One of the most confusing question-types in the Reading Comprehension for CAT section is the “title-based” questions. In such questions, the candidates are required to identify the subject and theme of the passage and choose the aptest heading for that from a given set of choices.
Types of Titles in CAT RC Passages
To be able to solve title questions, one must be well acquainted with the types of titles. Below-given are the two types of titles that the candidates might face in the examination. They are explained below:
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Explicit Titles
Questions based on explicit titles are easily identifiable and are scored. In this type, the title states the subject and information in the passage directly. So, these are also known as direct titles.
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Implicit Titles
These are a bit tricky and require the candidates to understand the passage completely to be able to answer. These titles state the subject indirectly, sometimes, using idioms and metaphors. Thus, these titles are also called indirect titles.
Properties of RC Titles
Understanding the passage and identifying the theme is not as easy as it sounds. Especially for implicit titles, candidates need to analyze the options thoroughly and then come to a conclusion. To be effective in analyzing and identifying the titles, one needs to understand the basic properties of titles. Some of the important properties of titles are:
- Titles always include the subject of the given passage.
- In the case of academic and technical passages, the titles are generally direct. In the case of opinion-based passages, the nature of titles is mostly indirect.
- Titles always give a concise summary of the passage and the issues it covers.
It is always suggested to check for these properties in the given answer choices and then deduce the correct option.
Tips to Answer RC Title Questions Easily
Though the title based questions are tricky and confusing, they are one of the easiest to score questions in the entire verbal section. So, some crucial tips to solve title-based questions are given here to help the CAT candidates attempt the related questions with ease.
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Subject Identification
It is of utmost importance to identify the subject of the passage clearly. Identify whether the title will be direct or indirect and then check for the answer options which represent the subject or the central idea of the passage aptly.
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Always Focus on the Main Theme
It is always suggested to keep all the key ideas in mind while checking the answer options. Then, identify the option which states the theme and idea of the message clearly. It is suggested to analyze the theme of each paragraph properly and then deduce the whole idea of the passage before going through the answer choices.
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Be Wary of the Passage’s Scope
Often, some answer choices are given that reflects the idea which is not within the scope of the passage. For example, if a passage is about “India’s economy”, a title focusing on “Global economy” is out of scope and will never be the correct choice. So, always check the subject of the passage and the relatedness of the title before answering.
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Focus on Vocabulary, Idioms and Metaphors
In many cases, the answer options are given in the form of idioms or metaphors. To be able to answer such questions correctly, one needs to be properly acquainted with idioms and metaphors. Also, one needs to have proper vocabulary skills to understand the answer options correctly and relate them to the subject’s passage.
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Have a Good Reading Habit
Having a good reading habit is extremely crucial to attempting reading comprehension questions. Candidates who have a proper reading habit can easily read and comprehend the central idea of the passage quickly and effectively. Also, by reading, individuals can easily enhance their vocabulary skills.
These were some of the crucial tips that can help a candidate attempt the title-based questions easily and effectively. Also, it should always be remembered that the title is not a conclusion and hence should not be confused. Another best way to attempt these questions is by taking the role of the author and then analyzing the title accordingly.
Visit Reading Comprehension tips to get more important tips and strategies to attempt the CAT RC section more effectively. Stay tuned with BYJU’S for complete assistance on CAT preparation. Get various sample papers, mock tests, questions papers and study material at BYJU’S.
