VARC Preparation

Reading Comprehension passages in CAT exam are usually inference based. The topics are usually based on Economy, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences and Current Affairs. There are several types of questions, such as:• Central theme based questions• Vocabulary based questions• Inference based questions• Title based questions• Paragraph and Structure based questions• Tone based questionsThe approach to every type of question has to be different depending on their theme. To master this skill, you will need to start preparing for English section of any entrance exam early on. Firstly, you will need to develop reading comprehension speed and skill, secondly, you will have to practice sample RC passages of different types to understand the difference in approach.

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.

Candidates must read books on economy, philosophy, science, astronomy, psychology, sociology, history, geography, psychoanalysis, economics, astronomy, art & culture, literature, fiction novels, auto-biographies and biographies. Most of the passages that appear in any MBA entrance exam are based on these topics. The RC passages length may vary but most of the times the language is tough with foreign words and expressions or a good amount of data.It is also recommended to candidates to read research papers, survey reports, etc. to have the practice of understanding and relating data in a quick read. Always refer to dictionary for word meanings while reading books.

To develop reading habit, one should start reading books and newspapers every day for at least one hour daily from at least six to eight months before the exam. Ideally, you should start reading books from a year before the entrance exam you are planning to appear for. We say so because, reading depends a lot on one’s interest. You need to first build interest in reading. Candidate who have to habit or interest in reading may not find it too difficult to read 100 pages every day, but those who have no interest in reading will have to develop it. So, start reading early on and read a variety of books. Start will books having easy language, once you develop interest and speed, move to books with tough English.

To prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, stick to the traditional path of concepts first and practice later. Study English grammar and Verbal Ability first to understand the concept. Then practice a number of sample questions of different kinds to gain confidence, speed and accuracy. For RC passages, develop the habit of reading from early stages. Read books from all walks of life.Practicing sample Reading Comprehension passages and questions in a crucial part of VARC preparation. This will help you understand the types of questions and RC passages asked in various entrance exams.As an aspirant, you will be appearing for more than one entrance exam, thus you need to have the practice of different types of RC passages.

It is necessary to practice sample questions for preparation of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension because all the MBA entrance exams are speed based test and there is just about minute allotted to each question. By practicing sample questions, you will get the practice of reading 600 plus words passages quickly, develop speed and accuracy in solving question and learn the skill to choose which question to answer and which one to skip to avoid negative marking.Practicing sample questions will also give you prior experience of different types of Reading Comprehension questions of different exams. Remember that same preparation formula cannot be applied to all entrance exams.