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Last Updated on April 8, 2013 by MBAUniverse.com News Desk

180 days to CAT 2013: Computer-based CAT- A boon for Verbal Ability

With the change from paper-pencil mode to computer-based testing, CAT has also made it easier for candidates to solve a particular section -Verbal Ability
With the change from paper-pencil mode to computer-based testing, Common Admission Test (CAT) has not only offered convenient options on date, venue and timing but has also made it easier for candidates to solve a particular section Verbal Ability.
The computer-based CAT is more appealing and the aspirants are happy that they do not have to manage the flying papers under fast or slow rotating ceiling fan and their belongings Pen/pencil/scale/eraser, admit card etc.
Since a candidate can attempt a question at a click of a key in the computer, solving the verbal ability section becomes easier for them. The verbal ability section unlike in quant section does not require a scratch sheet for calculation. Therefore, a candidate doesnt have to look at the question, solve it on a rough paper and fill-up the OMR sheet afterwards. There is no risk of marking a wrong numbered answer in the OMR sheet. Thus, you see the question and click your answer. It saves your precious time which you may like to dedicate towards solving more questions to fetch a better score. Thus the introduction of computer-based CAT is boon -at least for the Verbal Ability section.
Lets now look at the kind of question in CAT verbal ability section. CAT has reduced number of questions in VA section as well as the length of Reading comprehension paragraphs, to enable the candidate to concentrate more on the question, although, difficult to some extent.
Size and length of questions in Verbal Ability:A. Vocabulary with big sets of direct synonyms and antonyms has been changed to usage of words in different contexts.
B. Mixed-up questions now well defined, placed in proper section
C. RC passages- used to be 1200 to 1400 words now reduced to 800+ words with 3 to 4 questions based on each of the passage.
D. Error correction questions now more focused on core grammar usage
E. Para-jumbles are shorter now. CAT 2012 witnessed a new type of para-jumble placing the sentence to form a coherent paragraph and picking out an out of context sentence.
F. From tough vocabulary words to simple common words like turn, stand, hand, take etc.- put in different usage (Two questions every year) find out the wrong use & score more. The benefits of computer based test for VA section:1. Students find it better as they feel that they may focus on the question before them, in place of going through the entire paper.
2. Clock ticking on the screen puts the aspirants on alert on time management front 3. Students have the facility to review their answers, mark/unmark the answers, which was a problem in paper-pen/pencil mode- it definitely saves the time
4. Facility of highlighting the questions/parts of sentences/words etc. is very much beneficial. While attempting the Reading Comprehension, students who are in the habit of underlining may use this facility of highlighting the sentences/paragraphs etc of their choice.
5. Aspirants have the facility to change the answer without rubbing it, as was required in the OMR sheet.Composition and marking:VA+LR section consists of a total of 30 questions. One correct answer carries three marks (After the equated system marks to calculate percentile in Verbal section are awarded out of 225). One wrong answer attracts a penalty of 1 mark i.e. (1/3rd penalty). So, be cautious while answering the questions. Every mark is important. The time spent on one uncertain question may not only keep the student out of the competition but also may deprive him of attempting those following questions, the answers to which are well known to him
Out of 30 questions in VA-LR section- if 20-23 are accurately attempted one may expect a percentile around 90.
The previous stories on CAT 2013 preparation analyzed the question pattern of last six years and Quant Prep Strategy.
MBAUniverse.com also offers a comprehensive preparation package coupled with over 200 online interactive classes with Top CAT experts including from IIMs for CAT 2013 preparation.
Visit the link below for more information and new batch schedules:
http://www.mbauniverse.com/mba-exam-preparation/CAT_Preparation/mba_preparation_package.php
Our next article on CAT 2013 will bring you analysis on Verbal Ability question weightage and preparation strategy.
Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more prep guide articles on CAT 2013.

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