How to Solve Passage Based Questions in CAT 2019?

    Akanksha Gupta Akanksha Gupta
    Content Curator

    CAT Syllabus comprises the questions from class 10+2 syllabus. It evaluates a candidate’s quantitative, verbal/reading, data interpretation, and reasoning skills. The paper consists of 100 MCQ & Non-MCQ questions with a duration of 3 hours. CAT 2019 is expected to be conducted on November 24, 2019 (Sunday) via online (Computer Based) mode.

    Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension is one of the crucial sections in CAT paper. The section consists of passage-based questions and is considered to be the most time-consuming section. VARC section tests a candidate’s language, understanding, and comprehension skills. While solving these type of questions, students have to be quick, comprehend the information, analyze the data, and then choose the correct answer.

    Tip: As per experts, it is suggested to go through the questions first and then read the passage.   

    Read the below points to solve passage-based questions in CAT 2019 exam:

    Summaries Well

    Before solving the passage-based questions, students should identify the central theme of the paragraph. Students should not get distracted by the paragraphs given in the passage. The summary should be precise and short. To expertise, this skill applicant should read a newspaper or magazine on a daily basis. If the passage/ paragraph show many ideas, then, summarizing a paragraph in your own words would be beneficial. Once you summarize a paragraph, it would be easy for you to find the correct answer.

    Check CAT Syllabus 2019

    Improve Vocabulary

    Vocabulary is the standard string that can help you to reach at the correct option in less time. So, students are advised to expand their vocabulary base. To broaden the vocabulary, the most common way is to invest more and more time reading. Reading will not only enhance your vocabulary but will also improve your comprehension skills. 

    Evaluation Skills

    Evaluation skills are the most critical skills that help to spot the right option. In some cases, while looking for the main option, it seems too complex to find the correct option. In that situation, students are advised to use an elimination strategy. To develop these skills, students need to practice summary questions from CAT Previous Year Papers or mock tests.

    While reading the passage, the first and foremost task would be to identify the subject. This can be done by picking the key points and ideas as you read. After identifying the subject, the linking of the key ideas comes into play. Try to write the paragraph short, crisp, and accurate in your own words. 

    Check CAT Paper Pattern 2019

    Select Relevant Option 

    After writing the summary in your own words, you will need to check the option which resonates with your answer more. The answer should be grammatically correct and concise. If students analyze and understand the passage well, then they can summarize it quickly. Sometimes, selecting the answer option state the facts accurately but do not encompass the entire passage. So, it is preferred to select an option that is wide in scope.

    Read the Passage Quickly

    Do not skim through the passage or skip the words. During the CAT exam, students have enough time to work on the passage. Do not read every part of the passage. Just try to understand the meaning of the point being conveyed by the author.  

    Go Through the Summary of Each Paragraph

    Give a quick look at all the points you have written for each paragraph so that you will get an overview of what the passage talks about. Writing the main points will help applicants to summarize the passage easily.

    Check CAT Preparation Startegy

    Common Mistakes While Solving Passage-Based Questions

    We are explaining some of the common mistakes that applicants commit while solving the passage based questions in CAT exam.

    Not Engaging with the Passage

    Students think that reading passage is similar to reading a newspaper article due to which candidates forget the beginning of the passage when they reach at the end of it. Students must try to imagine what the pictures and the author tend to explain rather than retained on the text. 

    Not Reading the Options Properly

    Somehow aspirants make 1-2 mistakes per passage. The problem is not with reading the options carefully. A usual trick of paper setters is that they pick words straight from the passage and insert a new word which negates the meaning and students end up marking the wrong answer. 

    Check here CAT Preparation Tips

    Not Reviewing Mock Tests Properly 

    Mock tests are an excellent way to improve passage reading. Once you attempt the mock test, review the passage again, you will understand why the options you picked are wrong. Make sure to review all the wrong options to understand why these options are incorrect.

    Candidates must solve as many mock tests as possible to analyze their mistakes to work on it. Best of Luck.



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