Clearing a competitive exam like the CAT isn’t just about memorizing everything from the syllabus; it’s about having the right strategies to tackle each section. And guess what? VA is no different!

This section evaluates your language proficiency, logic, and communication skills—key traits for any future MBA professional. It includes para-jumbles, summary-based questions, and odd-sentence-out tasks. Performing well here will not just boost your percentile, but will help you shine in Group Discussions and Personal Interviews.

I remember my own CAT prep days when I realized that mastering verbal skills made me feel more articulate during interviews. It was like having a secret weapon! Here are some tips I would want to share:

1. Master the Art of Para-Jumbles

Para-jumbles can be tricky, but they follow patterns. Here’s how to tackle them:

• Identify the opening sentences: Look for sentences that introduce the main idea or context.
• Link ideas logically: Words like “however,” “therefore,” or repeated phrases can guide you in sequencing.
• Practice makes perfect: Work through as many para-jumble sets as you can. The more you practice, the quicker you’ll spot patterns.

I treated para-jumbles like a game—almost like solving a puzzle! Each correct sequence felt like a mini victory.

2. Strengthen Your Summary Skills

Summary-based questions test your ability to distill a passage’s essence. Here’s how:

• Read actively: Focus on the central idea and eliminate fluff.
• Be concise: Avoid extreme or unrelated options. Stick to answers that align with the passage’s main argument.

I found that summarizing articles I read during my daily commute helped me hone this skill without even realizing it!

3. Tackle Odd-Sentence-Out with Logic

This is like solving a puzzle! Here’s how:

• Identify the outlier: Look for sentences that deviate in tone, topic, or sequence.
• Test sentence connections: Build a logical flow with the remaining sentences to spot the odd one.

Think of it as playing detective—finding one sentence that doesn’t fit in with the others!

4. Develop a Reading Habit

A regular reading routine enhances your comprehension and vocabulary. Here’s what I recommend:

• What to read: Dive into editorials (like The Hindu), opinion pieces, fiction, and non-fiction books.
• Why?: Exposure to diverse writing styles prepares you for the variety of CAT passages.

I made it a point to read something new every day, whether it was an article or a few pages from a novel. It turned into a fun challenge!

5. Grammar and Vocabulary Matter

While this section doesn’t directly test grammar, a solid foundation helps:

• Brush up on basics: Although grammar questions may not dominate the VARC section, a solid grasp of grammar is crucial for answering questions correctly. Use resources like Wren and Martin or online guides.
• Learn new words daily: Apps like WordWeb or classics like Word Power Made Easy can help boost your vocabulary.

I set a goal to learn five new words each week—it turned into a fun game with my friends where we’d quiz each other!

The Verbal Ability section may initially seem intimidating, but don’t let it scare you! Be consistent with your efforts and smartly cover important topics. Start small, keep practicing through taking mocks, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself more confident than ever.

Happy Reading, and keep taking mocks!