Vipra ShrivastavaSenior Manager - Content
Verbal Ability forms one third of the CAT question paper (also other MBA entrance exams) along with Reading Comprehension. It usually consists of parajumbles and odd sentence out. Verbal Ability is central to all other competitive exams too. Verbal Ability comprises three elements – Vocabulary, English Grammar and Verbal Reasoning.
Most of the MBA aspirants find it easy to crack Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation but face challenges in Verbal Ability. This is because, command over Verbal Ability is directly proportional to command over English Grammar and Vocabulary. Candidates who are good in English Comprehension, find it relatively easy to crack the Verbal Ability section of CAT and other MBA entrance exams.
However, only having a good command over English is not enough. One needs to practice a lot of questions to ace Verbal Ability. Most of the questions in the Verbal Ability section of MBA entrance exams are confusing or have options that are closely related. Candidates are vulnerable to marking such questions incorrectly in a speed based test. Thus, the need for practice. Let's undestand the Verbal Ability section of MBA entrance exams and preparation strategy.
Q: How many questions should I solve to score 99 percentile in CAT exam?
To achieve a 99 percentile in CAT 2023, strategic planning and focused preparation are essential. In CAT 2022, candidates aiming for a 99 percentile needed to focus on specific section-wise attempts:
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC):
Target around 13 correct questions out of the 24 questions in this section.
Emphasize reading comprehension, para jumbles, para summary, and fill-in-the-sentence type questions.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR):
Aim for 9-10 correct questions out of the 20 questions in this challenging section.
Prioritize data-based reasoning and logical thinking.
Quantitative Ability (QA):
Target approximately 11 correct questions out of the 22 questions in the QA section.
Focus on mathematical skills, formulae, equations, and shortcuts.
Based on CAT 2022 trends, the overall target for a 99 percentile would be to answer 27-33 questions correctly out of the total 66.
| Section | Total Questions | Questions to Attempt for 99th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 13-15 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 9-12 |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 11-13 |
| Total (All Sections) | 66 | 27-33 |
Upvote 
Q: Are six months enough to prepare for CAT?
It is very subjective. It depends on person to person. It is recommended to give 1 year for thorough preparation for CAT but number of hours of study may vary for different candidates preparing for CAT. If you are giving more than 8 hours daily, then you can even complete the preparation in 6 months. There are different approaches that many people follow to prepare for CAT. It completely depends on candidate's ability to learn and grasp concepts and the number of hours per day a candidate is giving to study. Some candidates complete the entire syllabus and then they go for Mocks but some directly start from mocks. People who do not have an year time for preparation, they usually take the second approach to save time. They give mocks, analyze them, identify their strengths and weaknesses, they work on those topics in which they are weak and refine their strengths, increase their answering speed per question along with th accuracy. They monitor and analyze each and every mock. They also focus on solVING previous year question papers of CAT as much as possible. CAT is given by both fresh graduates as well as experienced professionals. So, preparation time may vary for different candidates and their approach to crack the exam may also vary.
Upvote Q: What is the key to score well in VARC section of CAT?
The secret to doing well on the Common Admission Test's Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) component is to build a plan and hone certain abilities:
1. Reading: To increase vocabulary and comprehension abilities, make it a practice to read frequently on a variety of subjects and genres.
2. Practice: To become more comfortable with the question patterns and to increase your speed and accuracy, work through a range of reading comprehension passages and verbal ability problems from past CAT exams and mock tests.
3. Time Management: Divide the reading comprehension and verbal ability questions into manageable chunks of time, making sure you have enough time for each while trying to get the best possible accuracy.
4. Vocabulary: Expand your knowledge of words by acquiring new ones every day and by comprehending how they are used in context.
Upvote Verbal Ability for CAT and other MBA Exams
Let’s look at weightage of Verbal Ability in the top MBA entrance exams of India. The number of questions presented in the table below is basis the latest question papers. This should be seen as reference as in the upcoming exams, the number of Verbal Ability questions could be higher or lower. In CAT 2024, a major change was witnessed - absence of parajumble questions. In VA sub part of the CAT 2024 question paper, there were only parasummary, odd sentence and sentence completion questions were there.
| MBA Entrance Exams |
Verbal Ability Weightage |
|---|---|
| 8/24 questions |
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| 14/26 questions |
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| 14/30 questions |
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| 19/25 questions |
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| 4/15 questions |
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| 19/35 questions |
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| 35/50 questions |
Also Read: Best books for CAT and recommended readings for MBA preparation
A key aspect that one needs to keep in mind for Verbal Ability preparation is that in CAT, the questions on verbal reasoning are less than English comprehension questions but in other top MBA entrance exams, it is vice versa. You may have also heard many aspirants say that CAT’s English section is tougher than other exams. Which is true and hence, if you can crack RC passages of CAT, then you can crack RC passages of every other MBA entrance exam.
Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?
CAT is a speed based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Upvote Q: How many CAT mock tests to practice to score 99 percentile?
Upvote Verbal Ability Syllabus for CAT and Other MBA Entrance Exams
Verbal Ability syllabus of all MBA entrance exams includes the following topics. The questions in the exams are framed on the basis of the following topics:
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Also Read:
Q: Is CMAT easier than CAT?
Yes, CMAT is much easier that CAT exam. Despite the fact that CMAT and CAT syllabus are same and that CMAT has two more sections than CAT the former is much easier than the latter. The CAT exam is usually of moderate to high difficulty level, whereas the CMAT exam is of easy to moderate difficulty level.
There are key differences between CMAT and CAT which make the former easier. There is no sectional time limit in CMAT so candidates do not face the pressure of completing a given section within certain time limit. In CAT there are 4-5 Reading Comprehension passages which are 500-600 words, and 12-14 question.
In CMAT there is usually, only one Reading Comprehension passage, having 4 questions. The Quantitative Aptitude questions of CMAT are also easier than CAT and so are Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation questions. It is easier to score high percentile in CMAT as the number of applicants is more than one Lacs less in CAT.
Upvote Q: What is the section-wise weightage of VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude in CAT Syllabus?
Common Admission Test, commonly know as CAT is conducted by Indian Institute of Management in the month of November. It's important for CAT aspirants to have sheer knowledge of each topic and subject to have a clear preparation strategy. CAT syllabus includes Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). As per the last few year's exam patterns, CAT usually gives more emphasis to QA making up to 34% weightage followed by VARC, 34% and DILR which has 32% of the test. Please have a look at the subject/section weighatge in CAT exam:
- Verbal Ability - 10%
- Reading Comprehension - 24%
- Data Interpretation - 16%
- Logical Reasoning - 16%
- Quantitative Apitude - 34%
It's important to note that the above are general trends. It is possible that the exam-taking committee may make amendments in the coming year. Visit the official website of CAT for the most accurate and up-to-date information on CAT exam.
Upvote Q: What makes CAT tougher than other MBA entrance exams?
Upvote How to Prepare for Verbal Ability?
- The best source of preparation for Verbal Ability are Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis and High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren and Martin.
- The most important aspect of Verbal Ability preparation for MBA exams is reading. So start early and develop the habit of reading. In the beginning, read at least 20 pages of a novel every day. Note down words you don’t know and check their meanings and usage.
- The Vocabulary section of Verbal Ability normally comprises Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies, Spellings, Odd Words, One Word Different Meanings, Same Word Different Spellings, Sentence Completion and Cloze Tests. Thus, the key is to not only learn the word meaning but also understand its etymology and translation.
- Idioms are another area in Verbal Ability that many find confusing. The way to understand the usage of an idiom is to understand its origin. Idioms don’t translate literally but their meaning is well understood on if they’re used correctly. For example, in the idiom, 'You’ve got another think coming', many confuse 'think' with 'thing'.
- Understanding fundamentals of English Grammar helps in solving other Verbal Ability questions like Para-jumbles, Logical Continuation, Summary and even Reading Comprehension questions to a great extent.
- The most basic way of preparing for Verbal Ability is by reading. Read books, novels, newspapers, online blogs. The more you read the better command you will have on English Language.
- Practice a range of questions on verbal reasoning topics as well as non-verbal reasoning topics of easy, moderate and high dificulty levels.
Also Read:
Q: Is it true that someone who is weak in English, cannot score well in Verbal Ability?
No, it is not true that someone who is weak in English can’t score well in Verbal Ability. If one works hard and prepares well for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, they can score well in the section. One only needs to have the drive and discipline. They will require to start preparation for this subject earlier than those who have a good command over the language. Start reading books and novels. Keep a dictionary and mark the difficult words. Make notes of common idioms and phrases. Revise word meaning and concepts of Grammar every alternate day. Practice questions and mock tests.
Upvote Q: Which are the best books for VARC preparation?
Best books for VARC preparation are Word Power Made Easy by Normal Lewis and High School English Grammar by Wren & Martin. Apart from these two books, students must refer to practice books such as, How To Prepare For Verbal Ability And Reading Comprehension For CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay, The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability for the CAT and Other MBA Entrance Examinations by Sujit Kumar and The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha.
These books are recommended for all the MBA entrance exams as well as other competitive exams.
Upvote VARC Questions with Solution for Practice
1. The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Adiyogi is generally worshipped in the country as Shiva. As per various iconographic proofs, he is said to have walked this land over 15,000 years ago. If we did not forget him for 15,000 years, he must have done something significant. Though it has largely turned into worship and rituals, you must understand that when Adiyogi came, the human intellect was generally not in a shape for human well-being and subjectivity to be handled in a scientific manner. So, not knowing how to use this technology for well-being that he offered, most people worshipped him. Only a few people made use of it.
(A) If we did not forget Adiyoga for 15,000 years ago he might have achieved something significant in his life apart from constantly being worshiped for one or another reason.
(B) Adiyogi who was worshipped as Shiva, became a prominent person who was worshipped for his gigantic personality though he could never expand the scientific knowledge in the nation.
(C) Being worshipped as Shiva, Adiyogi came over 15,000 years ago at the time when scientific knowledge was not flourishing.
(D) When Adiyogi arrived, the human intellect was not in a state that allowed human well-being and subjectivity to be dealt with scientifically, though he really wanted to do something significant.
Solution: (D) The important keywords are – Adiyogi, human well-being, scientific, significant. All these words together build a key concept. Only D option makes sense. Other options are close but they are misrepresented.
2. The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4) below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and choose the correct option.
1. Exposure to pet cats also appeared to cut down the risk of developing food allergies, especially egg, wheat and soybean allergies.
2. Besides this, the researchers found that allergy rates were not significantly different among the kids who grew up with dogs kept outside.
3. The study showed that kids who grew up with indoor dogs were significantly less likely to develop food allergies than those who did not, particularly egg, milk and nut allergies.
4. This study is based on the hygiene hypothesis, which suggests that pet exposure is effective in preventing allergic disease
(A) 3214
(B) 1234
(C) 1243
(D) 4312
Solution: (A) The use of the conjunction besides in 2 hints that it will follow another sentence in sequence. 3 states a study about pet dogs, and 1 and 2 further elaborate that study. 4 defines the basis of that study in the end. 3214 is the most logical sequence here
3.The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
We have almost completely substituted all previous forms of communication, transportation, and other aspects of our society with the creation of newer, more industrial methods and apparatuses. Before the invention of motorized vehicles, people rode horse-drawn carriages to get from one place to another. Before the creation of mobile cellular devices, people sent handwritten letters and postcards in the mail. Before the establishment of the internet, most leisure activities and social interactions were conducted outdoors and in person.
(A) Before motorised vehicles, people rode horse-drawn carriages and mainly engaged in leisure and social contacts both outside and in person.
(B) All traditional modes of communication, transportation, and other facets of society have been supplanted with newer, more industrial ways and devices.
(C) Past modes of communication must be modified if the tradition of mail and handwritten letters is to be maintained.
(D) Many forms of communication, transportation, and other aspects are replaced with newer industrial methods but still some require immediate attention.
Solution: (B) Only B statement captures the main idea given in the paragraph without changing the facts. D captures the idea but in the end it alters the given fact. A and C are fart-fetched as per the given paragraph.
4. Choose the correct order of the given parts to create a meaningful sentence.
The life of a
P. goldfish isn’t always filled with joys that are worth
Q. remembering; countless numbers of these small fish have
R. bag before being flushed down a toilet
S. little to look back on other than a short trip in a tiny
(A) SQRP
(B) QPRS
(C) SRQP
(D) PQSR
Solution: 4. (D) : The given hint ends with an article ‘a’ which means the next part should start with a noun. Either P or R can follow this article. Only (d) option starts with P. So, the correct sequence has to be PQSR.
5. Choose the correct order of the given parts to create a meaningful paragraph.
P. While the spiritual awakening process can feel painful and disturbing at first, it ultimately helps you to live a more meaningful life.
Q. The sensation that your life doesn’t make sense anymore is the product of having all of your former beliefs, desires, and paradigms challenged and often disproven.
R. This is traumatic, but a necessary part of your expansion.
S. Spiritual awakenings happen as a natural product of your soul evolving, expanding, and maturing.
(A) SRPQ
(B) PRSQ
(C) SPQR
(D) PQSR
Solution: 5. (C) : S starts the topic of spiritual awakening by defining it. P further elaborates it by stating a fact related to it and Q supports it by giving examples. The most logical sequence here is SPQR.
6. The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4) below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and choose the correct option.
- Teacher Unions have welcomed this campaign and the opportunity has already come and gone for the Indian Government additionally to think on comparable lines and find a way to lift up the sinking assurance of the teaching profession.
- An amount of $100 million has been put aside to battle the shortage of candidates for the teacher training.
- They have additionally requested that the campaign ought to be coordinated by improved compensation scales, the workload and confidence in order to steer clear of enrolment issues with an intent to raise the picture of the teaching profession.
- A progression of notices is presently being screened demonstrating well-known individuals talking about teachers they remember and appreciate.
(A) 4123
(B) 2341
(C) 2431
(D) 3412
Sol 6: (C) 2nd sentence introduces the problem and 4th sentence further extends the solution for that problem. In the 3rd sentence, ‘they’ refers to the notices and the word ‘campaign’ connects with the 1st sentence.
7. The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4) below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and choose the correct option.
- They discharge carbon-rich excrement and bodily fluid that microbes prefer to use for respiration, transforming these microscopic organisms into carbon dioxide processing plants.
- Simultaneously, jellyfish additionally devour immense amounts of plankton, which is a significant method for removing carbon dioxide from the environment and seas.
- Jellyfish are more ready than other marine life creature for the changing sea condition, for example, hotter temperatures, salinity changes, sea acidification and contamination.
- Not exclusively would jellyfish be able to withstand the effect of environmental change, yet they likewise have the ability to quicken it.
(A) 4213
(B) 2341
(C) 2314
(D) 3412
Sol 7: (D) Both sentence 1 and sentence 2 substantiate the point made by sentence 4 about jellyfish having the capacity to accelerate climate change. 1 comes before 2, as 2 starts with “simultaneously”. The first part of sentence 4 reiterates the point made by sentence 3, about how jellyfish are well prepared to withstand climate change. So, sentence 3 precedes 4.
8: The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4) below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and choose the correct option.
1.All baked goods are made from a few basic ingredients.
2. As an artist, the baker uses scientific knowledge of the chemistry of baking to create unique yet familiar dishes.
3. Their experience and personal philosophies play a large role in the way they work.
4. Bakers use flavor, texture, and visual appeal to produce an edible art piece.
(A) 4213
(B) 1234
(C) 2314
(D) 3124
Sol 8: (B) Considering the flow of information, 1234 is the most logical sequence here.
9. Four jumbled up sentences, related to a topic, are given below. Three of them can be put together to form a coherent paragraph. Identify the odd one out.
- Insulin resistance is an important factor in non-insulin-dependent diabetes, and scientists are researching the causes of insulin resistance.
- People with diabetes can consume 150-200 gm watermelon at one time.
- A gland called the pancreas, found just behind the stomach, makes insulin.
- People with non-insulin-dependent diabetes usually produce some insulin in their pancreas.
(A) Option 1
(B) Option 2
(C) Option 3
(D) Option 4
Sol 9: (B) Second sentence talks about watermelon consumption for a diabetic patient whereas other sentences majorly talk about insulin and non-insulin-dependent diabetes and about the research work on the same.
10. Four jumbled up sentences, related to a topic, are given below. Three of them can be put together to form a coherent paragraph. Identify the odd one out.
- The mall is also the product of the creation of suburbs.
- Although villages outside of cities have existed since antiquity, it was the technological and transportation advances of the 19th century that gave rise to a conscious exodus of the population away from crowded, industrialized cities toward quieter, more rural towns.
- While these community-anchoring, catch-all stores are less common, family-owned businesses are still out there.
- The suburbs are spread out geographically, shoppers drive to the mall, which means that parking areas must be an integral part of a mall’s design.
(A) Option 1
(B) Option 2
(C) Option 3
(D) Option 4
Sol 10: (C) The main idea of the passage is to define the emergence of malls and its basic design. All the sentences except the 3rd one rightly states all the points related to suburbs and malls. Third sentence forms no link as it talks about the stores owned by the family.
Download Free VARC Question Bank for Practice |
Also Read:
Best Books for Verbal Ability Preparation
Some of the most recommended books for Verbal Ability preparation are mentioned below:
- How To Prepare For Verbal Ability And Reading Comprehension For CAT by Arun Sharma, 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
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