Wiley's ExamXpert Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT

Description

This book is a one-stop solution (over 1000 pages) for CAT, XAT and other MBA Entrance exams. The core of the book is the comprehensive coverage of Language and Logic concepts in order to build your overall proficiency in language skills. The book provides 12 exhaustive RC and VA Practice Exercises for assimilating concepts and 20 VARC Tests for testing your level of preparedness and fine-tuning your exam strategy. The book also provides a 16-Week Vocabulary Building Programme based on a multi-pronged approach for learning words in related groups for the multiplier effect and ease of retention.

About the Author

Captain AK Kalia (Retd) has been teaching English and Verbal Reasoning for CAT, XAT and other MBA Entrance exams at the major test-prep institutes. He has combined his knowledge of English and Logic to develop an integrated and structured approach to building communication skills in his students. His teaching methods and painstaking efforts have helped students to score high percentiles in the Verbal Sections and have developed in them an abiding interest in the English language.

Table of Contents

Book Review

Preface

Section 1 Introduction

Chapter 1: An Integrated Approach to Proficiency in English Language

Introduction

An Integrated Approach

Proficiency in English Language: The 4-F Framework

Chapter 2: The Changing CAT Pattern

Changes in CAT Pattern

Diagnostic Tests—A Foretaste of CAT VARC Section

Chapter 3: Using This Book

Structure of the Book

Chapter 4: Gearing up for CAT

The CAT Exam: The Entry Point to your Dream B-School

The CAT 2017 Exam Structure and Experience

Section 2 Diagnostic Tests

CAT VARC Diagnostic Test 1 (Based on Latest Pattern)

Questions

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

CAT VARC Diagnostic Test 2 (Based on Old Pattern)

Questions

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

Section 3 Concept Review

Chapter 5: Reading Comprehension: Vocabulary, Level of Language and Subject-Matter

Hurdles to Reading Comprehension

Level of Language and Range of Vocabulary

Some Reading Tasks to Challenge you

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

Chapter 6: Reading in Thought Units: Unravelling Grammar Syntax

Forming Regular Reading Habits

Understanding Grammar Syntax

Review of Grammar Syntax

Internalizing Complex Grammar Syntax

Explanatory Answers Along with the Questions

Chapter 7: Reading Comprehension: Clear and Logical Composition of Texts

Integrated Approach: The Expanded 5-F Framework

Ambiguity and Logical Inconsistency

Handling Negatives

Understanding Logical Equivalence

Analysis and Evaluation of Arguments

Types of Reasoning: Deductive and Inductive

Deductive Reasoning

Inductive Reasoning

Types of Critical Reasoning Questions

Separating Facts, Inferences, and Judgements

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

Chapter 8: Reading Comprehension: Sentences to Paragraphs

Coherence and Fluency of Thought-Flow

Grammatical Linking and Signposting

Jumbled Paragraphs: Test Your Ability to ‘Read with The Eye of a Writer’

What Makes a Good Starting Sentence

‘Tell and Show’ or ‘Show and Tell’

‘Tell and Show’

‘Show and Tell’

Chronological or Logical

Developing Thought-flow by ‘Linking Back’ to Earlier Thoughts

Repetition and Parallel Grammatical Structures

What Makes A Good Concluding Sentence

Summary of Guidelines for Unravelling Jumbled Paragraphs

Types of Jumbled Paragraph Questions (MCQ And TITA)

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

Chapter 9: Reading Comprehension: Summarizing and Active Reading

(Paragraph Summary Writing)

Summarizing: A Basic Reading Comprehension Skill

The Technique of Active Reading

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

Chapter 10: Reading Comprehension: Levels of Meaning and RC Question-Types

Levels of Meaning and Related RC Question-Types

Wording of Question-Stems and Option traps

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

Chapter 11: Reading Comprehension: Reading for Structure (Evaluative Level of Meaning)

The Main Idea Question: The Most Important and Frequently-Asked RC Question

Some RC Question-Types That Entail ‘Evaluation’

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

Chapter 12: Reading Comprehension: Reading for Implied Idea (Inferential Level of Meaning)

A Quick Recap of the ‘Concept Review’ Section

Inferential Level of Meaning: RC Question-types

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

Section 4 Practice Exercises

Practice Exercise 1: Reading Comprehension (Paragraph Summary Writing)

Questions

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

Practice Exercise 2: Reading Comprehension (Short Passages-1)

Questions

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

Practice Exercise 3: Reading Comprehension (Short Passages-2)

Questions

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

Practice Exercise 4: Reading Comprehension (Long Passages-1)

Questions

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

Practice Exercise 5: Reading Comprehension (Long Passages-2)

Questions

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

Section 5 Mock Tests

MOCK CAT VARC Test 1

Questions

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

MOCK CAT VARC Test 2

Questions

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

MOCK CAT VARC Test 3

Questions

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

MOCK CAT VARC TEST 4

Questions

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

MOCK CAT VARC Test 5

Questions

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

Section 6 CAT 2017 VARC Tests

CAT 2017 VARC Test Slot 1

Questions

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

CAT 2017 VARC Test Slot 2

Questions

Answer Key

Explanatory Answers

Supplement Building Vocabulary

Supplement 1: Learning Words in Related Groups for the Multiplier Effect

Introduction

Nature of the English Vocabulary

Useful Approaches to Vocabulary-Building