Avoiding Common Mistakes in VARC: What to Focus on in the Final Weeks Before CAT

The CAT (Common Admission Test) is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India, primarily aimed at aspiring management students seeking admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools. The exam comprises three main sections: Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC).

Among these, the VARC section tests candidates on their command of English through various question types, including Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence, and Para Completion. With only a few weeks left before the exam, it’s crucial to identify and avoid common mistakes that could hinder your performance.

Overview of the CAT VARC Section

The VARC section typically consists of 24 questions divided among the following topics:

1. Reading Comprehension (typically 10-12 questions)
2. Para Jumbles (around 4-5 questions)
3. Para Summary (2-3 questions)
4. Odd Sentence (2-3 questions)
5. Para Completion (2-3 questions)

Given the weightage of each question type, it’s vital to understand the nuances of each and prepare accordingly in the final weeks leading up to the exam.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in VARC

1. Neglecting Reading Comprehension (RC) Practice

Mistake: Many candidates underestimate the importance of Reading Comprehension, believing that their general reading skills are sufficient.

Focus: In the final weeks, dedicate time to practicing a variety of RC passages. Focus on diverse topics, as CAT can include passages from literature, social sciences, business, and science. Work on understanding the author's tone, inference questions, and critical analysis. Aim to read actively by summarizing each paragraph to retain the main ideas.

2. Rushing Through Para Jumbles

Mistake: Candidates often rush through Para Jumbles, leading to incorrect arrangements due to oversight.

Focus: Take a systematic approach. First, identify the introductory sentence, which typically sets the stage for the rest of the passage. Then, look for sentences that logically connect. Practice rearranging jumbled sentences to get accustomed to common patterns. Remember, the goal is clarity and logical flow, not just speed.

3. Skipping Vocabulary Revision

Mistake: Many aspirants overlook the significance of vocabulary, thinking they can manage without it.

Focus: In the final weeks, review common idioms, phrases, and vocabulary that frequently appear in CAT exams. Use flashcards or apps to reinforce learning and take vocabulary quizzes to test your retention. A strong vocabulary will help not only in understanding RC passages but also in answering questions related to Odd Sentences and Para Completion.

4. Ignoring Time Management

Mistake: Some candidates fail to practice time management, leading to incomplete sections during the exam.

Focus: Practice full-length mock tests under timed conditions. Allocate time limits for each question type based on its weightage. For example, you might spend 30-35 minutes on RC, leaving around 25-30 minutes for the other question types. Effective time management will enhance your performance and ensure that you answer all questions.

5. Underestimating Odd Sentence and Para Completion Questions

Mistake: Candidates often ignore practice for Odd Sentence and Para Completion questions, focusing mainly on RC and Para Jumbles.

Focus: These question types are not just fillers; they can contribute significantly to your score. Understand the structure of sentences and paragraphs. In Odd Sentence questions, look for sentences that disrupt the logical flow. For Para Completion, practice identifying the best concluding statement based on the paragraph's context.

Section-Wise Strategy for Final Weeks

• Reading Comprehension: Read daily from varied sources (newspapers, journals, online articles) and practice summarizing the main idea. Focus on 2-3 passages daily.
• Para Jumbles: Dedicate at least two sessions a week to solving para jumble questions. Use online resources and previous years' CAT papers for practice.
• Para Summary: Work on summarizing paragraphs succinctly in your own words. Try to practice summarizing passages in 2-3 sentences.
• Odd Sentence: Identify patterns in sentence structure. Regularly practice these types of questions to improve your accuracy.
• Para Completion: Focus on the context of the passage and the logical flow to choose the best completion.

Summary

The last few weeks before the CAT exam are critical for refining your VARC skills. By focusing on common mistakes and areas of improvement, you can significantly enhance your performance. Remember to practice diligently, manage your time wisely, and approach each question with a clear strategy.