CAT Verbal Section Tips by Pravin Vedamuthu of IMS

In the last minute build-up to the Verbal Section of CAT 2008, we would do well to remember that CAT 2007 had 3 main ‘components’ to its verbal section, totaling 25 questions: verbal ability based questions (6), verbal reasoning based questions (7) and reading comprehension based questions (12). Each question with 5 answer choices had 4 marks allotted to it and a negative of 1 mark. Though CAT sections are not strictly timed, it is safe to say that one needed to allot 50 minutes per section so as to have the best chances to clear sectional cut-offs. So these 25 questions needed to be attempted over 50 minutes. The objective was to maximize score, not necessarily attempt all.

Over the years, Reading Comprehension (RC) based questions and Jumbled Sentences (JS) have been constant features in a CAT paper. For the last lap, it would be wise to take 1 ‘drill’ everyday on these topics. A drill will try to mimic the actual situation which you will face w.r.t these question types in the actual paper.

An RC drill would consist of a set of 4 passages with 3 questions each to be attempted in 25 minutes. A JS drill would consist of 4 questions on Jumbled Sentences to be taken in 10 minutes. While taking a drill, it has to be kept in mind that the idea is to maximize score under a pressure situation. After a drill is taken, you should compute your score. So 1 RC drill and 1 JS drill each day will need 35 minutes of your time and an additional 25 minutes for computation of the score and analysis. So 1 hour each day on drills.

Prepare a set of examples, w.r.t. all important grammar concepts focusing on errors. If you have every important concept error (e.g. mistakes in parallel construction, dangling modifiers, subject- verb disagreement, etc.) in the form of an example, you will be alert to these when you tackle the sentence correction questions.

For critical reasoning type of questions, it is absolutely necessary to be very clear about words like ‘inferred’, ‘implied’ and ‘implicit’ and how they play out in a CAT paper. Also, question types like ‘what, if true, would best support the author’s view…’, ‘what, if true, would provide the most compelling logical disproof of…’ ,‘all of the following support the author’s claim EXCEPT…’etc.

For vocabulary based questions, it would still be good to go through a wordlist and glance at especially those words which you have heard and read but were not sure about. It is of course past the time to learn completely new words.

Last but not least, remember that the CAT is becoming more and more rigorous and the questions more and more complex. It is less of a ‘speed game’ now and more of clear, composed and focused thinking free from biases and prejudices. It tests who has better reasoning in a stressful situation rather than who has ‘worked’ the most. So stay calm and do not panic. The test is not about ‘how tough or easy’ it is always about ‘how competitive’ and hence the most important thing is how to avoid meltdowns and not give fellow competitors a ‘competitive advantage’.

I wish you the very best of luck for CAT 2008.

Pravin Santosh Vedamuthu,
IMS Learning Resources
P.G – MICA

Courtesy: http://www.imsindia.com
Email: ims@imsindia.com

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Last Minute CAT Tips from Jaya Desai – IMS

The countdown to the CAT is akin to the countdown to a rocket launch- A lot of hard work has already been put in ;  there is a blend of  nervousness and excitement  ;an air of expectancy ….

Here are some tips that will hold you in good stead for D-Day:

Take two/three tests with a lot of emphasis on analysis:
After taking a national percentile ranking test like the SIMCAT, note down your total attempts within the allotted time frame. Then, arrive at the number of correct and incorrect attempts. You may feel as to why you should ponder over the correct attempts. Ah!there might be a faster or an easier way to do the same! Second, w.r.t the incorrect attempts, if the same has been due to oversight, tell yourself you will be more vigilant the next time. If it was the outcome of a blind guess, then you must resolve to steer clear of such an approach because of the spectre of negative marking. And last but not the least, if the incorrect attempt was because of lack of knowledge of the concept, then go back to your basics to that extent! Also, do not forget to have a kettle of tea or coffee next to you !

Work hard on areas of weakness and capitalize on areas of strength
If any of   the components ,i.e. Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation or English, has been an area of concern, please do not hesitate to devote quality time to concepts. Sections you are good at, you can fine tune attempts a bit!

Read the Instructions page carefully on test day:
“Elementary, my dear Watson!” would say Sherlock Holmes! But test takers ever so often do not read the instructions  page carefully before zeroing in on a strategy. Reading this page is important from the point of view of knowing the marking system and the distribution of sections.

Keep away from the ‘Fixed Strategy’ approach:
Since the CAT does not have a fixed pattern with respect to number of questions, question type or the marking system, do not have a fixed way of approaching the test. The only cardinal rule that you need to keep in mind is start garnering marks in your kitty by attempting questions that you are sure about! Remember, there are always simple questions and absolute sitters in the paper, visible when you devote a couple of minutes scanning the questions.

Keep cool and do not succumb to paranoia:
Being in the right frame of  mind  is half the battle won! This is very essential because anxiety and negativity will kill the golden goose! You must be what a good manager is in times of crisis and uncertainty- cool, calm and collected. This will   help select the right questions.

All the best for a fantastic experience!
Jaya Desai,
Centre Head – IMS.

Courtesy: http://www.imsindia.com
Email: ims@imsindia.com

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