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Reading Comprehension (RC) is an essential component of the CAT Exam and may greatly boost your score. Many students find RC questions difficult, but with the appropriate technique and continuous practice, it becomes simpler to tackle. This article discusses the various RC questions you may encounter on the CAT 2024 Exam and provides helpful suggestions for dealing with them successfully. Understanding these question patterns with a smart approach can help you answer RC questions with confidence and boost your overall score in this section. Let's get started with our deep dive for CAT RC Questions.
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Primary Classification for Types of Reading Comprehension Questions in CAT
You face two broad categories of question types in CAT RCs.
CATEGORY 1: BIG PICTURE QUESTIONS
The first type of questions you encounter in CAT is the BIG PICTURE QUESTIONS. As the name suggests, these questions are based on the overall content and ideas of the passage. Rather than referring to any specific detail, they refer to the main ideas, tone, and purpose of the author of the passage. For this question category, you need to focus on the overall understanding of the passage and ensure that you identify the critical aspects of the passage. The various question types that fall under this category are:
We will take up each question type and understand the approach for the same.
CATEGORY 2: SPECIFIC DETAILS QUESTIONS
The second question you encounter in CAT is the SPECIFIC DETAIL QUESTIONS. As the name suggests, these questions are based on specific ideas and parts of the passage. These question types revolve around specific contexts and portions of the passage. The key thing for such questions is the retention of information and the ability to break down the passage into as many simple ideas as possible. The various question types that fall under this category are:
The above represents the broad classification for the different question types that are probed in CAT reading comprehensions. Let's now pick up these question types one by one and highlight the appropriate approach for each.
This question type revolves around the one thing it explicitly mentions: the passage's main idea. It can be framed in a variety of ways, such as:
In some cases, this question type employs a simple trick of vaguely preserving the passage's main point but changing the subject. The answer options might be too general or too specific regarding their approach and choice of topics. This common trick is known as the SCOPE TRAP, and you should be careful when solving RC main idea questions. It's essential to be careful not to stray from the scope of the given passage. Remember: always stay within the confines of what was written and focus on retaining the main point of that text.
As the name suggests, this question type asks you to identify the purpose of the author of the passage. If the RC main idea question is about the WHAT OF THE PASSAGE, then the RC primary purpose question is about the WHY OF THE AUTHOR/PASSAGE. This question type essentially asks you to identify the purpose behind writing the particular passage. Let's look at some of the different purposes that authors can adopt in this question type:
As you can see, all of the above represent some or the other purpose for writing the passage. There are infinite such reasons that can exist while writing a passage. As a good preparation tool, you should always ask yourself why the author has written this and what he is trying to achieve while reading articles. Also, try to list as many reasons as possible to write articles and use your observation skills to the fullest. Gradually, over time, you will begin to understand the different reasons for writing articles and be able to identify relevant patterns for this question type.
Questions about tone and attitude depend on the author's approach and style. These questions are mainly about identifying the type and nature of the passage and then co-relating that with the sentiment expressed by the author of the passage.
Broadly speaking, each passage has three possible natures:
Once you've identified the type of passage, you can link it to the answer options, which will help you find the answer. As a good practice exercise and method to prepare for this question, list down the words which are commonly used as answer choices for this question type. This list will help you understand the meanings of words and identify the correct answer easily.
The phrasing of this question type is straightforward. The examiner asks you to identify the correct organisation/structure of the passage. You need to figure out how the passage's content has been structured for this particular question type. Here, the examiner aims to evaluate your skills in identifying the organisational/structural elements used by the author of the passage. To help you understand what we are talking about, some examples of the kind of answer options you see in this question type are listed below:
As you can see from the above, this question type is not about the information, but the structural elements used to present that information. The best way to perfect this question type is to be aware of the different structural elements being used by the author and continuously try to put these into categories such as: facts, opinions, conclusions, examples, analogies, concepts, theories, experiences, topics, debates, etc. Once you begin to do this, you begin to develop a grasp of this question type.
This is a peculiar question where you are asked to identify the suitable/probable profession of the author. The first thing that needs to be kept in mind for this question type is that question asks you to identify the probable/suitable profession of the author. Remember, as a caveat, anyone can write on any subject. But the most probable logical relation we can make is between the subject/area of the passage and the author's profession. The author's profession is likely linked to the topics talked about in the passage. For example:
This is how the profession of the author is mapped with the content of the passage. As a starting point for this question type, make sure you read the author description/bio every time you read an article. This will help you intrinsically understand the different authors professions and how they relate to written text.
The RC title question revolves around the passage's main idea, and you are supposed to identify the most likely title. Here, the best answer is the title that best represents the passage's main idea and is closest in expressing the maximum number of dimensions of the passage. Let us look at some of the recent titles that have been featured in newspapers and publications:
We can see from the titles above that some are directly based on the content and some are indirect. By observing these titles, and co-relating them with the articles, you can improve your grasp for this question type.
These are the complicated ones and pose the greatest challenge to students. Also, the last few years have seen this question type being probed in multiple ways in the exam. The various ways in which this question type has been phrased in the exam is as follows:
As you can see from the above, the multiple ways of phrasing this question type have added to the complexity levels and made it difficult for students in the exam.
There are two types of inference questions in the CAT:
You should keep an eye on these questions and find out what kind of questions they are. Also, try to identify the source of the inference in the passage and focus on the relative context (two lines above and below the specified context). They usually contain an indication of the answer given. The critical ability to reach the right conclusion is also to understand the passage's context and key ideas. Once you've done that, you'll be able to identify the correct answer.
This is another type of difficult question that frequently appears on the CAT exam. This question is generally phrased as:
What do you consider in this question? To identify the agreement or disagreement of the author of the passage, you must identify the key ideas of the passage, and you need to focus on the different points discussed in the passage. By reading the passage carefully, note any crucial points that come up. These will help guide your analysis while answering questions about the author's opinions.
Remember that choices in this question type might contain:
This is a question type where you are asked to identify the correct meaning of a specific extract from the passage. Generally, you are provided one to two lines in this question type and then are supposed to find the option that explains these lines' meaning. The fundamental trick for this question type is that along with the specific lines probed, the context of these lines (a few lines above and a few lines below the specific content) is essential in identifying the correct answer. The correct answer is generally connected to this context.
This question type is generally phrased in the following ways:
In this question type, you are essentially checking the factual relevance of content and whether the particular sentiment/fact/piece of information mentioned in the question has been mentioned in the same way in the passage or not. This question type demands content retention primarily, and as an approach, you will do well to list important points from each paragraph reading the passage. This will help you locate and connect the information with the answer choices.
This is the easiest question type that features in the CAT exam. Here, you are simply asked to identify the correct statement or fact from the given options. Once again, this question type is essentially about retaining information and quickly verifying the information in the answer choices with the information in the question statement.
The last RC question type is based on vocabulary. Here, you can be asked to identify the correct meanings of words or phrases. This question type is essentially driven by your knowledge of vocabulary and your ability to identify the meaning of words contextually. A good reading habit goes a long way in improving the skills required for this question type.
With this, we complete this exhaustive guide dealing with various RC question types. With the help of this guide, you should be able to solve CAT reading comprehensions a lot better and also should be able to refine your preparation approach for CAT reading comprehensions.
For effective preparation for the Reading Comprehension (RC) section of the CAT exam, it’s essential to use a variety of study materials. Focus on high-quality RC practice books that offer a range of passages and questions similar to those on the exam. Additionally, reading diverse materials like newspapers, magazines, and academic journals can help improve your comprehension skills and speed. Incorporate online resources and CAT prep apps that provide practice tests and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding and strategy. Regular practice with these materials will help you become more efficient at analyzing passages and answering questions accurately. You can download and study the following CAT study materials designed exclusively for the CAT Reading Comprehension section.
TITLE | DOWNLOAD LINK |
CAT 2024 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material | |
CAT VARC Sample Questions 2024 | |
CAT Previous Year Question Papers |
The CAT RC section may include about seven types RC questions: Main Idea Based, Title Based, Inference Based, Fact Based, Tone Based, Paragraph and Structure-Based, and Vocabulary Based.
For factual questions, go through the passage and seek for particular lines or paragraphs that specifically mention the answer. These are simple and do not need much evaluation.
For inference-based questions, consider the actual depth of meaning of the words. Pay attention to the author's tone, meanings, and what he or she does not openly convey. Practice helps with these kinds of questions, otherwise it can be difficult for candidates.
To determine the primary idea behind the lines given, read the passage's introduction and conclusion. Ignore minor issues and consider the broader picture—ask yourself, "What is the passage really trying to say?"
In the CAT exam, there are nearly 4 passages. Each passage carries around 4 questions, totaling 16 RC questions.
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Universities generally expect students to begin the first year of a masters' program even though they had qualifications at the level of a bachelor's degree. The university's curriculum along with the courses are planned to give an in-depth knowledge of the subjects.
But you could opt for:
Postgraduate Studies:
Research Career: In case research interests you, then you can pursue a Ph.D. in your specific interest.
Specialized Master's Programs: Find any specific master's course that supports the career goal.
Professional Certifications:
Make a professional certification in CFA, CA, or FRM to enhance the professional skills and better opportunities in the career field.
Job Entry via MBA
After gaining an MBA from a renowned institution, it's possible to get entry into the corporate world where the diversity in the career field is assured.
In the end, it would depend on what you would like and what you are particularly interested in. It will be better if you take a suggestion from your academic advisor or career counselor.
Hello Pratik,
If your family income exceeds 8 LPA, it will affect your eligibility for the NC-OBC category under the CAT reservation rules. The NC-OBC category requires that the family income should be below 8 LPA to qualify. If you anticipate that your income will exceed this threshold, you should update your status and notify the CAT authorities .
Here's what you can do:
Email the CAT authorities
: Inform them about the potential change in your income status and request to be considered under the
General
category, if applicable. You should do this before the examination or any further processing, as your eligibility for the OBC category depends on the income criteria.
Documents and Proof
: Make sure you have a valid
OBC certificate
and any relevant documentation regarding your family income, in case they require verification. Also, be aware that if your income exceeds 8 LPA, you might need to apply under the
General
category, as the OBC-NC reservation is no longer applicable.
General Category Consideration : If your application is accepted as General, you will be evaluated based on the General category criteria, including cutoffs and ranking.
To summarize, notifying the CAT authorities is the correct approach to avoid discrepancies later, and if your income is above the threshold, you will be treated as a General candidate for the admissions process.
For more details about CAT exam you can check out an article by Careers360 whose link is given below:
Link: https://bschool.careers360.com/exams/cat
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Hi Shreya ,
Having a tattoo on your wrist should not create a problem during the CAT exam as long as it does not contain any content that violates exam rules , such as communication-related symbols , unauthorised messages or any text resembling formulas or answers .
For a safe side , it is recommended :
1. Inform the Invigilators : Let them know about your tattoo during the identification check , so there are no misunderstandings .
2. Follow the Guidelines : Ensure you follow all instructions regarding permissible items and dress code on the exam day .
Hope this helps you .
ALL THE BEST .
To know about this please prefer our college predictor
Hello,
Yes, you can also join IIMs two years after graduation, depending upon the justification in interviews and your performance in entrance exams. If you are not sure about CAT, try those other management exams less hard:
Common Management Admission Test: Easier than CAT; 4-5 months of continuous preparation will suffice.
MAT : Much easier and takes place thrice a year.
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test): A bit easier than CAT, apt for Symbiosis Institutes.
Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT : Hence, easier than CAT but the unique decision-making section.
Use exams like CMAT and MAT as a challenge to be competitively prepared. This can be given about 4-5 months, along with a few rounds of mock tests and smart studying.
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