Title: CAT 2017 VARC Slot 1: Strategic Approach to Sentence Completion
The VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) section in the CAT exam often includes challenging sentence completion questions, particularly in Slot 1—a format where a sentence is divided into slots (e.g., gaps) to be filled with the most appropriate phrase. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering this type, using examples from CAT 2017 patterns.
Understanding Slot 1 Structure
Typical Format: A sentence with 1–2 blanks (slots) where context, grammar, and coherence are critical.
Example:
“The study of ancient texts not only provides insights into bygone eras but also serves as a ______ to understanding modern cultural practices.”
Slots: [1] (adjective/noun), [2] (preposition/verb).
Key Strategies
Contextual Clues:
Analyze the sentence’s tone (formal/informal) and subject matter (e.g., history, science).
Look for grammatical hints (e.g., "serves as a bridge" requires a noun).
Process of Elimination:
Eliminate options that disrupt sentence flow or mismatch part-of-speech.
Example: If the blank requires an adjective, discard verbs or nouns.
Parallelism:
Ensure consistency in structure between clauses.
“The project was ambitious, ______, and well-researched.” → Options must align with "ambitious" (adjective).
Word Power:
Leverage vocabulary knowledge (e.g., "ubiquitous" = widespread).
Practice Example
“Despite the initial skepticism, the team’s innovative approach ______ the project’s success and eventually led to industry-wide adoption.”
Slots: [1] (verb), [2] (noun).
Solution:
Context: The sentence highlights a positive outcome ("led to success").
Slot 1: Requires a verb showing progression (e.g., "transformed," "boosted").
Slot 2: Needs a noun that pairs with "success" (e.g., "journey," "trajectory").
Answer: “transformed the project’s trajectory” (coherent and grammatically sound).
Common Pitfalls
Overcomplicating: Stick to the sentence’s core message.
Ignoring Prepositions: E.g., "a key to success" ≠ "a key successes."
Time Management: Allocate 1–2 minutes per question.
CAT 2017 Takeaways
Focus on cohesion and 逻辑 flow.
Practice with past-year papers to identify recurring patterns.
Use answering grids to save time in the exam.
Final Tip: For high accuracy, review incorrect answers to identify recurring mistakes (e.g., mismatched parts of speech).
By integrating these strategies, test-takers can efficiently tackle VARC Slot 1 questions and boost their overall VARC score.
Note: This guide assumes a typical CAT 2017 VARC Slot 1 structure. Adjust based on actual question patterns.
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