Common CAT VARC traps and how to avoid them
The verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC) section of the CAT exam often catches students off-guard. While it may appear to be the easiest section for those with a good command over English, it is actually filled with subtle traps that can lower your score significantly. As a fellow CAT aspirant, I want to share some of the common VARC pitfalls and how you can steer clear of them. Make sure you are also familiar with the CAT exam syllabus and CAT exam pattern before attempting this section.
1. Falling for extreme answer choices
The trap: Many questions, especially in reading comprehension, include answer choices with extreme words like "always," "never," or "completely."
How to avoid: In most cases, such extremes are incorrect. The CAT exam values nuance and subtlety. Always look for options that are moderate and stick closely to the passage tone.
2. Misinterpreting the authors tone
The trap: Misreading whether the author is being sarcastic, critical, or appreciative can lead to selecting the wrong answer.
How to avoid: Pay attention to adjectives, adverbs, and overall sentence structure. Practice with diverse RC passages to become familiar with different tones.
3. Prioritising speed over accuracy
The trap: Trying to read faster than your comprehension ability leads to missed details and wrong answers.
How to avoid: Improve your reading stamina gradually. Use a timer while practicing but dont compromise on understanding. Focus on increasing comprehension speed, not just reading speed.
4. Overthinking parajumbles
The trap: Getting trapped in minor details and reordering sentences based on content rather than logical flow.
How to avoid: Focus on connectors, chronology, and pronoun references. Build the backbone of the paragraph using obvious links first.
5. Ignoring vocabulary in context
The trap: Choosing meaning based on your preconceived idea of a word, not how its used in the passage.
How to avoid: Always read 1-2 lines before and after the word in question. Context is key in understanding word meanings.
6. Assuming personal bias
The trap: Letting your own knowledge or opinions influence your choice instead of sticking to the passage.
How to avoid: Treat every passage as a standalone piece. Rely only on the information given, not what you know outside of it.
7. Getting stuck on one tough question
The trap: Spending too much time on one difficult question and rushing through the rest.
How to avoid: Learn to identify and skip questions that are time sinks. Come back to them later if time permits.
8. Misreading options that are too similar
The trap: Two or more options seem nearly identical, making elimination difficult.
How to avoid: Re-read the relevant passage portion and eliminate choices that go beyond the scope or add unwarranted assumptions.
Final thoughts
The CAT VARC section is as much about strategy as it is about language. By understanding these traps and training yourself to recognize them, you can significantly improve your accuracy and confidence. Always keep revising the CAT exam syllabus and stick to the official CAT exam pattern. Also, ensure your CAT application form and CAT admit card are in order well in advance so you can focus purely on preparation.
Stay consistent, stay calm, and read smart!
