Importance of Error Detection

In the CAT exam, error detection and sentence correction test your ability to spot inconsistencies, maintain grammatical integrity, and ensure logical flow in sentences.  These types of questions are quick to solve, so you will be saving a ton of time, and if you understand the sentence structure, it will help you tackle RC passages, too.

Tip 1: Master the Fundamentals of Grammar

Just like any great scientist has their principles down pat, you need to have a solid grasp of grammar rules. Here are some key areas to focus on: 

Subject-Verb Agreement: The subject and verb in a sentence must agree in numbers. 

Example: 

i) Singular: The cat runs fast

ii) Plural: The cats run fast.

Consistent Verb Tenses: Maintain the same tense throughout your writing unless there’s a reason to change it. 

Example: 

i) Incorrect: She walks to the store and bought some milk. 

ii) Correct: She walked to the store and bought some milk.

Use of Articles: Articles help specify nouns. Use “a” before consonant sounds, “an” before vowel sounds, and “the” for specific items.

Example: i) I saw a dog. (any dog) ii) I saw an elephant. (any elephant) iii) The dog I saw was barking. (a specific dog)

Proper Use of Pronouns: Pronouns must agree in number and gender with the nouns they replace. 

Tip 2: Read Actively

Reading is not just about skimming through text; you should engage with it. When you read actively, you’re more likely to notice errors. 

• Read Aloud: Hearing the sentences can help you catch awkward phrasing or grammatical mistakes.
• Visualise: Picture the scenario described in the sentence. If something feels off, it probably is!

Tip 3: Practice will Make You Perfect

As scientists often experiment to test their theories, you should practice regularly. Here’s how:

• Use Online Resources: Websites like Khan Academy or GMAT Club offer practice questions for error detection.
• Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions by timing yourself while practising.

Tip 4: Familiarise Yourself with Common Errors

Certain types of errors pop up more frequently than others. Here are a few common culprits:

• Dangling Modifiers occur when a modifier doesn’t clearly refer to a word in the sentence.
• Incorrect: Running down the street, the tree was beautiful.
• Correct: Running down the street, I saw a beautiful tree.

• Misplaced Modifiers happen when modifiers are placed too far from what they’re modifying.
• Incorrect: She almost drove her kids to school every day.
• Correct: She drove her kids to school almost every day.

Tip 5: Eliminate Wrong Answers First

When faced with multiple-choice questions, don’t feel pressured to find the correct answer immediately. Instead, identify options that contain clear grammatical mistakes. And increase your chances of selecting the right answer.

So next time you spot a ‘your’ instead of a ‘you’re’, remind yourself that’s not just Ross’s pet peeve- it’s your key to mastering CAT VARC. So focus on cracking those errors and nailing your dream B-school.