How to Prepare Verbal Ability for CAT: Tips, Study Plan and Common Mistakes
Learn how to prepare for the Verbal Ability section of the CAT with simple tips. Improve your reading habits, vocabulary, and grammar skills, and practice with mock tests to boost your performance in the exam.
Anil Solonki5 Aug, 2025
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Prepare Verbal Ability for CAT: Preparing for the Verbal Ability section of the CAT is important for students aiming for an MBA, as it tests language skills, critical thinking, and understanding. A good preparation plan can greatly improve your performance. Focus on building strong reading habits, expanding your vocabulary, and learning grammar rules.
Read different materials like newspapers and books, and practice grammar and vocabulary exercises regularly. Also, take mock tests and review past papers to get familiar with the exam format and questions. This will help you feel more confident and ready for the test day. Here you will learn CAT verbal ability preparation tips.How to Prepare Verbal Ability for CAT?
Know how to prepare for Verbal Ability for CAT. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive exams in India for aspiring MBA students. Among its various sections, the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section plays a crucial role in determining a candidate's overall score.Understanding the Verbal Ability Section
The Verbal Ability for CAT assesses a candidate's proficiency in English through various question types, including:- Reading Comprehension (RC): Passages followed by questions to test comprehension.
- Para Jumbles: Rearranging sentences to form coherent paragraphs.
- Odd One Out: Identifying the sentence that does not fit with the others.
- Sentence Correction: Identifying grammatical errors in sentences.
Importance of Reading
Reading extensively is fundamental for improving verbal ability. It enhances vocabulary, comprehension skills, and familiarity with different writing styles. Candidates should aim to read a variety of materials, including:- Books: Fiction and non-fiction across genres.
- Newspapers: Daily news articles to stay updated and improve comprehension.
- Magazines: Articles on diverse topics such as science, politics, and culture.
Daily Reading Habit: Establishing a daily reading routine is crucial. Even 30 minutes of focused reading can significantly enhance one's verbal skills over time.
Vocabulary Building
Here are the required strategies for Vocabulary Enhancement:
- Personal Dictionary: Maintain a personal dictionary where you note down new words along with their meanings and usage.
- Flashcards: Use flashcards to memorize new vocabulary. This method aids in retention and recall.
- Word Lists: Utilize resources like "Word Power Made Easy" or GRE vocabulary lists to learn less commonly used words.
Practice Using New Words: Incorporate new vocabulary into daily conversations or writing exercises to reinforce learning.
Grammar Mastery
While the CAT does not focus heavily on grammar, having a solid understanding of grammatical rules can aid comprehension and improve overall performance. Key areas to focus on include:- Sentence structure
- Tenses
- Subject-verb agreement
- Punctuation
Strategic Preparation Plan
Here is the required Strategic Preparation Plan listed below:Long-Term Planning: Preparation for the CAT should begin several months in advance. A structured plan helps candidates cover all necessary topics without last-minute cramming.
Weekly Goals:
Set weekly targets for reading, vocabulary enhancement, and practice questions. For example:| Week | Focus Area | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reading Comprehension | Read 3 RC passages daily |
| 2 | Vocabulary | Learn 10 new words daily |
| 3 | Grammar | Study one grammar rule each day |
| 4 | Practice Questions | Solve 20 practice questions from past papers |
Mock Tests and Sample Questions
Regular practice with mock tests is vital for success in the VARC section. These tests help familiarize candidates with the exam format and timing constraints.Analyzing Performance:
After taking mock tests, analyze your performance:- Identify areas of strength and weakness.
- Review incorrect answers to understand mistakes.
- Adjust your study plan based on performance insights.
How to Prepare Verbal Ability for CAT
How much time should I dedicate to preparing for the Verbal Ability section?
Aim for at least 1-2 hours daily over several months leading up to the exam.
Is it necessary to have a strong command of English before starting preparation?
While a basic understanding is helpful, consistent practice can significantly improve skills over time.
What types of books should I read?
Read a mix of fiction, non-fiction, newspapers, and magazines covering various subjects.
Are there any specific resources recommended for vocabulary building?
"Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis is highly recommended along with GRE word lists.
How can I improve my reading speed?
Practice skimming techniques by focusing on main ideas rather than getting bogged down by details.
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