GMAT sentence correction- the analytical way.

Doubts are best clarified in class

Preparing for GMAT is no child’s play. And definitely not the verbal section of the GMAT. Iam sure many of you there agree with me.

The intricacies of sentence corrections are better understood when you are made to think with the sentence(for godsake its not just math that involves thinking)

Your problems with sentence correction will be over the day you start thinking with grammar. Cos there is no grammar separate form meaning and no meaning separate from accepted knowledge- philosophical or scientific.
When you with a verbal expert, you are made to think with the sentence.

Here’s an example
The set of propositions which was discussed by the panel have been published in the society journal.
A. which was discussed by the panel have been
B. which were discussed by the panel have
C. that was discussed by the panel was
D. which were discussed by the panel has
E. discussed by the panel has been
The set ( of propositions that were/are discussed by the panel) was/ has been published in the society.
Bracket out all word groups- the prepositional phrase- has been bracketed out. The set was/has been—both are right, since no specific time referenece.
The point here is that relative pronoun which/that refers to propositions and not ‘the set’. Hence are/were/ have been must refer to propositions and not ‘the set’
Hence we narrow down to E. drop the ‘ which are’/ that are…wordiness.

The sentence correction tip you gave me is good.
No need, the sentence correction tip that you gave me is good.

Bookmark this on Delicious

How do we conquer the fear of GMAT math?

Let start with a show of hands

How many of us go blank when we see a math sum?
I can see that most of you are raising your hands, the others must be one of lucky 2%.

Now the big question.

Why some of us go blank and others seem to have the knack of solving math sums?

Well you can blame it on your mathematics teacher @ school or on your genes. But nevertheless while preparing for GMAT or in fact while doing an MBA, you will encounter lot of math.
I can hear lots of groans. :-)

Few years back I read this book ‘How to solve it’ by George Polya. I modified my teaching style from just teaching question answers, question answers, question answers, question answers……to question logic answers, question logic answers, question logic answers…..

I found that I could tutor a person to achieve 45+(raw score in GMAT) within few weeks as instead of few months. Wow!! The best part of it I could see that students are able to solve math problems independently without me intervening.

In the book, Polya gives a detailed step by step process on how to approach math problems in general

I will modify the process and present it to you in context with GMAT math
Keep these steps in mind when you approach a math problem in the future.

Step 1: Understanding the problem
Answer the following questions first

• Do you understand all the words used in stating the problem?
• What are you asked to find or show?
• Can you think of a picture or diagram that might help you understand the problem?
• Is there enough information to find the solution?
• What information, if any, is missing?

The answer to these questions will channelize your thinking towards the answer.

Step 2: Devise a plan
Answer these questions now

• What will be the best approach to address the problem?

Approaches can only be devised. If a tutor explains a sum to you, then you will be able to understand only that problem. But when you encounter a new problem, you will go blank again.
Ideally when you encounter a new problem, you will have to use the existing ideas plus any new ideas you can conjure up. These process are mostly done mentally and involve little computation/calculation.

To get an idea, do any/all of the following.

• Make a systematic list/table
• Write an equation
• Consider special cases
• Use direct reasoning- for example If A>B and B>C then A>C.
• Use indirect reasoning.-Think of an earlier sum where you encountered a similar problem
• Look for a pattern
• Draw a picture
• Solve a simpler problem- break the problem into small parts and solve each part.
• Use a model- Make a general assumption and solve by guessing.
• Work backwards. –work with answer options

Now that you have got an idea. Put pen on paper and solve to get an answer
Stage 3: Carry out the plan

• Solve the problem with great care and patience
• Discard the plan if it does not work and devise a new plan
• Record what you have done to avoid repetitive work – For future use.

While attempting Data sufficiency questions, it is imperative you check your results. So
Stage 4: Looking back or checking

• Have you addressed the problem?
• Is your answer reasonable?
• Can the method applied to other similar problems?
• Is It consistent.

Now go ahead and repeat this thought process on different math problem and the next time when you see a math problem you will not go blank.



Bookmark this on Delicious

100 points more GMAT strategy workshop -1

I have attached the Jpeg files of presentation. Do check out the strategies...


Bookmark this on Delicious

GMAT: a note for the beginners

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized，three-part exam designed to help admissions officers evaluate how suitable individual applicants are for their graduate business and management programs．It measures verbal，mathematical，and writing skills the outcome of 16 years of education and experience.
Since graduates from all subjects of undergraduate study and from all work backgrounds are eligible for business education at graduate level, the GMAT exam will assess your general aptitude in language, reasoning and numerical skills giving admissions officers a statistically reliable measure of how well you are likely to perform academically in the core curriculum of a graduate business program．This is not to deny that there are many other qualifications that can help people succeed in business education and careers- such as work experience，leadership ability, motivation，and interpersonal skills．Since the GMAT does not gauge these qualities, other criteria are also considered for admission- performance in undergad study, essays，and letters of recommendation.
Why GMAT?
GMAT scores are one criterion for admission to close to 2000 graduate business and management studies across the US, Canada, Europe, Dubai, Singapore, India, Australia, Newzealand. Because the GMAT test gauges skills that are important to successful study of business and management at the graduate level，your scores will give you a good indication of how well prepared you are to succeed academically in a graduate management program；how well you do on the test may also help you choose the business schools to which you apply．Furthermore, the percentile table you receive with your scores will tell you how your performance on the test compares to the performance of other test takers, giving you one way to gauge your competition for admission to business schoo1． Use the college websites, journals and other publication to gather intake criteria relevant to the school you apply to．
GMAT structure
The GMAT exam consists of four separately timed sections．You start the test with two 30-minute Analytical Writing Assessment(AWA)questions that require you to type your responses using the computer keyboard．The writing section is followed by two 75-minute，multiple-choice sections：the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the test．
The GMAT CAT, in the multiple-choice format, constantly gauges how well you are doing on the test and presents you with questions that are appropriate to your ability level．These questions are drawn from a huge pool of possible test questions．So each test taker is presented with different test editions.( the skills tested remain the same, the total number of questions in each section remains the same, the time allotted remain the same, the are of questions remain the same.) As you respond to the questions presented, the computer will narrow your score to the number that best characterizes your ability. When you compute each section，the computer will have an accurate assessment of your ability．
Because each question is presented on the basis of your answers to all previous questions，you must answer each question as it appears． Random guessing can significantly lower your scores．If you do not know the answer to a question，you should try to eliminate as many choices as possible，then select the answer you think is best. If you answer a question incorrectly by mistake-or correctly by lucky guess-your answers to subsequent questions will lead you back to questions that are at the appropriate level of difficulty for you.
Some interesting facts
• Only one question is presented at a time.
- The answer choices for the multiple-choice questions are not lettered or numbered but circled．
• Different question types appear in random order in the multiple-choice sections.
• You must click on the confirm button for the next questions to be presented.
• • You cannot go back and change answers; you cant skip a question
GMAT test content
The test provides one method of measuring overall ability．
The GMAT Quantitative section measures your ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems，and interpret graphic data．
Two types of multiple-Choice questions are Quantitative section：
• Problem solving
• Data sufficiency
Problem solving and data sufficiency questions are intermingled throughout the Quantitative section. Both types of questions require basic knowledge of：
• Arithmetic
• Elementary algebra
• concepts of geometry

The Verbal Section
The GMAT verbal section measures your ability to read and comprehend written material，to reason and evaluate arguments，and to correct written material to conform to standard written English. Because the verbal section includes reading sections from several different content areas, you may be generally familiar with some of the material; however, neither the reading passages nor the questions assume detailed knowledge of the topics discussed.

Three types of multiple-choice questions are used in the verbal section：
• Reading comprehension
• Critical reasoning
• Sentence correction
These question types are intermingled throughout the Verbal section.
How is the scoring done?
Your GMAT scores are determined by：
• the number of questions you answered
• whether you answered correctly or incorrectly
• the level of difficulty and statistical weightage of each question answered.
Analytical Writing Assessment Scores
The Analytical Writing Assessment consists of two writing tasks：Analysis of an Issue and
Analysis of an Argument．The responses to each of these tasks are scored on a 6-pomt scale, with
6 being the highest score and 1, the lowest．
Prepare, extraprepare
Be thorough with
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry concepts
Rules of sentence construction
Basics of formal logic
Read extensively, to build comprehension skills and language competence. Study a lot of sentences and observe structure, word order, idiom use, clarity, effectiveness and word use.
Take tests – paper based/ computer based
In the initial stages of preparation, you may work with paper based material – for concept building, and for solving multiple choice questions.
It is advisable to read a lot of passages on the computer screen.
Taking model tests
Practice on full exams- ie, AWA, math, Verbal all included, at least 5 tests
See how you manage your time; use your time wisely．Being too slow or overly fast in the beginning can affect your overall performance.

Accuracy is more important than speed
Once you start the test, an onscreen clock will continuously count the time you have 1eft．
Answer practice questions ahead of time．
Read all test directions carefully: and read each question closely. A few errors occur because of your ignoring the requirement of the question.
The directions explain exactly what is required to answer each question type.
Do not spend too much time on any one question.
If you do not know the correct answer, or if the Question is too time-consuming, try to eliminate choices you know are wrong, select the best of the remaining answer choices, and move on to the next question. Try not to worry about the impact on your score –guessing may lower your score, but not finishing the section will lower your score more.
Make preliminary notes before you begin to write your essay
Take care to organize your ideas and develop them fully; your response should be relevant, clear, logically organized, formal, complete.
For crisp strategies,log on to www.semanticslearning.com; follow us at letsgmat.blogspot.com
Bookmark this on Delicious

GMAT preparation: blueprint and study chapters

Here is a complete list of chapters relevant to GMAT
First phase: Reading comprehension
Extensive reading of various topical articles-
Science, economics, literary reviews, philosophy, and topics of contemporary debate.( double the reading of topics that you have not been in the habit of reading)
Second phase
How to actively read texts for tone and bias
How to read quickly and efficiently
How to analyze organization and structure
How to draw inferences from a reading text
The major question types and how to approach them
Practice with all types of passages and questions
Analyse extensively – questions, solutions, wrong answers, right answers.
critical reasoning
Phase 1
Lessons in formal logic, types of arguments, components of arguments, weak and strong arguments, inductive and deductive arguments, types of logic, common fallacies in argument, criteria of strong arguments
Phase 2
How to analyze arguments
How to spot weaknesses in arguments
15 Critical Reasoning question types and transferable strategies
Practice with quality questions.
Sentence correction
Phase 1
Parts of speech, grammar rules, diction, common idioms, grammar drills
Common errors in writing – agreement between parts of sentence.
Effective expressions: avoiding redundancy, wordy structures, awkwardness, ambiguity, unnecessary separation of elements, inappropriate diction, inconsistency
Phase 2
Typical sentence correction questions
How to identify trick sentence correction questions
Observe how options are constructed
Elimination method
Practicing with a wide variety of sentence correction questions
Problem solving
Phase 1
review of fundamentals of math
In arithmetic - Percentage, Interest, discount, Progressions, Uniform motion, Ratio and proportion, Grouping and counting, Data Interpretation, symbols, Progressions,
In algebra - study quadratic equations, linear/ bi-linear equations, trigonometry.
In Geometry - lines, quadrilateral, circles, polygons, trapezium and mensuration.
Phase 2
Learn how to interpret data graphs, pie charts, bar graphs and caselets and how to apply statistics concepts such as mode, mean, standard deviation and median.
Solve word problems, data sufficiency problems and reasoning in a quantitative setting. Work with a wide variety of problems –concept application, formula based, puzzles.
Analyse extensively
Work with higher order problems –caselets, data analysis, develop creative problem solving strategies- hypothesizing and verifying, working backward using option indicators, devising spot strategies
Build speed, work with timed tests

Essays:
brain storm and write at least 10 issue and 10 argument sample practice essays on original topics.
Brainstorm on a lot of topics from the real topics.
Have your essay evaluated by tutors or qualified friends

Mock exams and remedial work
5- 10 mock exams – do all sections at one sitting( you have to build stamina for a nearly 4 hr exam, no kid’s play) adjust time management . revise chapters, work on weak areas
Recommended concept resource: e-books www. semanticslearning.com
Recommended test practice: official guide
Recommended mock exams: powerprep test
With all these mastered, you will know exactly what to expect in the test.

Open your skills. Succeed.





Bookmark this on Delicious

Essentials for GMAT data sufficiency.. Must read

What is Data Sufficiency?

Data sufficiency is designed to measure your ability to

1. Analyse a quantitative problem
2. Recognize which information is relevant
3. Synthesize data
4. Determine at which point there is sufficient information to solve a problem.

Data sufficiency questions contains a question statement, followed by two sub statements labeled (1) and (2). Do not waste valuable time solving a problem. Only determine the statements sufficient to solve a problem.

Follow the flow chart presented below.

 The order of preference while answering a question is

• D
• A/B
• C
• E

There are 5 possible scenario's while answering questions. They are:

Scenario 1:

Check question statement and statement (1) first. If you get an answer, wait
Then
Check question statement and statement (2)alone. If you get an answer now mark D

Scenario 2:

Check question statement and statement (1) first. If you get an answer, wait
Then
Check question statement and statement (2)alone. If you do not get an answer now mark A

Scenario 3:

Check question statement and statement (1) first. If you do not get an answer
Then
Check question statement and statement (2)alone. If you do get an answer now mark B

Scenario 4:

Combine question statement ,statement (1) and statement (2).
If you get an answer now mark C

Scenario 5:

Combine question statement ,statement (1) and statement (2).
If you do not get an answer now mark E

I hope you get your DS sums right now. Mail me at george@semanticslearning.com for your GMAT doubts...:-)



Bookmark this on Delicious

An Analytical focus to GMAT

IIM CAT gets lots of space in discussion forums(thanks to the Prometric goof up), while its international cousin, GMAT, though revered for its reliability, is hardly discussed. Now that GMAT is used by a good number of B. Schools in India, IIMA( PGPX), ISB Hyderabad, IIMB( PGSEM), GLIM Chennai, to name a few, let’s give it its due and take a closer look at it.

GMAT tests verbal( sentence correction, critical reasoning and reading comprehension), math(problem solving and data sufficiency), and analytical writing skills.

The test assesses diverse competencies the prerequisites of which are strong fundamentals, the ability to think laterally and an analytical approach to sentence formation( grammar), critical reasoning, reading comprehension and quantitative problem solving.

Retake ,retake
GMAT is arguably the most repeated test. Twice, thrice. At times four attempts. Given that B.chools require 670+/800 thorough preparation is indispensable. The preparation cannot be confined to taking computer based tests or solving questions from the official guide. An overload of practice material in the internet has also mostly caused confusion among test takers- how much of it is adequate and if all relevant topics are covered.

Miracles do not happen
A reading comprehension section requires one to analyse and evaluate varied topics from economics, literature, philosophy, science, history. One who is planning to do GMAT should start early by extensive reading of such texts( The Hindu, Tuesday open page, Thursday Science and Technology and Sunday literary magazine are excellent sources. )this can be followed by reading comprehension(RC) tests of good quality. Always analyse the passages after the test. To score well in the Reading Comprehension a good diction is a must. For instance you must know the fine difference between explain, argue, propose, analyse, evaluate(words that summarise the primary purpose of the passage). And disinterested(not uninterested), biased, apprehensive - to cite a few terms depicting the author’s attitude toward the issue under discussion.
For the critical reasoning section there is a lot to learn about argument formation, argument types, argument evaluation and fallacies in arguments. One should know all the terminology that comprise the philosophy of argument( inductive generalization, argument by analogy, flaws in reasoning, post hoc fallacy to mention a few) from a whole spectrum of logic.
Sentence correction needs a lot of preparation. Requirements of standard written English, syntactical formats( eg. hardly…when, as much …as, so…that ), effective expressions( placing modifiers at the right place, avoiding unnecessary repetitions , ambiguity, choosing appropriate words).


The problem solving section of the GMAT is not as challenging as that of CAT. However, since most GMATers have a gap in academics, a thorough review of basics of math is a good start. This can be followed by strategy building- analyzing numerical problems, diagramming problems, substitution of suitable values, forming equations, forming hypothesis and testing , assessing the adequacy of data and the like.
The essays need attention- brainstorming on topics, learning the intricacies of argument analysis and adequate practice on timed organized writing.

In sum, to a reasonable degree, GMAT tests a candidate’s preparedness for the rigours of business education and business careers thereafter. Those competencies involve quantitative analysis, critical thinking, decision making, divergent thinking, Interpreting and evaluating complex data, and expressing ideas coherently and persuasively. These skills are reflected in the GMAT. Study well and crack it the first attempt itself.

For guidance email urmentor@semanticslearning.com







Bookmark this on Delicious

GMAT reading comprehension

How to answer central ideas and organization/structure of the passage questions?
These passages are organized on certain templates. We need to know these.

Why
Because there are questions that seek you to identify the structure or organization of the passage
What are those structures?

Bookmark this on Delicious

How to take charge of you GMAT math section?

To get a high score in the GMAT, you must be familiar with the relevant concept/formula as well as the hidden relationships accompanying the concept/formula.  Many of us attempt to crack the math section of the GMAT by solving problems from sources such as the official guide.

This strategy works for people who have a strong mathematical background. For the rest of us, we have to first understand the concepts, then we have to derive relationships from the existing concepts.

Concept learning is an art. We look at a math text book and we get overwhelmed by the size. 20 odd chapters!! How am I going to master all of them? Each topic looks menacing.

But if you observe closely not all the concepts are abstract, a time speed distance problems is related to a problem based on similar triangles(geometry), a problem on roots of an equations is based on factor theorem in number system. The concepts required to crack GMAT math are inter- related.

 The quantitative section is primarily focussed on number system, ratios proportion and percentages.  Majority of the other concepts are based on these concepts. Focus on these areas first, then apply these concepts to study other concepts like Time and work, Geometry, Profit, loss and discount,.

So from 20 odd chapters the area of focus boils down to 3 or 4 chapters.

Also:  Make derivations

While working out practice problems at the conceptual level, derive notes on where you can apply the concepts. Some of these derivations are highlighted below.

Presented below are some of the hidden relationship accompanying the concept/formula. These relationships are termed ScOT bytes which are the present through out our course material.

1. Let A and B be two numbers, then Product of A and B = HCF (A, B) × LCM (A, B)

2. (Even number)^4x  will always end in the digit: ‘6’,(Odd number)^4x  will always end in the digit:  ‘1’

3. Let a × b = c.  The remainder obtained when you divide c by d is equal to the product of the remainders obtained when you divide a by d and b by d.

5. If a is increased/decreased by b%, then the new value calculated after the increase is new value = a ± b% of a  ±  (b/100) x a

7. If a same positive number is added to both the terms of ratio (of lesser inequality), then the ratio is increased.

8. If a same positive number is added to both the terms of ratio (of greater inequality), then the ratio is diminished.

9. The number of factors for a square number is always odd. For 4 there are 3 odd factors(1,2,4), for 9 there are 3 odd factors(1,3,9)...

10. Discount percentage is always calculated on  list price/marked price and not on selling price.

11.If a:b = 3:4 then a and b are not equal to 3 and 4 respectively. a = 3x and b = 4xwhere x is any constant.

12. The Simple and compound interest is the same after 1 year. The amount as well as the compound interest increases by r% every year.

Where r1,r2,r3 are interests and n1,n2 

and n3 are the years.

14. To convert km/hr into m/sec multiply the number by 5/18

15.Average speed can be calculated by 2ab/(a+b) where a and b are the two speeds. This formula is only applicable when the distance travelled is constant.

For more math tips and details browse

http://www.semanticslearning.com/beta/gmat-l3-method.asp

Download the math concept book for SAT,GMAT,GRE at

http://www.semanticslearning.com/beta/downloads/GMAT-Math.zip

Language competence and GMAT

Are you looking for more on GMAT? Intimidated by the verbal section?
The verbal section of the GMAT tests higher order language skills and reasoning in a verbal context.
A. sophisticated grammar and idioms
B. complex and abstract passages
C. cryptic logic and arguments
The reading passages are sourced from varied subjects such as science, history, philosophy, economics, business, literature and from an assortment of issues of global relevance.
Habitual interests and reading in these domains through books, media and web sources will make you feel very comfortable with these areas of testing. Then the preparation requires streamlined references to well-designed GMAT-specific learning modules.
As a preliminary skill building you must read
1. reviews and essays on all subjects listed above
2. refer to advanced college level grammar books
3. study books on reasoning

There are some GMAT online resources that can provide you with all these solutions in a ready-to- use, convenient packages.
Mail me –ur mentor@semanticslearning.com

GMAT exam day

The D day
So you are ready for the GMAT, the first time!

1.Reach the test centre at least 45 min before the commencement of the test.
if you happen to be late more than 15 min to the test centre, bad luck, you lose out on the test and alas the money too, then rescheduling, the wait the delays…

2. carry a valid ID original identification document
With a photograph, your signature and proof of date of birth

3. no gadgets, test aids allowed inside the test hall

4. writing instruments to aid test taking will be provided to you

5. you are given a comfortable test station to take the test.
Take the test, valiantly
Keep watch of your time, because each section is separately timed…the system will show what time is left for the section.
Try and complete the section- even if guessing wildly, don’t you think that answering offers more probability of getting a correct answer than, un attempted questions?

Done the test?
You can get a score report comprising
Verbal, Math and total score plus the recipients as designated by us.
Not happy with the score? Feel you can score better?

Retake?
This can be the next, if money test is not too much of a problem…but then, you need a minimum 30 days, with ample every time at your disposal. for a revision and some great notes….then better luck next time…
If you are not in this position best, prepare well the first time itself…good luck.