The Ultimate Guide: Best Reading Resources for CAT Beginners Over 10 Months

Preparing for the Common Admission Test (CAT) is a challenging journey, especially when you are just starting out. The first step towards effective preparation is to build a strong foundation in reading. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the best reading resources for beginners over the course of 10 months to help you achieve your goals efficiently. Let's dive in!

Building a Strong Foundation: The First Three Months

During the initial three months of your CAT preparation, focus on developing your reading speed and comprehension skills. The key here is to start with easy texts and gradually move towards more complex ones. Here are the recommended resources:

1. Easy Books

Begin with books that are easy to read and understand. Popular choices include novels, short stories, and simpler reference books. Some good options include:

Easy Reader Novels: These are designed to improve reading speed and comprehension. Titles like A Gentleman in Moscow or Me Before You are great choices. Short Stories: Anthologies of short stories can be very helpful in improving comprehension and reading speed. Consider Music for Dead Poets or Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Little Prince. Reference Books: Books like Dictionary Definitions or Facts and Figures can help in understanding and retaining new information.

These books are not only enjoyable but also highly beneficial for building a strong vocabulary and comprehension skills.

2. Diverse Genre Reading

To enhance your reading experience and improve your comprehension across different topics, try reading books from various genres. This will expose you to different writing styles and themes, enhancing your overall reading skill.

Non-Fiction: Biographies, historical accounts, and scientific texts. Titles like Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari or Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou can be extremely enlightening. Fiction: Novels that explore different perspectives and plot structures. Consider Moby-Dick by Herman Melville or The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Poetry: Collections of poems that can enrich your understanding and appreciation of language. Works by William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, or Sylvia Plath are excellent examples.

By reading across different genres, you will develop a broader understanding and a more nuanced perspective, which is crucial for the CAT.

Transitioning to News and Editorials: Months 4 to 7

After gaining a solid foundation in reading through books, it is essential to transition towards reading articles that are more focused and structured. News editorials offer excellent opportunities for this:

1. Daily News Sources

Start by reading daily news sources. Websites like The New York Times, The Economist, The Financial Times, and BBC News are great for this purpose. Focus on a diverse range of topics such as economics, politics, technology, and social issues. This will help you stay informed and improve your analytical skills.

2. Opinion Pieces

Opinion pieces and editorials provide deeper insights into current affairs and offer different viewpoints. Reading these articles will improve your ability to understand multiple perspectives, a valuable skill for the CAT.

The New York Times Opinion Section The Economist Editorials The Financial Times Opinion BBC News Analysis

These sources will not only expand your knowledge but also enhance your ability to analyze and interpret complex information.

Final Months and The CAT Exams

As you approach the final months of your preparation, focus on reading advanced texts and practice-intensive materials. Anion essays are an excellent choice for this stage:

1. Anion Essays

Anion essays provide detailed, structured arguments and can help you develop your own analytical and writing skills. Read essays that cover a wide range of topics, such as economic policies, ethical dilemmas, and social issues. Some recommended essays include those from Slate, The Atlantic, and Project Syndicate.

2. CAT Mock Test Reading Material

To further fine-tune your reading and comprehension skills, practice with CAT mock test papers. These resources will give you a more accurate sense of the exam format and the level of difficulty. Websites like EduBay, Career Launcher, and Floresca offer a variety of mock tests and reading materials specifically designed for the CAT.

Conclusion: Consistency and Practice

The key to effective reading preparation for the CAT is consistency and regular practice. By following this structured approach, you will develop a strong reading foundation and enhance your comprehension skills over the course of 10 months. Remember, the more you read, the better you write and reason. Good luck with your CAT preparation!

Lastly, always keep in mind that practice makes perfect. The more you read, the better your understanding and reasoning skills will become. Stay consistent, stay focused, and stay motivated. The CAT is within your reach!