Struggling to improve your accuracy in Reading Comprehension (RC) for the CAT exam? You’re not alone. Many aspirants find RCs challenging, often relying on intuition rather than a structured approach. However, with the right strategies, you can systematically eliminate wrong options and boost your accuracy. Here are six proven strategies, inspired by the GMAT Manhattan series, to help you master RCs for CAT.

Types of RC Questions in CAT

Before diving into the strategies, it’s essential to understand the three main types of RC questions:

• General Questions: Focus on the main idea, summary, or author’s tone. These should be answered based on your initial reading—avoid going back to the passage.

• Specific Questions: Target particular details or meanings within the passage. Refer back to the relevant section for these.

• Interpretation Questions: Require you to analyze and interpret the author’s arguments, often asking which option strengthens or weakens the argument.

6 Strategies to Crack RC Questions

1. Avoid Extreme Words

Options containing words like “all,” “each,” “every,” or “impossible” are typically incorrect. Always cross-check such options with the passage to ensure they are not overstating the facts.

2. Use the Majority (Broad vs. Narrow) Approach

For general questions, the correct answer will cover the broader aspects of the passage. It should encapsulate the main idea and address most of the points discussed, rather than focusing on a single paragraph or detail.

3. Match the Tone of the Author

The correct answer must mirror the tone used by the author in the passage. If two options seem similar in content, choose the one that matches the author’s tone—be it accusational, informational, or neutral.

4. Stick to Passage Information

Never use your external knowledge to answer RC questions, even if you are an expert on the topic. Base your answers strictly on the information provided in the passage.

5. Avoid Incorrect Linkages

Beware of options that create false cause-and-effect relationships. Just because two facts are mentioned does not mean one caused the other. Only select options where the relationship is clearly established in the passage.

6. Compare and Justify

When torn between two close options, justify every word in each option by referring back to the passage. If you cannot back up a statement or adjective with evidence from the text, eliminate that option.

Conclusion

Improving your RC accuracy for the CAT exam requires a structured approach and consistent practice. Apply these six strategies diligently, and you’ll notice significant progress in your performance. Remember, practice is key—knowing these strategies is just the beginning.

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