How to Prepare for CAT VARC 2024 (Verbal and Reading Comprehension)

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) does not prescribe any specific syllabus for the CAT 2024 exam. Candidates can get an idea of the CAT 2024 VARC syllabus based on previous years' CAT question papers and trends. CAT exam is expected to be held on November 24, 2024. In this article on Careers360, a compiled syllabus along with preparation tips for the CAT VARC section is provided to assist the candidates in their CAT 2024 preparation.

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What is VARC in CAT?

‘How to prepare for CAT VARC?’ is one of the important questions that arise in the mind of any aspirant. Moreover, the Verbal and Reading Comprehension in the CAT exam holds great weightage and are considered for shortlisting. According to the CAT paper pattern, the VARC section comprises 24 questions out of a total of 66 questions. These questions are divided into 2 sub-sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension.

Reading Comprehension carries the highest weightage with 16 questions, while Verbal Ability carries 8. This year also, candidates can expect a similar pattern for the CAT VARC section. To score a good CAT percentile, continue reading the article on CAT VARC books and CAT VARC preparation 2024.

Important MCQs for CAT VARC Syllabus 2024

Components of VARC section in CAT - Previous year analysis

The components or distribution of VARC questions for the CAT 2024 are as follows:

• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Verbal Reasoning
• Reading Comprehension

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CAT VARC Exam Pattern 2024

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Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Syllabus for CAT

Candidates must be familiar with the CAT exam syllabus in detail for better CAT preparation. However, here we will discuss the topics or syllabus for the CAT VARC section itself.

VARC Syllabus for CAT

Download CAT Sample Papers here.

CAT VARC important topics

Based on the previous year’s CAT question paper and other general trends, the following topics are some of the most CAT VARC topics:

Para-Summary

Para-summary questions in the CAT exam require you to read a short passage and choose the option that best summarizes its main idea. This tests your ability to comprehend and condense information accurately. To tackle these questions, focus on understanding the core message of the passage and eliminate options that include irrelevant details or misinterpret the content. Practicing para-summaries helps improve your ability to identify key points quickly and concisely.

Examples:

1. The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.

“It does seem to me that the job of comedy is to offend, or have the potential to offend, and it cannot be drained of that potential,” Rowan Atkinson said of cancel culture.“Every joke has a victim. That’s the definition of a joke. Someone or something or an idea is made to look ridiculous.” The Netflix star continued, “I think you’ve got to be very, very careful about saying what you’re allowed to make jokes about. You’ve always got to kick up? Really?” He added, “There are lots of extremely smug and selfsatisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”

1. All jokes target someone and one should be able to joke about anyone in the society, which is inconsistent with cancel culture.

2. Every joke needs a victim and one needs to include people from lower down the society and not just the upper class.

3. Victims of jokes must not only be politicians and royalty, but also arrogant people from lower classes should be mentioned by comedians.

4. Cancel culture does not understand the role and duty of comedians, which is to deride and mock everyone.

Solution:

The core ideas presented in the passage can be distilled into the following points:

i) The fundamental purpose of a joke is to target and offend its subject, regardless of their societal status.
ii) The prevailing cancel culture deems it inappropriate to make jokes about individuals belonging to lower strata of society.

Option A aptly encompasses both of these primary concepts and, therefore, stands as the accurate choice.

In contrast, Option B deviates from the passage's main theme. The paragraph does not aim to persuade the inclusion of individuals from the lower class in jokes; rather, it scrutinizes the implications of cancel culture on humor.

Similarly, Option C strays from the central ideas of the passage. The focus is not on ensuring a diverse audience for jokes, but rather on the dynamics between jokes, targets, and societal status.

Option D also misrepresents the primary content of the passage. Nowhere in the text are the comedian's duties or responsibilities explicitly discussed.

Hence, the correct and comprehensive option that encompasses the main ideas is indeed Option A.

2. The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.

To defend the sequence of alphabetisation may seem bizarre, so obvious is its application that it is hard to imagine a reference, catalogue or listing without it. But alphabetical order was not an immediate consequence of the alphabet itself. In the Middle Ages, deference for ecclesiastical tradition left scholars reluctant to categorise things according to the alphabet — to do so would be a rejection of the divine order. The rediscovery of the ancient Greek and Roman classics necessitated more efficient ways of ordering, searching and referencing texts. Government bureaucracy in the 16th and 17th centuries quickened the advance of alphabetical order, bringing with it pigeonholes, notebooks and card indexes.

1. Unlike the alphabet, once the efficacy of the alphabetic sequence became apparent to scholars and administrators, its use became widespread.

2. The alphabetic order took several centuries to gain common currency because of religious beliefs and a lack of appreciation of its efficacy in the ordering of things.

3. The ban on the use by scholars of any form of categorisation - but the divinely ordained one - delayed the adoption of the alphabetic sequence by several centuries.

4. While adoption of the written alphabet was easily accomplished, it took scholars several centuries to accept the alphabetic sequence as a useful tool in their work.

The core concepts articulated in the paragraph can be encapsulated as follows:
i) The adoption of alphabetical order as a system of organization didn't occur immediately upon the discovery of alphabets.
ii) During the medieval era, scholars were hesitant to classify things alphabetically, largely due to apprehensions about undermining what was believed to be a divine order.
iii) It wasn't until the rediscovery of the Greek and Roman classics, coupled with the development of government bureaucracy in later centuries, that the practice of organizing information alphabetically became accepted and commonplace.

When evaluating the options based on their adherence to these core themes, Option A falls short. While it may allude to the delayed adoption of alphabetical order, it fails to capture the reason behind the scholars' reluctance, which is a critical part of the narrative.

Option C is factually incorrect, as it suggests a "ban on use," which is not supported by the text. Option D suffers from the same deficiencies as Option A, notably its omission of the key issue that made scholars hesitant to categorize things alphabetically during the middle ages.

However, Option B accurately encapsulates the essence of the paragraph's main points. It adequately covers the late adoption of alphabetical order, why scholars were initially hesitant, and how eventual acceptance was facilitated by the rediscovery of ancient texts and the needs of government bureaucracy. Therefore, Option B is the most fitting choice that does justice to the main ideas presented in the paragraph. Hence, the correct option is B.

Para-Jumbles

Para jumbles in the CAT exam require you to rearrange shuffled sentences to form a coherent and meaningful paragraph. This tests your understanding of the logical flow and structure of ideas. To solve para jumbles, look for connecting words, pronouns, and sequences that link sentences together. Regular practice helps improve your ability to quickly identify the correct order.

Examples:

1. The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3, 4) below, when properly sequenced would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the four numbers as your answer.

1. It is regimes of truth that make certain relationships speakable - relationships, like subjectivities, are constituted through discursive formations, which sustain regimes of truth.

2. Relationships are nothing without the communication that brings them into being;

interpersonal communication is connected to knowledge shared by interlocutors, and scholars should attend to relational histories in their analyses.

3. A Foucauldian approach to relationships goes beyond these conceptions of discourse and history to macrolevel regimes of truth as constituting relationships.

4. Reconsidering micropractices within relationships that are constituted within and simultaneously contributors to regimes of truth acknowledges the central position of power/knowledge in the constitution of what has come to be considered true and real.

1. 2314

2. 2134

3. 1234

4. 4321

Solution:

Upon examining the sentences, it's evident that the focus is on diverse interpretations of relationships. Sentence 2 underscores that communication holds significant weight in this domain and merits thorough examination. Venturing beyond this conventional viewpoint, sentence 3 introduces a Foucauldian perspective that encompasses more than just interpersonal dynamics, extending to macro-level "regimes of truth." Sentence 1 elaborates on the pertinence of these "regimes of truth" in comprehending relationship dynamics. Finally, sentence 4 neatly ties the discussion together, highlighting how the intricate micro-practices embedded within relationships hint at the intertwined relationship between knowledge and power. Consequently, the most coherent arrangement is 2314.

2. The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4) below, when properly sequenced would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and key in the sequence of the four numbers as your answer.

1. Businesses find automation, such as robotic employees, a big asset in terms of productivity and efficiency.

2. But in recent years, robotics has had increasing impacts on unemployment, not just of manual labour, as computers are rapidly handling some white-collar and service-sector work.

3. For years politicians have promised workers that they would bring back their jobs by clamping down on trade, offshoring and immigration.

4. Economists, based on their research, say that the bigger threat to jobs now is not globalisation but automation.

1. 1234

2. 4321

3. 4231

4. 3412

Upon first glance, the paragraph delves into the issue of unemployment stemming from automation. Commencing with sentence 3 offers a snapshot of the prevailing unemployment situation. While politicians typically pinpoint globalisation as the primary contributor to growing joblessness, sentence 4 introduces a deviation by suggesting that the narrative put forth by experts differs. According to them, automation, not globalisation, could be a pivotal factor intensifying the unemployment crisis. Sentences 1 and 2, when paired together, delve deeper into the nuances of how automation directly impacts job prospects, shedding light on its scale and nature. Thus, piecing the sentences together, the sequence that captures the essence most effectively is 3412.

Odd Sentences

Odd sentence questions in the CAT exam ask you to identify the sentence that doesn't fit within a given set of sentences. This tests your ability to discern the logical flow and thematic consistency of a paragraph. To solve these, look for sentences that break the sequence of ideas, introduce unrelated information, or disrupt the paragraph's coherence. Regular practice can help you quickly spot these discrepancies and improve your accuracy.

Examples:

1. Find the misfit sentence:

1. The rocket launch marked a historic moment in space exploration, as it ventured deeper into the cosmos.

2. The chef prepared a delectable five-course meal, showcasing culinary expertise.

3. The team of researchers uncovered archaeological artefacts that shed light on ancient civilizations.

4. The wolves' howls echoed through the forest, creating an eerie atmosphere.

Solution:

Sentence A is the misfit. The other sentences are related to scientific achievements, culinary arts, and natural sounds, while sentence B introduces a different context by discussing a rocket launch in space exploration.

2. Find the misfit sentence:

1. The entrepreneur's startup disrupted the traditional retail market.

2. The botanist discovered a new species of rare orchids deep in the rainforest.

3. The political debate focused on critical issues such as healthcare and taxation policies.

4. The summer breeze rustled the leaves, bringing relief from the sweltering heat.

Solution:

Sentence D is the misfit. The other sentences are about entrepreneurial disruption, botany, and political debates, whereas sentence D describes a natural phenomenon, the summer breeze, which is unrelated to the others.

If a candidates wishes for deeper understanding of the above important CAT topics, they can refer to the study links given below:

How to prepare for CAT Verbal Ability?

Candidates must first know that Verbal Ability or Reading Comprehension tests their ability to understand

1. Nuances of the written word

2. Identify and differentiate the subtleties of meanings of words

3. Correct syntax, structure, and formation of sentences

4. Identify the complex ideas presented in the paragraph and link them to the overall theme

Tips for VARC CAT Preparation 2024

Check out the below tips for VARC preparation for CAT.

• VARC sections stand out from the other sections of CAT since they are not about finding the right answers but rather focus on finding the wrong ones and eliminating them. Many options might appear correct, so candidates should develop logic and understand why they are wrong and not the other way around.
• Having a healthy reading habit is another important aspect of CAT 2024 VRAC preparation. Candidates must devote a minimum of 30 minutes of their daily routine to reading a novel. It is also advisable to read the editorial section of the newspaper for an hour a day.
• Get updated CAT Verbal Preparation Material of Best Coaching Institutes.
• You can download some of the PDFs, like Verbal Ability for CAT by Arun Sharma.
• Attempt several CAT mock tests for the VA section, as it helps you expose yourself to a variety of questions. The most important phase of the mock test is to post the test, which helps you analyze your performance on the skill. Download mobile applications like Vocabulary Builder, word-to-word, and so forth to make learning fun.
• While you learn new words or phrases, always apply them to your day-to-day expressions while talking to your friends or family. It helps you retain the information and know its usage.
• While you are bored of reading and getting lazy, switch to watching movies/series and playing word games.

• Mark difficult words and learn their meanings from the dictionary. Students are advised to always keep the dictionary handy while watching movies/reading books. They can even use their smartphones and keep different applications that enhance their vocabulary.

Get a Free CAT Mock Test here.

Best Books for CAT Verbal Ability Section

Before beginning their preparation for the CAT, students must go through the list of the best books for the CAT VARC section 2024.

VARC Books for CAT Preparation:

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How to prepare for CAT Reading Comprehension?

Reading comprehension is understanding the text and comprehending the ideas that the writer or author wants to convey. The CAT-RC section generally consists of 4-5 passages with approximately 300–400 words each. Each passage will consist of 5 questions, and students will be required to answer the questions based on the passage. To improve one’s reading comprehension, he/she must follow the following points:

• Assess your current reading by observing the time you take to read a passage. To know your capability, pick a passage from any magazine, book, newspaper, or novel and note the instances where you lag, for example, with difficulty understanding a few words.

• If you take time to understand a few words, focus on improving your vocabulary by creating flashcards of the words you were not able to relate to. Write the definition of difficult words. Test yourself by taking the quiz from the words you have written on flashcards.

• Take pleasure in what you read to improve your vocabulary. Hence, embrace whatever you read and don’t make it a constant chore.

• Summarise each time you feel you are getting confused.

• When you feel tired, read the passage aloud.

• Don’t forget to read the previous sections of the text to link to the later paragraphs.

• While practising, discuss the passage with friends based on your understanding, and have a healthy argument with the vocabulary you have learned.

Check more-

10 tips for time management in CAT VARC section

Now let us learn few important CAT VARC time management skills.

1. Start with Familiar Topics: Begin with questions and passages you find easier to understand. This builds your confidence and saves time for tougher ones later.

2. Skim the Passages: Quickly skim through the passages to get an overall idea before diving into the questions. This helps you locate answers faster.

3. Prioritize Questions: Answer direct questions first, as they require less time compared to inference-based ones.

4. Set Time Limits: Allocate a specific amount of time to each passage and stick to it. If a passage is taking too long, move on and return if time permits.

5. Avoid Overthinking: Trust your first instinct for answers, especially for verbal ability questions. Overthinking can waste precious time.

6. Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps you read and comprehend faster, reducing the time needed during the actual exam.

7. Use Elimination Method: For multiple-choice questions, eliminate clearly wrong answers first. This narrows down your options and speeds up decision-making.

8. Stay Calm and Focused: Panicking can slow you down. Stay calm, take deep breaths, and maintain your concentration.

9. Review Mistakes: After practice tests, review your mistakes to understand where you lost time and how you can improve.

10. Simulate Exam Conditions: Practice under timed conditions to get used to the pressure and pace of the actual exam. This helps you manage your time better on the exam day.

Importance of Reading Comprehension and verbal ability in CAT

Reading comprehension and verbal ability are crucial parts of the CAT exam. These sections test your understanding of written material, your ability to interpret and analyze information, and your grasp of English language skills. Reading comprehension helps you practice quick and accurate reading, which is essential for managing the exam's time constraints. Verbal ability, which includes grammar, vocabulary, and sentence correction, is important because it ensures you can communicate effectively and understand complex ideas. Doing well in these sections can significantly boost your overall CAT score, helping you get into top business schools.