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The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of the CAT (Common Admission Test) is one of the most decisive parts of your MBA entrance journey. Whether you’re aiming for IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta, your verbal ability performance can make or break your percentile.

If you’re struggling with sentence correction, para jumbles, or reading comprehension passages, you’re not alone. Thousands of aspirants face the same challenge — understanding English usage, grammar logic, and comprehension speed.

At eliveclass.com, we provide free MBA CAT mock tests, full-length practice papers, and topic-wise verbal ability questions to help you strengthen this crucial section.

In this article, you’ll find:

• An overview of Verbal Ability in CAT

• Topic-wise strategy and question types

• 25+ practice questions with explanations

• Tips to boost accuracy and speed

• Links to free CAT mock tests on eliveclass.com

Let’s begin your path to mastering CAT Verbal Ability!

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1. CAT Verbal Ability Section Overview

The VARC section tests your ability to read, interpret, and analyze written content. It doesn’t just check vocabulary — it evaluates logic, coherence, and comprehension.

Subtopics in VARC:

1. Reading Comprehension (RC)

2. Para Jumbles

3. Para Summary

4. Odd Sentence Out

5. Sentence Completion & Correction (rarely asked)

At eliveclass.com, we’ve curated topic-wise mock tests so you can focus on each area individually before attempting full papers.

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2. Topic-Wise Breakdown & Strategy

a) Reading Comprehension (RC)

This is the heart of VARC, usually carrying 16 out of 24 questions. Passages are 400–600 words long and cover topics like science, philosophy, history, economics, or technology.

Strategy:

• Read the first and last lines carefully — they often hold the central idea.

• Don’t reread excessively; focus on logical flow.

• Practice inference-based questions, not just factual ones.

Common Question Types:

1. Main idea or central theme

2. Inference or implication

3. Tone or author’s attitude

4. Vocabulary in context

5. True/false statements based on the passage

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b) Para Jumbles

Here, you’re given 4–5 jumbled sentences that must be arranged logically.

Tips:

• Identify the opening sentence — it introduces the topic.

• Look for pronouns, connectors, or chronological hints.

• Use transition words like however, therefore, furthermore to find order.

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c) Para Summary

You need to find a concise statement that captures the essence of the paragraph.

Tips:

• Focus on the main argument, not examples.

• Eliminate options that add extra ideas or misrepresent the tone.

• Always check for scope — the summary shouldn’t be broader or narrower than the paragraph.

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d) Odd Sentence Out

You get five sentences — one doesn’t belong logically.

Tips:

• Find the central topic of the paragraph.

• Identify which sentence shifts tone, tense, or theme.

• Practice pattern recognition regularly — eliveclass.com offers this in its daily VARC practice set.

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3. Verbal Ability Practice Questions for MBA CAT

Let’s go through some high-quality practice questions inspired by recent CAT trends. These are similar to what you’ll find in our mock tests at eliveclass.com.

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A. Reading Comprehension Practice

Read the passage below and answer the following questions.

Passage 1:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into modern workplaces, transforming not only how tasks are performed but also how employees perceive their roles. While many view AI as a threat to employment, its long-term potential lies in augmenting human capabilities rather than replacing them. AI can handle repetitive tasks efficiently, allowing humans to focus on strategic and creative problem-solving. However, this transition requires continuous reskilling and ethical oversight to ensure that technology serves humanity’s broader goals.

Q1. What is the central theme of the passage?
A) AI will soon replace all human jobs.
B) AI can complement human intelligence with proper management.
C) Ethical issues are irrelevant to AI adoption.
D) Humans should avoid using AI in workplaces.

Answer: B
Explanation: The passage emphasizes AI’s role in augmenting human potential, not replacing it.

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Q2. According to the author, what is essential for AI to benefit society?
A) Government control over AI tools.
B) Limiting automation in all industries.
C) Continuous reskilling and ethical oversight.
D) Replacing human judgment with algorithms.

Answer: C

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Passage 2:
Throughout history, societies have struggled to balance economic growth with environmental preservation. The modern concept of sustainable development emphasizes that growth should not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Yet, global economic systems often prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability, creating a paradox between immediate gain and enduring welfare.

Q3. Which of the following best expresses the paradox mentioned in the passage?
A) Balancing technological advancement and unemployment
B) Conflict between short-term economic goals and long-term sustainability
C) Maintaining political power while ensuring democracy
D) Promoting industrialization over environmental degradation

Answer: B

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B. Para Jumbles Practice

Q4. Arrange the following sentences in a logical order:

1. The printing press revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge.

2. Before its invention, books were copied manually and were rare.

3. As literacy spread, people began questioning traditional authorities.

4. This technological change triggered an intellectual revolution.

Options:
A) 2-1-4-3
B) 1-2-3-4
C) 2-1-3-4
D) 1-3-2-4

Answer: A (2-1-4-3)

Explanation:
Sentence 2 sets context → 1 introduces invention → 4 shows impact → 3 shows outcome.

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Q5. Arrange logically:

1. Discipline is the foundation of success.

2. Without it, even the most talented individuals may fail.

3. It enables consistency and focus in efforts.

4. Therefore, every achiever values discipline.

Answer: 1-3-2-4

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C. Odd Sentence Out Practice

Q6. Identify the odd sentence:

1. Solar energy is a renewable source of power.

2. Wind turbines convert wind into electricity.

3. Hydroelectric dams generate power from water.

4. Plastic pollution has become a major environmental concern.

Answer: 4
Explanation: The first three discuss renewable energy; the fourth shifts to pollution.

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D. Para Summary Practice

Q7. Paragraph:
Modern education systems often emphasize grades over genuine learning. Students memorize facts for exams but fail to develop critical thinking. The focus on performance metrics discourages curiosity and creativity.

Choose the best summary:
A) Education systems promote creativity among students.
B) Modern education prioritizes grades, hindering genuine learning and critical thinking.
C) Students dislike exams because they are difficult.
D) Grades are the only indicator of success.

Answer: B

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E. Sentence Correction Practice

Q8. Identify the correct sentence:
A) Neither of the answers are correct.
B) Neither of the answers is correct.
C) Neither of the answer is correct.
D) Neither answers is correct.

Answer: B
Explanation: “Neither” is singular, so “is” is correct.

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F. Vocabulary in Context

Q9. Choose the word most similar in meaning to meticulous:
A) Careless
B) Precise
C) Lazy
D) Indifferent

Answer: B

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G. Critical Reasoning

Q10. Argument:
“Online learning is ineffective because students cannot concentrate without physical supervision.”

Which of the following weakens the argument?
A) Many online learners report improved concentration due to flexible schedules.
B) Students prefer classroom learning.
C) Physical classes promote interaction.
D) Teachers dislike online platforms.

Answer: A

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4. Practice Set – Verbal Ability for CAT (Set by eliveclass.com)

Here’s a sample mini practice set (Q11–Q20) designed in the same format as CAT mocks:

Q11. The synonym of “obstinate” is:
A) Flexible
B) Stubborn
C) Honest
D) Evasive
Answer: B

Q12. Find the correctly spelt word:
A) Acomodate
B) Accommodate
C) Acomodete
D) Accomadate
Answer: B

Q13. Choose the word opposite in meaning to benevolent:
A) Kind
B) Cruel
C) Charitable
D) Helpful
Answer: B

Q14. Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A) Each of the boys were given a gift.
B) Each of the boys was given a gift.
C) Each of the boy were given a gift.
D) Each boys was given a gift.
Answer: B

Q15. Choose the correct order:

1. The Internet has changed communication.

2. It has made the world a smaller place.

3. Messages can be sent instantly across continents.

4. Traditional letters are now rarely used.
   Answer: 1-3-4-2

Q16. Select the odd one out:
A) Pen
B) Book
C) Paper
D) Table
Answer: D

Q17. Complete the sentence:
He worked hard ___ he could pass the exam.
A) so that
B) because
C) although
D) unless
Answer: A

Q18. The idiom “A blessing in disguise” means:
A) A curse
B) A hidden advantage
C) A wrong decision
D) A sudden surprise
Answer: B

Q19. Choose the correct synonym of “Conspicuous”:
A) Hidden
B) Noticeable
C) Secret
D) Silent
Answer: B

Q20. Find the correctly framed question:
A) Where you are going?
B) Where are you going?
C) Where going are you?
D) You are going where?
Answer: B

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5. Tips to Score 99+ Percentile in CAT VARC

1. Read Daily: Practice reading editorials from The Hindu, Aeon Essays, and BBC Future.

2. Develop Inference Skills: Focus on understanding why the author says something, not just what.

3. Avoid Translating: Don’t mentally convert English into your mother tongue — it slows comprehension.

4. Timed Practice: Practice 4 RCs daily under a timer (8–10 minutes each).

5. Take eliveclass.com Mock Tests: They simulate real CAT difficulty and provide detailed explanations.

6. Analyze Mistakes: Spend equal time reviewing wrong answers — this improves precision.

7. Expand Vocabulary Naturally: Learn 5–10 new words from reading, not rote lists.

8. Balance Accuracy with Speed: Don’t guess blindly; focus on maintaining at least 85% accuracy.

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6. Why Practice on eliveclass.com?

At eliveclass.com, our goal is to make CAT preparation free, accessible, and effective.

Our features include:
✅ Full-length CAT mock tests with real exam pattern
✅ Topic-wise practice sets for VARC, DILR, and QA
✅ Bilingual support (English & Hindi) for easy understanding
✅ Instant answer keys and explanations
✅ Daily free quizzes and downloadable PDFs

We continuously update our Verbal Ability question bank based on the latest CAT trends (2018–2024) and IIM standards.

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7. Final Thoughts

The Verbal Ability section may seem unpredictable, but with structured practice, you can turn it into your strength. Remember — success in CAT isn’t about memorizing grammar; it’s about developing logical understanding, reading habit, and accuracy under time pressure.

Keep practicing the above Verbal Ability practice questions and take full-length mock tests regularly on eliveclass.com.

Your consistent effort today will help you unlock that 99+ percentile tomorrow!