Monday, February 22, 2021

10 must NOT DOs for GMAT reading comprehension

 

10 must NOT DOs for GMAT reading comprehension


1.Reading only for the topic

Read for the author’s opinions running parallel to the topic as well

2.Concentrating on the specific details

Higher weight-age questions demand overall intent, flow and tone of the passage.

3.Choosing a stated idea for inference question

The answer to an inference question is never explicitly stated in the passage; it is implied

4.Taking the notes too far

One way to keep track of a long passage is by making thought flow chart; use symbols arrows to show relationships

5.Losing track of ‘who says what’

The passage may present multiple perspectives- of the author’s, someone else’s ( being quoted)..

6.Overlooking the question stem.

Some question stems are simple, yet others roundabout. ensure that you are clear what the question asks.

7.Undermining the need to build vocabulary

One third of the RC questions demand word knowledge…. Skepticism, laudatory, archaic, condescending…these all appear

8.Over reading

Skip, examples, specific details, long parenthetical statements….

9.‘ NOT SEEing crucial words- Only, except, not in the question stem


10. First reading- a slow ‘thorough’ reading

The first reading can be a faster skimming, for the main points of discussion.

If you need help in GMAT verbal preparation, Feel free to ping me..

My contact link is here:



Happy learning

 



Saturday, February 13, 2021

GMAT preparation - 4 things to do before you start your prep

 


Here are 4 must to do activities, if you are starting your GMAT preparation today.

Activity 1: Take a free GMAT starter test

Here is the link

https://www.mba.com/exam-prep/gmat-official-starter-kit-practice-exams-1-and-2-free

Analyze the scores. Don’t look at the answers, as you will need to do this same test again. 

Observe the number correct vs number wrong.

If you need in-depth analysis, send me the scores... 

Book a web-meeting here: Fill this form . mention your scores.


Activity 2: Self-introspect- Do I self-study or Do I go for coaching?

Tricky question.

Keep these pointers in mind while taking a call.


Time 

If you are starting cold, you will spend significant time to get into the GMAT thinking mode. 


Under a mentor: 

The time to get into prep mode will be faster, as there will be knowledge transfer from the tutor. 

 

Material

If you search for GMAT material, you will get plenty of options. Book/videos/tests/etc…. Which material is sufficient? Which material is apt for you?


Under a mentor:

The tutor will assess you and give you the right resources based on your strengths and weakness. Focus your energy on preparation instead of resource collection....

 

Study plan

 How many hours do I study, what do I study first…. What do I study next…


Under a mentor: 

The tutor will design a comprehensive custom study plan. The plan will bring a structure to your preparation.

 

Doubt clarification

There are lots of forums where you can post your doubts and get them clarified. However, a mentor will help you if

  • Your mock test scores have plateaued
  • You are not able to understand the solution given in the resources material
  • You need a different approach for the problem, if you are not able to understand the given..


Under a mentor: 

A tutor will clarify your doubts and help you cross the chasm..

 

 Accountability

You will get results, only if you are accountable. If there is no accountability, then you will be preparing with no targets. No end dates.


 Under a mentor: 

A tutor will set realistic milestones. When you cross the milestone, you will be motivated to work towards the next milestone….


Activity 3: Make  a time-table

Keep roughly 20+hrs per week for preparation.  

  • 1/3rd  the time - understanding concepts. 
  • 1/3rd the time -  doing area wise tests. 
  • 1/3rd the time - analyzing your performance and using alternate approaches to solve questions. 

Activity 4:Work on additional skills

 While preparing for a competitive exam like GMAT, you need to focus on additional skills such as

  1. Time management
  2. Decision making
  3. Lateral thinking
  4. Critical reading
  5. Stress management

And more…

Solving only math and verbal questions  will not help you ace the exam. Your test taking skills also matters.

If you need help in GMAT preparation, Feel free to ping me..

My contact link is here:



Happy learning