Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) questions with answers for CAT
Anil Solonki19 Aug, 2023
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Typically, the initial section of MBA entrance exams is often dedicated to VARC. This is primarily because this section can be time-consuming due to its inclusion of lengthy and complex passages. Delve into this article for a deeper understanding of Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) queries along with their corresponding responses for CAT.
When it comes to preparing for the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of MBA exams, it's important to have a comprehensive and well-thought-out plan since mastering it requires time and effort. Unlike subjects such as Quantitative Aptitude or Logical Reasoning, which can't be conquered overnight through memorization or quick strategies, VARC demands a different approach. The key to succeeding in the VARC section of MBA entrance exams lies in long-term planning, nurturing English comprehension skills through consistent reading of books and journals, grasping the fundamentals of English grammar, and regular practice of the language. In India, the VARC section of the CAT exam is often considered the most challenging among various MBA entrance exams. This difficulty stems from the nature of the Reading Comprehension passages in CAT, which typically require drawing inferences, unlike the fact-based passages of exams like CMAT or IIFT. Similarly, the XAT RC section is also known for its difficulty and may even include a poem. One of the primary concerns MBA aspirants have during VARC preparation is how to effectively handle Reading Comprehension passages. It's quite a task to read dense passages and accurately answer related questions within a short span of time, usually a minute or two. Trying to develop this skill within just a few months isn't realistic. Therefore, individuals who already have a habit of regular reading gain an advantage when it comes to handling RC preparation smoothly. The MBA exam season is in full swing, with preparations underway for exams like CAT 2023, SNAP 2023, MAT 2023, NMAT 2023, XAT 2024, and IIFT 2024. With this in mind, let's delve into Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension to explore effective strategies for tackling this significant section of MBA entrance exams.VARC Syllabus: Highlights
The VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) syllabus is consistent across various MBA entrance exams, yet the structure of the VARC section can differ. For instance, while CAT predominantly features English passages for reading comprehension and para jumbles, XAT incorporates a good number of fill-in-the-blanks and grammar questions. Here are some key highlights to guide your VARC syllabus preparation for MBA exams:- The VARC section holds substantial weight and is a crucial part of MBA entrance exams.
- A well-planned, long-term approach to VARC syllabus preparation is vital, especially for candidates who aren't proficient in English comprehension.
- Possessing a strong command over English comprehension and vocabulary is essential to excelling in this section.
- Candidates preparing for the CAT, XAT, or GMAT should start VARC preparation well in advance to cultivate the habit of reading and develop an interest.
- VARC is often the initial section of MBA entrance exams due to the potential time consumption from dense and lengthy passages. Tackling Reading Comprehension questions at the beginning, when the mind is fresh, is recommended.
- Success in the VARC section hinges on diligent practice and attention to detail. It's crucial to practice a variety of Reading Comprehension passages, including poems, and be familiar with the diverse types of passages encountered in MBA entrance exams.
- Fluency in spoken English is vital, but grammatical accuracy is equally important. A solid grasp of English grammar aids in comprehending complex questions.
- VARC questions can become tricky if you lack knowledge of English grammar rules. Thus, focusing on English grammar during MBA entrance exam preparation is crucial, as it aids in solving Reading Comprehension and parajumble questions.
What is Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension?
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension have four main components:- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Verbal Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Syllabus for MBA Exams
The VARC syllabus for MBA entrance exams encompasses the following topics. Allow yourself a span of two to three months to gradually cover each of these areas:| VARC Topics for CAT and other MBA Entrance Exams | ||
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How to Prepare for the CAT VARC Section?
Over time, the CAT VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) section has transformed from being a simple English language test to an English usage evaluation. Previously, Vocabulary and Grammar questions were direct - you either knew the answer or you didn't. However, the approach has shifted, placing more importance on assessing candidates' contextual grasp of the language. The current CAT VARC section evaluates candidates on the following aspects:- Understanding the nuances of given words.
- Grasping the subtleties of words within a given context or usage.
- Demonstrating proficiency in correct syntax, sentence structure, and formation.
- Identifying complex ideas presented within paragraphs.
Best Books for VARC Preparation 2023
Here are some highly recommended books for CAT VARC preparation:- High School Grammar and Composition Wren and Martin
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- How To Prepare For Verbal Ability And Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
- The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability for the CAT and Other MBA Entrance Examinations by Sujit Kumar
- The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
VARC Weightage in Top MBA Entrance Exams 2023
Here are a few prominent MBA entrance exams along with the weightage assigned to their Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension sections:| MBA Entrance Exam | Number of VARC Questions | Total Marks |
| CAT | 24 | 72 |
| XAT | 26 | 26 |
| IIFT | 35 | 105 |
| MAT | 40 | 40 |
| SNAP | 34 | 51 |
| CMAT | 25 | 100 |
| ATMA | 60 | 60 |
| MAH-CET | 50 | 50 |
VARC questions with answers for CAT FAQs
Q1: How much weightage does the VARC section hold in the CAT exam? Ans : The VARC section carries 34% of the total CAT exam weightage. Q2: What kind of questions can I expect in the VARC section of CAT? Ans : The VARC section includes Reading Comprehension passages, Para jumbles, Sentence Correction, and Vocabulary-based questions. Q3: How many Reading Comprehension passages are typically present in the CAT VARC section? Ans : The CAT VARC section usually contains 5 to 6 Reading Comprehension passages. Q4: What is the key to mastering Reading Comprehension for CAT? Ans : Developing good reading habits and practicing comprehension regularly are essential to excel in RC. Q5: Is the Vocabulary portion of VARC challenging in CAT? Ans : Vocabulary questions in CAT are context-driven, focusing on word usage. Building a strong vocabulary and understanding word nuances is crucial.🔥 Trending Blogs
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