysis: Take as many mock tests as possible to get familiar with the CAT format, time pressure, and question styles. Analyze your performance after each test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
How to Improve Verbal Ability?
Become an Active Reader:
- Read Widely and Regularly: Immerse yourself in various reading materials like newspapers, magazines, novels, and non-fiction books. This exposes you to different writing styles, vocabulary use, and sentence structures.
- Active Reading: Don't just passively skim through text. Engage with the material by underlining key points, taking notes, summarizing paragraphs, or questioning the author's arguments.
- Vocabulary Focus: Pay attention to new words you encounter while reading. Look up their definitions, understand their context, and try using them in your own speech or writing.
CAT online courses
Boost Your Vocabulary Power:
- Daily Dose of New Words: Dedicate some time each day to learn new words. There are many resources available like flashcards, mobile apps, or "word of the day" websites.
- Focus on Context: Don't just memorize isolated words. Learn them in context by creating sentences or using them in your writing.
- Review and Revisit: Regularly revise the new words you learn to solidify them in your memory.
Practice Makes Perfect:
- Engage in Active Listening: Pay close attention to conversations, podcasts, or audiobooks. Try summarizing what you heard and identify the speaker's main points.
- Write Regularly: Writing is a fantastic way to improve your verbal skills. Keep a journal, write short stories, or create blog posts.
- Speak Up and Participate: Don't be afraid to participate in discussions or debates. This provides practice in formulating clear thoughts and expressing them verbally.
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