How to Read CAT RC (Reading Comprehension) passages

Reading CAT RC passages requires a combination of skills: comprehension, time management, and strategic reading. Regular practice with diverse passages and topics is essential for success. Remember, it's not just about understanding the words but also the author's intent, argument, and structure.

CAT RC Passages: Understand the Passage Structure

• A typical CAT RC passage consists of three parts - introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction typically presents the main idea or topic of the passage, while the body explores and elaborates on the topic in detail. The conclusion summarizes the main points and may provide the author's perspective or opinion on the topic.
• Within each part of the passage, there may be different types of paragraphs - descriptive, comparative, argumentative, etc. Identifying the paragraph type can help you to better understand the author's argument and perspective.
• Another essential part of understanding the passage structure is identifying transitional words and phrases. Words like 'however,' 'in contrast,' 'moreover,' etc., can help you understand how the author is linking various parts of the passage and organizing their thoughts.

CAT RC Passages: Skim the Passage

• When you first look at the passage, don't worry about understanding every detail. Instead, focus on the introductory paragraph, topic sentences, and any bold or italicized words. These can give you a sense of the overall theme and structure of the passage.
• As you skim, try to keep a mental map of the passage in your head. This can help you identify where to find specific information later on.
• Remember skimming doesn't mean skipping over everything. Instead, aim to read quickly while still paying attention to the content. This will save you time and improve your overall comprehension.

CAT RC Passages: Read the Questions First

Also Read: How to solve assumption based CAT RC and CR Questions

CAT RC Passages: Highlight and Annotate

• When highlighting, try to focus on the most significant points of the passage. These may include key arguments, supporting evidence, and the author's stance on a particular issue. Use different colors or symbols to differentiate between important concepts and supporting details. For instance, you might use a yellow highlighter for key arguments, a blue highlighter for evidence, and a green highlighter for the author's stance or opinion.

• Remember that effective highlighting and annotation is all about striking a balance. You don't want to highlight or annotate so much that it becomes overwhelming or distracting. Rather, aim to identify the most important information and focus on retaining those key points.
• Practice your highlighting and annotation skills with CAT RC passages as much as possible to build your confidence and effectiveness. By mastering this technique, you can improve your comprehension and accuracy when answering questions on the CAT 2023 exam.

CAT RC Passages: Read for Understanding

• Take it one paragraph at a time: Focus on understanding the content of each paragraph before moving on to the next. This will help you grasp the author's ideas and how they connect to one another.
• Identify the main idea: Look for the central theme or topic of the passage. This will give you a framework for understanding the supporting details.
• Pay attention to transitions and signal words: Words like "however," "therefore," and "in contrast" signal changes in the author's argument or perspective. Paying attention to these will help you follow the author's train of thought.
• Visualize: Create mental images or diagrams to help you understand complex ideas or relationships. This can be particularly useful for passages that include data or statistics.

Also Read: CAT Reading Comprehension Preparation Tips & Strategies

CAT RC Passages Analyze Answer Choices

• Eliminating wrong answers: As you read through the answer choices, eliminate ones that are clearly incorrect. This can save you time and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.
• Avoiding traps: Watch out for answer choices that are designed to trick you, such as options that are partially correct but don't fully answer the question or those that use extreme language.
• Identifying the best answer: Remember that the correct answer is the one that best aligns with the passage, is factually accurate, and directly answers the question.

CAT RC Passages: Practice, Practice, Practice

• You can find CAT RC practice resources online, in CAT preparation books , or through coaching centers. Make sure to choose reliable sources and set up a study schedule that suits your daily routine.
• When practicing, it's crucial to focus on understanding the passages rather than just finishing them quickly. Analyze your mistakes and identify areas for improvement to strengthen your skills.
• It's also recommended to time yourself when practicing CAT RC passages. This will help you manage your time efficiently during the actual exam and improve your pacing.
• Incorporating mock CAT exams into your practice routine will give you a realistic experience of the exam format and build your confidence for the actual test day.
• Remember that consistent practice is the key to success in CAT RC passages. By dedicating time regularly to practice CAT RC passages, you will be able to improve your skills and achieve your desired score in the CAT 2023 exam.

Also Read: Linear Arrangement Questions for CAT 2023

How to Read CAT RC passages FAQ