Introduction

Finding the right articles to read for the VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) section of the CAT (Common Admission Test) is crucial for success. This article explores various resources and strategies to help aspirants effectively prepare for this section.

Resources for Article Reading

Choosing the right sources for reading can significantly enhance your preparation for the VARC section of the CAT. Here are some top choices:

Newspapers and Magazines

The Hindu - Known for its quality editorial content. The Indian Express - Offers a variety of articles on current affairs. Economic Times - Good for business-related reading. TIME, The Economist and National Geographic - For a broader range of topics.

Online Platforms

MEDIUM - A platform with diverse articles on various subjects. Quora - You can find essays and articles on specific topics. ResearchGate - For academic articles and papers.

Books

Consider reading books that are known for their narrative style or argumentative essays. Authors like Malcolm Gladwell or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie can provide good material.

CAT Preparation Websites

Websites like Pagalguy, Career Launcher, AND TIME often have sample reading comprehension passages and articles tailored for CAT preparation.

Academic Journals

Access online databases like JSTOR or Google Scholar for articles on various subjects though these may be more complex.

CAT Preparation Books

Books specifically designed for CAT preparation often include reading comprehension sections with passages and questions.

Online Courses and Resources

Websites like Unacademy and BYJUS may have resources that include articles and reading materials for CAT aspirants.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

Listening to discussions on various topics can also enhance comprehension skills.

Regular Reading to Build Habit

Regular reading is essential to build a habit of understanding different sources quickly. As a CAT aspirant, you should start reading editorials, journals, novels, or any web content. Editorials require a bit of understanding of knowledge and may exceed the 500-word limit typically in the CAT exam. Websites like Aeon/JSTOR have advanced passages that can help build extra stamina. Novels are good for long-term reading, but the storyline should be diverse. Mocks and past year papers are the best resources as they provide an exact test pattern, word limit around 500-600 words, and a reality check on the difficulty level.

Comprehension Strategy

Comprehension is essentially understanding what is written. Most people are generally good at reading and understanding passages, but accuracy is often a challenge. Avoid the notion that CAT wants you to become an expert in VARC. Focused on accuracy improvement in comprehension passages until May.

Starting Your VARC Plan for April

Begin reading editorials, journals, and novels to build a reading habit. Focus on understanding the content quickly and from various sources. Consistency in reading is key. Utilize online resources and past papers to simulate the actual test experience. Keep making mistakes but aim to improve accuracy over time.

Conclusion

By regularly reading articles from these diverse sources and practicing with CAT-specific materials, you can significantly enhance your VARC preparation. Remember, building a habit of reading quickly and accurately is crucial for success in the VARC section of the CAT. Good luck with your preparation!