Get a Head Start on Your CAT 2018 Preparation with Slot 1 VARC

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India. As a top MBA aspirant, it's crucial to devise a winning strategy to ace the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section. To give you an edge, IIMs have introduced Slot 1 VARC, offering you a dedicated time slot to tackle this challenging section.

Getting Started with CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC

To begin, familiarize yourself with the CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC syllabus. The section comprises three major components:

• Reading Comprehension (RC): Test your ability to analyze and interpret passages.
• Verbal Ability (VA): Assess your command over English grammar, vocabulary, and usage.
• Quantitative Ability (QA): Evaluate your numerical skills, but with a focus on verbal reasoning.

Step-by-Step Approach to CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC

1. Build a Strong Vocabulary: Start by enriching your vocabulary with flashcards, word lists, and reading materials.
2. Enhance Reading Comprehension: Practice reading diverse texts and develop skills in identifying main ideas, drawing inferences, and answering comprehension-based questions.
3. Master Verbal Ability: Focus on improving grammar, fixing common usage errors, and expanding your knowledge of synonyms, antonyms, and idioms.
4. Solve Verbal Reasoning Questions: Practice solving questions based on critical reasoning, situation analysis, and logical deductions.
5. Time Yourself: Utilize mock tests to simulate the exam environment and improve your time management skills.

Why CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC Matters

Slot 1 VARC provides several advantages that can impact your overall CAT score:

• Dedicated Time Slot: With a separate time slot, you can strategize and allocate time effectively for each section.
• Improved Focus: Eliminating distractions allows you to concentrate solely on VARC, leading to better performance.
• Higher Accuracy: Additional time gives you the opportunity to review and refine your answers, boosting your accuracy.

Key Benefits of CAT 2018 Slot 1 VARC

• Increased Percentile: Studies show that candidates who opt for CAT Slot 1 VARC tend to score higher percentiles in the VARC section.
• Competitive Edge: A strong VARC score can significantly enhance your overall CAT score, giving you an edge over other applicants.
• Improved Confidence: Tackling VARC in a dedicated time slot can boost your confidence and reduce exam anxiety.

Effective Strategies, Tips, and Tricks

• Read Widely: Expose yourself to a variety of texts, including newspapers, magazines, journals, and books, to enhance your comprehension skills.
• Practice Summarization: Regularly summarize articles or passages to strengthen your ability to extract main ideas and key details.
• Join a Study Group: Collaborate with fellow aspirants to discuss concepts, share insights, and stay motivated.
• Attempt Mock Tests: Utilize mock tests to identify areas of improvement and develop strategies for tackling different question types.
• Analyze Previous Year Papers: Review previous year CAT papers to understand the pattern and difficulty level of the VARC section.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-reliance on Gimmicky Techniques: Avoid shortcuts or memorization techniques that may not be reliable in the actual exam.
• Neglecting Reading Practice: Don't focus solely on solving questions; regular reading is essential for developing comprehension skills.
• Ignoring Verbal Ability: While RC is crucial, don't overlook grammar, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning questions.
• Poor Time Management: Plan your time wisely, allocating appropriate time to each section and question type.
• Lack of Confidence: Believe in your abilities and approach the exam with a positive mindset.

Success Stories

• Rajesh Kumar (IIM Calcutta): "Slot 1 VARC helped me focus on improving my RC skills, which led to a significant improvement in my overall CAT score."
• Priya Sharma (IIM Ahmedabad): "The dedicated time slot allowed me to plan my strategy effectively, resulting in a high percentile in the VARC section."
• Ankit Gupta (IIM Bangalore): "VARC in Slot 1 reduced my exam anxiety and gave me ample time to review my answers, boosting my confidence and score."