How to Improve Your Verbal Ability for CAT?

How to Improve Your Verbal Ability for CAT? As discussed in the previous post, enhancing your verbal ability for exams like CAT requires a strong command over the language. So, how can you improve your language skills, reading speed, and vocabulary?

The answer is simple, although it may seem boring and cliched – read, read, and read some more. There is no better way to build a solid vocabulary, improve your reading speed, and develop general awareness – all of which are essential to crack the Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) rounds of the IIMs.

During the selection process of the IIMs, you will be judged not just by your marks, but by your knowledge and understanding of the world around you. To prepare effectively, imagine yourself sitting in front of a panel and facing a barrage of questions after writing a WAT. Even if the question seems straightforward, like “What is your view on the JNU issue?”, be prepared to provide a well-thought-out answer backed by evidence and a clear stance.

It is crucial to understand that doing well on the CAT alone does not guarantee admission into the IIMs. The selection process for the WAT-GD-PI calls four people for every seat, and many candidates with high percentiles fail to convert a single call. Therefore, your preparation should focus on maximizing your chances of getting into an IIM, not just clearing the CAT.

So, what should you be reading? Apart from improving your verbal abilities, your reading should cover the following areas:

• General Knowledge + Current Affairs
• Indian Newspapers – The Times of India for international and business news, and The Hindu for editorials
• Indian News + Analysis Magazines – Scroll and The Caravan
• International News + Analysis Magazines – TIME and Newsweek
• Specialization & General Business Interest

In addition to newspapers and magazines, it is essential to read books that provide relevant examples and insights into various topics. Here are a few recommendations that help to Improve Your Verbal Ability for CAT:

Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell is a writer for The New Yorker magazine, known for his best-selling books that provide off-beat insights into various subjects. His books use anecdotes to prove a point and are worth reading for the examples they provide:

• Outliers: This book challenges the common perception of success and explores the factors that contribute to extraordinary achievements.
• Blink: Gladwell explains how our unconscious mind interprets events and how past experiences influence quick decision-making.
• Tipping Point: This book examines the phenomenon of epidemics and the moment when a trend reaches critical mass and spreads rapidly.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Nassim Nicholas Taleb is an essayist, statistician, and risk analyst known for his work on randomness, probability, and uncertainty. His books, particularly the following, are helpful for those interested in finance:

• Fooled By Randomness: This book discusses the influence of random events on financial markets and challenges the idea of predictability.
• The Black Swan: Taleb examines unpredictable, high-impact events, or “Black Swans,” and their effects on history and finance.

Eliyahu Goldratt

Eliyahu Goldratt, an Israeli physicist turned business management guru, has written books that apply the theory of constraints to business processes. One of his most famous works is:

• The Goal: This book, written as a piece of fiction, follows a plant manager’s journey to turn around an unprofitable and unreliable production plant. It offers valuable insights for those interested in operations.

Indian Reality

To understand and discuss topics related to India, it is essential to gain insights into the Indian consumer psychology, economic history, and untold stories of ordinary Indians. The following books provide valuable perspectives:

• We Are Like That Only – Rama Bijapurkar: This book explores the complexities of the Indian market, diverse consumer behaviors, and strategies for success in this billion-plus market.
• India Unbound – Gurcharan Das: This book chronicles India’s journey from independence to becoming a global economic force and offers insights into India’s potential and challenges.

By regularly reading newspapers, magazines, and books across various subjects, you can improve your verbal ability and enhance your knowledge about national and international events. This will help you perform well in the WATs, GDs, and PIs and increase your chances of admission into the IIMs.