CAT 2024: A guide for non-humanities students to master Verbal Ability

The VA section typically includes para-jumbles, sentence placement, odd-sentence-out and para-summary questions. Students will be challenged to logically organise sentences, identify relationships between ideas, and summarise key points. While it may come naturally to students from a humanities background, non-literature or non-humanities students may just have to put in some extra effort or a strategic approach to master this section.

Why Verbal Ability is challenging

The verbal component is not only about memorizing rules or formulas but also tests critical thinking and an understanding of how ideas work. This can be a shift from academic subjects for non-humanities students who are exposed to language-based reasoning, but it is something they can develop as a skill.

The VA section evaluates your ability to follow the logical flow of sentences, notice cause-effect relationships, and summarize paragraphs well. In all para-jumbles and sentence placement questions, it is important to identify the introductory statement, look for connectives (“but”, “therefore”, etc.), and determine how sentences relate to one another.

Building long-term language skills

Verbal Ability requires a longer-term approach, unlike quantitative aptitude where progress can be made relatively quickly by solving problems. Reading different materials, such as books, newspapers, and magazines can help improve comprehension and build the foundation for tackling VA questions.

It is advised to start early by reading a variety of texts. This will not only boost comprehension but expose you to different writing styles and sentence structures, which is integral to VA preparation.

Improving grammar and vocabulary

Even as CAT doesn’t directly test grammar or vocabulary, having a strong command over both is essential for performing well in Verbal Ability. While an expansive vocabulary aids in comprehension and increases reading speed, a solid understanding of grammar helps in sentence structuring.

It is best to note unfamiliar words while practicing VA questions or reading, rather than dedicating separate time to vocabulary-building. This can facilitate natural, contextual learning, which is more effective than rote memorization of word lists.

Practice and consistency

There is no doubt that success in the VA section depends on constant practice. Students can begin by solving practice questions for para-jumbles, sentence placements, and para-summary. Mock tests are also useful, as they simulate the exam environment and help students manage time more effectively.

Analyse your performance after each mock test. Look for the type of mistakes you made and try to reduce the same in your further attempts. Gradually you will see improvement not only in accuracy but also in your confidence in handling Verbal Ability questions.

For non-humanities students, Verbal Ability may appear challenging initially, but it is manageable with the help of consistent reading, strategic practice, and focus on understanding the logical flow of ideas. In this way, students from any academic background can master this section of the CAT exam and score well. So, it is all about patience, persistence, and a willingness to adjust to a new way of thinking.

(The author is the MBA product – head at Carrer Launcher Educate Ltd.)