Important Concepts: Paragraph Completion | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) - CAT PDF Download

• Paragraph completion questions require you to insert a missing sentence at the correct place within a paragraph. 
• The challenge is to maintain the logical and cohesive flow of ideas. 
• Such questions test your comprehension skills, ability to deduce the logical structure of a passage, and understand the contextual fit of a sentence.

Strategy for Solving Paragraph Completion Questions

To effectively tackle paragraph completion questions, follow this strategic approach:

1. Reading and Understanding the Paragraph

• Read the entire paragraph carefully to grasp the overall theme and logical flow of ideas. 
• Pay special attention to transitional words and phrases that indicate the direction of the argument or discussion.

2. Understanding the Missing Sentence

• Analyze the given sentence separately to identify its main idea, tone, and potential connection points within the paragraph.

3. Identifying Logical and Cohesive Flow

• Determine where the sentence fits best by looking for logical sequencing, cause-effect relationships, or thematic continuation. 
• The correct spot should seamlessly integrate the sentence without disrupting the flow.

4. Elimination Process

• Use the process of elimination by assessing each potential spot for the sentence. 
• Discard options that create discrepancies in the flow, lack continuity, or disrupt the thematic progression.

Example Analysis

Consider the following paragraph and missing sentence:
"Dr. Eliza Martins has been a pivotal figure in the field of marine biology for over two decades. ___(1)___ Her research on coral reef ecosystems has contributed to groundbreaking discoveries about coral resilience and regeneration. ___(2)___ In recognition of her contributions, Dr. Martins was awarded the Global Environmental Leadership Award last year. ___(3)___ Her work has not only advanced scientific understanding but has also played a crucial role in shaping conservation policies around the world. ___(4)___"
Missing Sentence: "Nonetheless, it was her unwavering commitment to environmental conservation that garnered international recognition."

Strategy Application
Reading and understanding the paragraph highlights Dr. Martins's achievements and impact. The missing sentence emphasizes the reason for her recognition, which logically follows her award mention, making spot (3) the most appropriate for maintaining the narrative flow.

Tips and Tricks

• Always read the paragraph and sentence more than once to fully grasp the context.
• Look for keywords in the missing sentence that match or complement ideas in the paragraph.
• Consider the tone and style of the paragraph when placing the sentence.
• Practice with a variety of paragraphs to improve your skill in identifying logical sequences.

Practice for Perfection

• The key to mastering paragraph completion questions is practice. 
• Work on a variety of texts to familiarize yourself with different writing styles, structures, and logic flows. 
• Analyzing your mistakes and understanding the rationale behind correct placements will enhance your skills over time.