The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most challenging MBA entrance exams in India, with the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section being a critical component. One of the trickier aspects of this section is solving paragraph jumbles, also known as "Para-jumbles." This involves rearranging jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph. While it may sound simple, without a proper strategy, it can be quite time-consuming and confusing.
Here are some expert tips to help you solve paragraph jumbles more effectively in CAT:
1. Identify the Opening Sentence
The first step in solving a paragraph jumble is identifying the opening sentence. This sentence should introduce the topic and make sense when read independently. Typically, it will not reference anything from the previous sentence and is likely to have a more general tone. Look for a sentence that introduces a concept, event, or idea to help you kickstart your sequence.
Tip: Sentences starting with words like "However," "But," or "Therefore" are unlikely to be opening sentences as they imply a continuation from a previous point.
2. Look for Mandatory Pairs
Mandatory pairs are sentences that logically follow each other. For example, if one sentence introduces a person or concept, the next sentence is likely to describe or elaborate on it. Identifying such pairs can help you reduce the complexity of the puzzle. Look for conjunctions or connectors that bind two sentences together.
Tip: Words like "This," "These," "That," or "He/She" often point to a previous sentence, helping you connect ideas.
3. Chronological or Cause-Effect Sequence
If the paragraph contains an event or process, sentences might be arranged in a chronological order or cause-effect sequence. Pay attention to sentences that suggest a timeline or action and its outcome. Sentences with time indicators like "later," "before," or "after" often guide the order of events.
Tip: If one sentence describes a cause and another describes its effect, the cause must come before the effect.
4. Watch Out for Concluding Sentences
The concluding sentence often summarizes or gives the result of the previous discussion. It can also provide a solution or resolution to a problem. Look for statements that sum up the overall context, or sentences that have finality, such as suggestions or opinions.
Tip: Sentences with phrases like "In conclusion," "Thus," or "As a result" typically indicate the end of a paragraph.
5. Use Grammar and Pronouns to Your Advantage
Grammar and pronouns are excellent clues for arranging jumbled sentences. A sentence that begins with a pronoun like "it," "he," or "this" usually refers to something introduced in a previous sentence. Similarly, grammatical continuity like tenses can help in ordering sentences logically.
Tip: Make sure sentences follow a logical subject progression, where pronouns refer back to appropriate nouns introduced earlier.
6. Practice with Timed Sessions
While strategy is crucial, practice is equally important. Solving para-jumbles under timed conditions will help you improve your speed and accuracy. The more you practice, the quicker you will get at spotting patterns and applying the right logic to solve the jumbles.
Tip: Try solving at least 4-5 para-jumbles every day to build familiarity with different patterns and question types.
7. Avoid Making Assumptions
While solving para-jumbles, it is important to avoid making assumptions or inserting your own knowledge into the sentences. Stick to the information provided and arrange the sentences based on their context and flow. Overthinking or assuming connections that aren't explicitly mentioned can lead to incorrect sequencing.
8. Double-Check the Logical Flow
Once you have arranged the sentences, read them in the sequence you’ve created. Ensure the paragraph flows logically from start to finish. Check if each sentence connects well with the next and whether the overall paragraph makes sense.
Tip: If something feels off, revisit your arrangement and test alternative sequences.
Solving paragraph jumbles in the CAT exam can be challenging but following a structured approach and using these tips can make the process much easier. Identifying opening sentences, mandatory pairs, and using grammar cues will help you arrange sentences in a logical flow. Above all, regular practice is the key to mastering this question type and boosting your performance in the CAT exam.
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