Mastering Reading Comprehension in CAT: Tips and Techniques for Improved Accuracy
Understanding the CAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Passages
The Reading Comprehension (RC) section of the Common Admission Test (CAT) often presents passages taken from a variety of sources, including economic, philosophical, sociological articles, and literary criticism, featured in major newspapers and magazines. These passages can be broadly categorized into several types based on their content and purpose:
Criticism/Subject Analysis
Passages that contain literary criticism, event analysis, and detailed subject exposition fall into this category. To gauge the central idea, carefully read the opening paragraph and the concluding sentence. This excerpt often encapsulates the key message and provides a clear understanding of the author’s perspective.
Factual
Factual passages are rich in information, data, and figures. They may also contain some inference-based questions, which require careful analysis and careful synthesis of given information.
Narrative/Descriptive
Narrative or descriptive passages aim to describe or explain certain theories and ideologies. It is crucial to identify the writer’s stance or view on the subject discussed. Indicative sentences, often starting with words like 'hence', 'therefore', or 'thus', can help in understanding the author’s perspective.
Types of Reading Comprehension Questions
The general types of questions in the RC section of CAT include:
Theme or Central Idea
These questions often ask about the central theme or idea of the passage. Utilize the method of elimination; the correct answer should be consistent with all or most themes explored in the passage.
Agree/Disagree
These questions require you to choose a line or idea that the author is most likely to agree or disagree with. Carefully align your choice with the overall theme of the passage.
Title Based Questions
Title-based questions ask you to select an appropriate title for the passage. Understanding the central idea is crucial here. The correct answer should be concise and accurately reflect the theme of the passage.
Inference Based
Inference-based questions require you to identify indicative sentences. These often start with 'hence', 'therefore', 'thus', and provide information that can be used to draw inferences.
Vocabulary Based
Vocabulary-focused questions can be tackled more easily by enhancing your vocabulary. Regular reading and learning at least five new words daily can significantly improve your chances of acing these questions.
7 Easy Steps to Solving RC Passages
Successfully navigating the RC section of the CAT requires a systematic approach. Here are seven effective steps:
1. Quick Passage Skim
Read the passage quickly to get a general sense of the content. Do not get stuck on complex sentences or difficult words. If you encounter any, read the complete sentence to form a contextual understanding.
2. Mental Notekeeping
Mental notes of the overall idea or information in each paragraph can help in distinguishing between two probable choices. This practice aids in reducing confusion during answering.
3. Sketching Themes
Create a skeletal outline of the themes covered in the passage. This can be particularly helpful as most questions are related to the central idea or tone. Structuring your understanding this way can streamline your answering process.
4. Question-Answer Approach
Read the questions and answer choices, starting by eliminating those inconsistent with the passage’s theme. This method minimizes errors and maximizes your chances of selecting the correct answer.
5. Time Management
Always keep an eye on the timer, especially when taking mock tests. This practice ensures that you stay on track and do not spend excessive time on any question.
6. Steady Progression
If a question appears too difficult, do not struggle. Instead, move on to the next question. The time saved can be used to answer other questions more effectively.
7. Consistent Practice
Regular practice is crucial to mastering the RC section of the CAT. Simulate test conditions during practice to get accustomed to the time constraint and question types.
Conclusion
With a clear understanding of the types of passages and questions, and by following the provided steps, you can significantly improve your accuracy and performance in the Reading Comprehension section of the CAT. Consistent practice and a strategic approach are key to excelling in this section.