The VARC is a section designed to test the reading and analytical skills of a candidate. As a manager you are required to read and analyze a lot of data and thus VARC sections tests your ability to do the same. It tests whether you can comprehend at a fast enough pace and come to reasonable conclusions.
In this article, we delve into the different types of passages that candidates are test in the CAT VARC section, and how to approach them effectively.
Humanities and social science-based passages are also quite common in the CAT exam. Some might be along the lines of history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, or cultural studies.
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Strategy:
For the above passages, the broader arguments and inter-connections between the different ideas discussed need to be understood. Often questions require one to provide the stand of the author or implication of his/ her arguments. "Which of the following, IF TRUE" and "Which one of the following strengthen the argument" are questions typically asked in these types of passages.
Science and technology passages are another archetype in the CAT. These essays embrace almost all forms of scientific disciplines such as biology, physics, chemistry, and environmental science and technological issues.
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Strategy:
While attempting Science and Technology passages, look at broad ideas and how they are connected to each other. Be aware of cause-&-effect relationship and be prepared to find questions asking you for application of the concepts discussed in the passage
Economics and business-related passages also regularly feature in the CAT exam. These passages relate to aspects of economic theories, market dynamics business strategies, and financial principles.
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Strategy
Read economics and business passages for knowledge of the underlying economic concepts and their applications to the real world. Be prepared to analyze an argument related to market behaviour or business decisions​. These topics are much easier when it comes to reading as compared to others. Their level of complexity is similar to a typical editorial. It is advisable that you read a Financial Journal Editorial everyday to help with such passages.
Art and literature passages are not very grounded. The CAT exam can hold such passages. They are associated with topics based on literary criticism, artistic trends of the times, or the role that the art form in discussion plays in society.
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These articles are typically much harder to attempt simply because of how dense they are. Infact, most of the time aspirants are struggling with meaning of certain words. Try to save these for last and attempt only if you have sufficient time. Because of how dense they are, it is advisable to make a summary of each paragraph to keep track.
Passages may refer to events or ideas from the past or to individual scholars' or groups of scholars' interpretations of historical events or ideas. Historical passages in the CAT examination are basically broad, ranging from significant events, figures, and periods in history. Many of these passages discuss implications of certain historical events or even analyze causes and effects of some developments.
Characteristics
Sample Topics
Strategy
In reading history passages, be particularly aware of the author's point of view and how he or she is shaping, and in turn is shaped by, the historical interpretation.
You need to be clear on the chronology while dealing with historical passages and their cause-effect relationships. The questions may require you to look into the causes of the events or a comparison needs to be drawn between different historical viewpoints.
Often revolve around theoretical ideas, abstract ideas, or philosophical doctrines.
The language is normally dense and the piece requires one to pick out the arguments presented. Some of them are usually inconclusive, putting forth differing positions on an issue, which can make comprehension tougher.
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Strategy
In philosophical and abstract sections, you should understand the different views presented and how they are interrelated. It's crucial, however, to highlight the assumptions underlining them and logical argument structure which is followed in the passage. Reading a book or article that summarises the main ideas of various school of thoughts would certainly be helpful
There are 4 passages in CAT VARC. This means that there are 16 questions of RC and 8 questions of VA. There is no fixed format, these can change at any point.
VARC questions can be Macro or Micro - pertaining to a specfic portion of the passage or maybe the entire passage. You can be asked about the Main Idea that the passage is trying to convey, the authors position, what can be an apt title for this etc.
Accuracy. You must focus on accuracy rather than speed here. Even if you have reasonable speed, let us say 10 minutes per passage and can solve all the passages with around 100% accuracy, you have sailed across.
Practice and develop a thorough understanding. Try to solve as many questions as possible and in your head, establish a clear relationship as to why you have selected this answer.
If you wish to get familiar with the CAT exam and get accustomed to the level of difficulty, there are hardly any newspapers. The only paper you can consider is called 'The Statesman'
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