Preparations for the Common Admission Test is a stressful time for aspirants.
The syllabus is vast and challenging, with a large number of books and guides
available. Many aspirants find it difficult to cover the entire syllabus without taking
a gap year from their education or work. Unfortunately, aspirants often forget that
prep books can't cover all the knowledge required for the CAT.
A hefty section in the CAT is the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
(VARC). It is more nuanced than it may appear and can lead to a drastic decline in scores. Most people don't realize that VARC is very similar to QA and DILR.
Each of them improves with practice. However, VARC requires a more hands-on
learning experience.
To solve the all-important question in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Reading novels frequently can be a game-changer for aspirants. If you read the right books, you will expose yourself to a vast vocabulary, phrasal meaning, and
the skill of paragraph deduction. You will improve your speed as you will be able
to skim long paragraphs for points of interest, and you will be able to rely on your
instincts for the initial elimination of options.
Reading is also an enjoyable way to rewind and take a break. With the variety of
genres and topics in which books are available, you will find a niche of your
interest. It will help you continue your CAT prep while thoroughly relaxing.
Here's a list of 4 books, and further suggestions, to add to your reading list if
you're a CAT aspirant. Between their expansive vocabularies, crafty prose, and
weighted targets, each of them has something unique to offer to your
preparation.
1. Animal Farm - George Oswell
Animal farm is a famous satire discussing Joseph Stalin's betrayal of the Russian
Revolution. It aims to show that equality is often not equal for everyone. While
the book is of a 9 - 12-grade reading level, it elaborates on a complex concept
and displays the author's skill in crafting satire. This short story will equip you
with the skills of tone identification and paragraph summary. Oswell is a talented
author with many books that deal with political satire that will also contribute to
your CAT prep.
2. And then there were none - Agatha Christie
The stirring novel by Agatha Christie is the perfect mystery thriller. As always,
Christie crafted a story with suspense and suspicion. It also falls in the 9 - 12-
grade reading level and is a quick read. The novel challenges your skills of
try to pick up on the author's subtle clues as to who the suspect should be. This
act of inference and assumption making will help when you attempt the CAT.
Other novels by Christie will also help hone this skill.
3. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
The novel is famous for being an exploration of race, oppression, and morality.
The author has conveyed his message in a gentle, witty, and approachable tone
that carries the heavy context well. With a 10 - 12-grade reading level, it's a short
story with a lot of teachings. It's the perfect book to practice quick reading on,
and it will help you answer the paragraph based questions more quickly.
4. Full moon - P.G. Wodehouse
The books by Wodehouse are a must-read for aspirants of any competitive exam
with a language-based section. His books are famously intricate and nuanced
displays of satire. Initially, an average reader will find these books comparatively
tougher to read. However, they are the perfect exercise in vocabulary and
assumptions. Remember to keep a dictionary near-by when you read his novels.
While most of his works have a reading level above 12-grade, I highly
recommend that you read each one. Eventually, the language will seem less
intricate, and you'll fully be able to appreciate the comedic genius of Wodehouse.
Remember that reading is fun and relaxing. Try to forget that you're preparing for
the CAT and enjoy the books as they are. Your VARC based instincts will
strengthen, and you may learn that you love this useful hobby.
Launch your Graphy