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CAT 2024; How to Select the Right Passages to Attempt ?

Selecting right passage for CAT 2024 can help candidates crack the exam with their target scores. Check expert recommended tips to select the right passage for CAT 2024.
authorImageShivani Kumari31 Jul, 2024
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CAT 2024; How to Select the Right Passages to Attempt ?

CAT 2024: Reading comprehension in the CAT assesses candidates’ ability to read, understand, and analyse the given passages. It also evaluates candidates' vocabulary skills. RC questions in the CAT exam account for more than 50% of the verbal ability section. Therefore, to meet the sectional cut off in CAT it is crucial to performing well in RC.

To achieve good marks in RC section candidates must know the recommended tips to select the right passage during CAT. This article explains various ways to choose the right RC passage and recommended tips to solve RC questions.

How to Select the Right Passages to Attempt for CAT 2024?

Before knowing which RC passage to select in CAT, it is crucial that candidates know their strengths and weaknesses in VARC. If candidates have a thorough grasp of VA topics and can accurately solve 8 VA questions, then they can select any 2 RC passages. However, if candidates are not certain about their performance in the VA part, it is recommended to attempt more questions in the RC section. Here are the strategies to select the right RC passage for CAT 2024:

Understand the Topic

Candidates have their separate order of difficulty. Some find literature or art based passages easy to understand, whereas some find science based passages convenient to understand. Additionally, some PC passages in the CAT exam have very complicated language, but their questions are easier to solve. In contrast, some passages that seem easy to understand have tricky questions. Therefore, when selecting CAT RC passages, candidates should determine their preferences and select the one they find most convenient to answer.

Focus on Opening Lines

When starting an RC passage, candidates should try to figure out the main point of discussion. Based on their analysis, candidates should decide if they are comfortable with the topic covered in the passage. In case candidates interpret the topic to be complex, it is better they save their precious time and move to another passage where they can accurately answer the provided questions and score good marks.

Length of Passage

Another crucial aspect to consider when selecting RC passages is the length of the passage. Multiple times candidates are intimidated with lengthy passages, as they include lengthy information. Candidates should understand their psyche when it comes to selecting a passage according to its length.

Select the Questions

When selecting an RC passage in CAT, candidates should develop the habit of quickly scanning through the questions. This approach helps candidates determine if they are comfortable answering the questions. Candidates should also consider the time availability when selecting a passage. Many RC questions are tricky to solve and may require extra time. Therefore, to decide wisely, candidates must determine the type of questions and the time requirement to solve them.

Tips for Solving RC Questions

The CAT exam includes a sectional time limit. As the CAT question paper comprises nearly 4 RC passages, following a strategic approach is instrumental to score well in this section.  Here are the tips to solve RC passage questions during CAT:
  • Identify the Main Idea: Determine the central message the author is conveying. The authors provide several hints throughout the passage. Recognising the main idea makes it easier to answer the questions, helping candidates get an edge over other competitors.
  • Eliminate Incorrect Options: Answer choices provided in CAT RC questions that are similar. The best strategy to solve tricky questions quickly is to eliminate the incorrect options. Developing the elimination technique helps candidates accurately answer questions co and maximise their score.
  • Take Notes on Key Points: Note down important points while reading the passage. This approach helps candidates answer questions more efficiently and reduces the need to reread the passage.

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How to Select Right Passages to Attempt for CAT 2024 FAQs

How do you find the main idea of a passage cat?

To find the main idea of the RC passage candidates must look for the most repeated phrase or topic. Sometimes, the author communicates the main idea in the opening paragraph of the passage.

How do you choose RC passages in CAT?

To choose the right passage in CAT, RC candidates should understand the passage’s main idea. If candidates have a thorough command of the discussed topic, they must select that passage.

How to comprehend a passage for CAT?

To strengthen CAT passage comprehension, candidates must enhance their reading skills by covering editorials, essays, articles, novels, etc. While reading a passage, candidates must focus on keywords, improve their reading speed, take short breaks between long study hours, and practice mock tests.

What type of passages come in CAT?

The CAT VARC section comprises multiple RC passages. These passages are based on factual, analytical, argumentative, narrative, and descriptive topics.

How much time for 1 RC in CAT?

To solve the questions presented in an RC section, candidates must allocate nearly 8-10 minutes.
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