CAT RC: Is skipping a passage smarter than pushing through a tough one?
Introduction
As a CAT aspirant, one of the biggest dilemmas I often face during the verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC) section is whether to skip a tough RC passage or try to battle through it. Given the limited time and the adaptive difficulty of the CAT exam, making the right call can significantly affect overall performance. This blog explores the pros and cons of skipping versus attempting a difficult RC passage while keeping in mind the CAT exam date and preparation strategy.
Understanding the CAT RC landscape
The CAT exam pattern includes several reading comprehension passages with 35 questions each. These passages vary in length, topic, and complexity. While some are straightforward, others are dense and conceptually difficult, often requiring multiple readings. The challenge lies in selecting the right battles to fight.
Time is a limited asset
On average, the VARC section offers around 40 minutes for 24 questions. If an RC passage takes up too much time and still feels incomprehensible, the opportunity cost can be high. Spending 10 minutes on one passage might mean you miss out on easier questions that you could solve more confidently and accurately. Proper time management is essential, especially as the CAT exam date approaches.
Why skipping can be smarter
Focusing on the easier RC passages can not only improve your overall accuracy but also give you more time to handle other questions confidently. This strategy becomes particularly useful when you're trying to finish the CAT application form and streamline your preparation timeline efficiently.
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Maximizing accuracy: Tough RC passages often lead to guesswork. Skipping them allows you to focus on passages where you can answer with higher accuracy.
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Time allocation: Skipping frees up time for VA questions or other RCs that are easier to comprehend.
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Mental energy conservation: Tough passages can be mentally draining. Skipping one can help maintain your focus and energy levels throughout the section.
When pushing through makes sense
- Familiar topic: If the tough passage is from a familiar domain (e.g., philosophy or economics), you may have contextual knowledge that can aid understanding.
- Better question design: Sometimes, even if the passage is tough, the questions are fact-based or inference-light, making it worth attempting.
- Adaptive skill-building: Persisting with a tough passage in practice sessions can improve your comprehension stamina and expose you to diverse styles of writing.
Strategic approach to decision-making
- Scan all passages first: Spend 23 minutes scanning all RCs to identify the easier ones.
- Set a time cap: Give yourself a maximum of 67 minutes per passage, including answering questions. If comprehension is still fuzzy after 45 minutes, its a signal to move on.
- Use elimination smartly: Even if you attempt a tough passage, using elimination strategies can help avoid completely random guessing.
Conclusion
In the context of the CAT exam syllabus and the pressure of the CAT exam date, smart decision-making is as crucial as knowledge and preparation. Skipping a tough RC passage is not a sign of weaknessit can be a strategic move to maximize your score. Practice regularly with a mix of easy and tough RCs, and learn to trust your judgment on when to push and when to let go. Remember, the goal is to optimize your score, not conquer every passage.
