Title: 2022 CAT VARC Slot 1 Solution Guide
Introduction
The VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) section in the CAT exam often includes critical reasoning and logical deduction questions. Slot 1 typically features questions based on logical sequences, statement-conclusion matching, or data interpretation. Below is a detailed solution guide for a sample question type, tailored for Indian exam preparation.
Sample Question (Slot 1)
"Arrange the following statements in a logical sequence to derive a valid conclusion:
All birds can fly.
Penguins are birds.
Some birds cannot fly.
Therefore, penguins cannot fly."
Solution Steps:
Identify Key Terms:
Premise 1: "All birds can fly."
Premise 2: "Penguins are birds."
Premise 3: "Some birds cannot fly."
Conclusion: "Therefore, penguins cannot fly."
Analyze Contradictions:
Premise 1 claims all birds can fly, but Premise 3 contradicts this by stating "some birds cannot fly." This implies Premise 1 is not universally true.
Logical Deduction:
From Premise 2: Penguins are birds.
From Premise 3: At least one category of birds (e.g., penguins) cannot fly.
Therefore, the conclusion logically follows: Penguins cannot fly.
Sequence of Statements:
Premise 2 → Premise 3 → Conclusion (Premise 1 is irrelevant due to contradiction).
Answer:
Penguins are birds.
Some birds cannot fly.
Therefore, penguins cannot fly.
Common Pitfalls
Overlooking Contradictions: Failing to note that Premise 1 and Premise 3 conflict can lead to incorrect conclusions.
Ignoring Specific Cases: Premise 3 ("some birds") allows for exceptions, which Premise 1 ("all birds") cannot justify.
Practice Tips for Indian Students
Master Contradiction Clues: Questions often test logical consistency (e.g., "all vs. some").
Use Venn Diagrams: Visualizing relationships between categories (birds, flying animals) simplifies deductions.
Time Management: Allocate 1–2 minutes per question in VARC to avoid getting stuck.
Final Answer Key
For the given question, the valid sequence is:
2 → 3 → Conclusion (Penguins are birds → Some birds cannot fly → Therefore, penguins cannot fly).
Note: Always verify conclusions against all premises to avoid logical fallacies.
This guide aligns with CAT exam patterns and addresses typical challenges faced by Indian aspirants. Let me know if you need further clarification!
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