Harvard Business School (SPNM), MBA: SP Jain Institute of Management & Research, Master of Information Technology, Virginia Tech.
Reading and Vocabulary Building:
- Become a Reading Machine: Develop a reading habit. Read newspapers, articles, magazines, novels, and non-fiction books across diverse topics. This not only improves reading speed and comprehension but also exposes you to a wider range of vocabulary and writing styles.
- Active Reading is Key: Don't just passively skim through text. Engage with the material! Underline key points, take notes, summarize paragraphs, or question the author's arguments.
- Build Your Vocabulary Arsenal: A strong vocabulary is crucial for comprehending complex passages and answering VA questions effectively. Dedicate some time daily to learn new words using flashcards, mnemonic devices, phone 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. Regularly revise the new words to solidify them in your memory.
Practice Makes Perfect:
- Practice Different VA Question Types: The VA section covers various question types like Para Jumbles (ordering jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph), Odd Sentence Out (identifying the sentence that doesn't fit the context of the passage), Summary Writing (concisely summarizing the main points of a passage), and Fill in the Blanks (selecting the most appropriate word to complete a sentence). Practice different question types from mock tests, previous year CAT papers, or question banks to develop a diverse skillset.
- Work on Reading Comprehension (RC) Passages: A significant portion of the VA section focuses on RC. Regularly practice reading comprehension passages from various sources and answering related questions. Focus on identifying the main idea, recognizing supporting arguments, anticipating the kind of questions that might be asked, and developing time management skills.
Additional Tips:
- Mock Tests and Analysis: Take as many mock tests as possible to get familiar with the CAT format, time pressure, and question styles specific to the VA section. Analyze your performance after each test to identify your strengths and weaknesses in VA and work on improvement strategies.
- Grammar Matters: While there aren't many direct grammar questions in the CAT VA section anymore, a good understanding of grammar helps with sentence correction and overall comprehension. Revisit basic grammar rules if needed.
- Stay Calm and Focused: The CAT exam can be stressful. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing to stay calm and focused during the exam.
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