CAT 2024: Strategy for Non-RC Questions in the Verbal Ability Section 📘

When it comes to the Verbal Ability (VA) section of the CAT exam, Non-RC questions can be both a scoring opportunity and a time sink if not handled properly. In this blog, I’ll break down my strategy for tackling the Non-RC portion and provide actionable tips for each question type.

Overview of Non-RC Questions 🔍

The Non-RC section of CAT comprises four key question types:

Para-Jumbles 🌀
Misfit Sentence (Odd One Out) 🧩
Paragraph Summary ✍️
Paragraph Completion 🚪

Each of these requires a unique approach. Here’s how you can handle them effectively during the exam.

Question Type 1: Para-Jumbles 🌀

The Challenge:

Para-jumbles in the current CAT pattern are TITA (Type in the Answer) questions, meaning no options are provided. This makes them challenging due to the sheer number of possible arrangements:

24 for four-sentence questions.
120 for five-sentence questions.

The difficulty lies in the fact that many sequences feel “logical,” and personal biases can influence your choice.

Strategy for Para-Jumbles:

Avoid Initially: Save these for the latter half of your VA attempt, especially if time is tight. Since there’s no negative marking, attempt them with any remaining time.
Adopt a ZEN-like Approach: 🧘 Solve without expectations—don’t obsess over getting them right.
Avoid Overthinking: Once you form a sequence, move on. Re-reading and re-solving rarely help.

Question Type 2: Odd One Out (Misfit Sentence) 🧩

The Challenge:

These questions are similar to para-jumbles but involve identifying one sentence that doesn’t fit the context. The trick lies in arranging the other sentences logically, making it easier to spot the misfit.

Strategy for Odd One Out:

Use Para-Jumble Techniques: Attempt to arrange the sentences into a coherent order. The odd one out will be the sentence that disrupts the flow.
Look for Clues:
- Identify the common subject in the sentences and find the one that deviates.
- Spot the common thread of thought and find the sentence with a different theme or focus.
Time Investment: These are typically quicker to solve than para-jumbles, so prioritize them.

Question Type 3: Paragraph Summary ✍️

The Challenge:

Paragraph Summary questions test your ability to identify the essence of a paragraph. These questions are similar to Main Idea questions in Reading Comprehension (RC) but are more concise.

Strategy for Paragraph Summary Questions:

Focus on the Core: Stick to the main idea of the paragraph. Ignore personal interpretations or minor details.
Avoid Extremes: Eliminate options that exaggerate, distort, or miss the point.
Quickly Analyze: These are relatively easier and faster to attempt compared to para-jumbles. Treat them as mini-RCs.

Question Type 4: Paragraph Completion 🚪

The Challenge:

These questions involve placing a sentence into the correct part of a paragraph to complete it logically. They often test your ability to spot transitions or logical flows.

Strategy for Paragraph Completion:

Identify Sentence Role:
- Introductory sentences are broad, setting the context.
- Concluding sentences are definitive, often wrapping up ideas.
Form Contextual Clues: Think of these as placement questions—bridge the sentence to the parts of the paragraph like a mandatory pair in para-jumbles.
Re-Read for Coherence: After placing the sentence, quickly read through the paragraph to ensure it flows logically.

Time Management for Non-RC Questions ⏱️

Balancing time between RC and Non-RC questions is crucial. Here’s a general guideline:

Allocate ~30 minutes for RCs: This is where you can score consistently with focused effort.
Allocate ~10 minutes for VA questions: Prioritize based on ease and return on investment.

My Suggested Order:

Attempt Paragraph Summary and Misfit Sentence questions first—they’re quicker and have a higher accuracy rate.
Attempt Para-Jumbles and Paragraph Completion with the remaining time, focusing on logical placement rather than perfection.

Final Thoughts 💡

Non-RC questions are an excellent opportunity to score without the pressure of negative marking. With a clear strategy for each question type and effective time management, you can maximize your score in the VA section.