Achieving a 99 Percentile in VARC for the CAT: Strategies and Tips

Scoring a 99 percentile in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of the Common Admission Test (CAT) is no small feat. It requires a robust combination of strong reading skills, extensive vocabulary, and critical thinking. This article delves into the strategies and tips that can help you achieve this remarkable score. Let's explore the key elements needed for success in VARC.

FREE Preparation

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Develop Strong Reading Habits

1. Read Regularly

Make reading a daily habit. Engage with a variety of reading materials such as newspapers, magazines, books, and online articles. Regular reading helps in developing a broad understanding of different topics and improves your language skills.

2. Active Reading

While reading, actively engage with the text. Underline key points, take notes, and ask yourself questions. This active involvement will enhance your comprehension and retention of the material. Try to keep a journal or notebook where you record your thoughts and insights.

3. Improve Reading Speed

Achieve a balance between speed and comprehension. Practice reading faster while still understanding the content. You can use speed reading techniques and tools to improve your reading pace without compromising your comprehension.

Enhance Vocabulary

1. Read Widely

Exposure to diverse reading materials will expand your vocabulary. Reading books, articles, and newspapers from different genres and topics can help you encounter new words regularly. This exposure will gradually increase your vocabulary and improve your overall language proficiency.

2. Use Vocabulary Building Tools

Utilize flashcards, word games, and vocabulary apps to reinforce your learning. These tools can be particularly helpful for memorizing and retaining new words. Regularly revisiting these tools will strengthen your vocabulary.

3. Contextual Learning

Learn words in context as it helps in better retention. Try to understand the meaning of a word by seeing it used in different contexts. This method will make it easier to remember and recall new words when needed.

Mastery in Reading Comprehension

1. Identify the Main Idea

Quickly grasp the central theme of the passage. This skill is crucial for comprehending the overall message and staying focused on the main points. As you read, ask yourself what the passage is primarily about and what the author's key message is.

2. Understand the Structure

Analyze the structure of the passage. Different passages have different structures, such as chronological, comparative, or cause-effect. Identifying these structures will help you understand the flow of the text and make it easier to navigate.

3. Answer Questions Strategically

Read the questions first to understand what information you need to extract from the passage. This approach will save time and ensure that you are focusing on the relevant details when answering the questions.

4. Practice Regularly

Regular practice is crucial to improving your reading comprehension skills. Solve a variety of reading comprehension questions from past CAT papers and mock tests. This practice will help you become familiar with the types of questions asked and improve your problem-solving skills.

Improving Verbal Ability

1. Grammar and Usage

Master the rules of grammar and usage. Strong grammar skills are essential for effective communication. Review the basic rules of grammar and practice applying them in your writing and speaking.

2. Critical Reasoning

Practice solving critical reasoning questions to enhance your logical thinking. Critical reasoning involves analyzing arguments, understanding assumptions, and drawing valid conclusions. Regular practice will improve your ability to think logically and make sound judgments.

3. Verbal Reasoning

Improve your ability to analyze arguments and draw conclusions. This skill is vital for VARC as it involves understanding and interpreting complex information. Practice identifying logical fallacies, evaluating arguments, and making reasonable inferences.

Regular Mock Tests

1. Assess Your Progress

Taking regular mock tests is essential for assessing your progress. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and work on improving the areas where you are struggling. This self-assessment will help you focus your efforts on the most important aspects of VARC.

2. Time Management

Practice time management skills to complete the section within the allotted time. VARC requires a significant amount of time, so managing your time effectively is crucial. Allocate specific time slots for each section of the test and stick to them during practice tests.

3. Analyze Your Performance

Analyze your mistakes and learn from them. After each mock test, review the questions you got wrong and understand why you made those mistakes. This analysis will help you avoid similar errors in future tests and improve your overall performance.

Seek Guidance

1. Coaching Institutes

Consider joining a reputable coaching institute for structured guidance. These institutes provide comprehensive training, preparation materials, and expert insights. They can offer personalized guidance and help you navigate the complexities of the CAT VARC section.

2. Online Courses

Utilize online platforms for additional practice and expert insights. Many websites offer free and paid courses, tutorials, and practice questions. These resources can provide you with the necessary support and guidance to excel in VARC.

Conclusion

Remember, consistency is key. Dedication and regular practice are the foundation of success in VARC. Don't get discouraged by setbacks; a positive attitude and perseverance will take you a long way. By following these strategies and tips, you can achieve a high score in the VARC section of the CAT and improve your chances of securing a 99 percentile.