MBAUniverse.com taking the inputs from experts on CMAT English Language Comprehension preparation has already shared every minute detail on pattern & types of questions, their weightage in the section, tips on how to prepare, model questions on Language comprehension. Now Prof S K Agarwal expert on Language Comprehension preparation for CMAT Sep 2014 shares 10 important tips to ace the CMAT Sep 2014, to be held from Sep 25, 2014 to Sep 29 2014 in 2 sessions on each day.
CMAT 2014 Important discussion and paper pattern
Unlike CAT, there is no process of equating the scores or normalization of scores process in CMAT Sep 2014 exam. CMAT awards raw scores while CAT normalizes the scores and awards them in percentile form.
CMAT Sep 2014: Test pattern is similar to CAT 2014
CMAT Sep 2014 will have 100 questions divided in 4 sections with 25 questions in each section. The periodicity of CMAT Sep 2014 will be 180 minutes which is quite similar to CAT 2014 which also proposes 100 questions divided in 2 sections and to be solved in 170 minutes. CMAT Sep 2014 and CAT 2014 are now quite similar tests as both are computer based tests with same number of questions and almost same time duration.
Interestingly CAT 2014 has removed the sectional time constraints on the lines of CMAT. Earlier CAT aspirants were not allowed to switch from one section to other before the expiry of time limit to the first section, now they can freely move from one section to other within the overall allotted time to solve the test.
Like CAT, CMAT also has sectional weightage and the aspirants have to clear and score well in each of the four sections in CMAT Sep 2014. Every correct answer to the question will award you 4 marks but a penalty of 1 mark also exists for each wrong answer in CMAT Sep 2014.
10 Tips to ace CMAT Sep 2014
Accordingly English Language comprehension section will have 25 questions with a weightage of 100 marks out of 400. To achieve the goal and come out with flying colours after the CMAT examination, try to follow the undernoted tips shared by Prof S K Agarwal, Expert on Language Comprehension preparation for CMAT. These tips are based on the preparation and examination hall strategy. They will help you improve your score in the examination with the level of preparation you have so far made. There are still 5 days left to CMAT Sep 2014 exam, in case you haven’t practiced a few topics, please try them in next 2-3 days and be ready for the exam.
Time to scan and revise your material
It is not advisable to read something new or build your vocabulary at the eleventh hour. On the contrary, now you should go for revision of the already built up learning.
Assess how good you are at English Grammar
CMAT Sep 2014 is expected to place more questions on English grammar. Hence Grammar and subject verb agreement rules must be revised especially perfect tenses, conditional -unreal past, modifiers and whatever you have earlier prepared . Remember the placement of correct word at correct place. It is better to solve a few Error correction model exercises.
Practice with exercises and Mocks
Fundamentals, Vocabulary, although cannot be further strengthened much now, the practice is the key during the remaining 5 days. Make it the part of your routine to practice one Mock or replica test paper on CMAT every day. It will be better also to practice a few more questions based on jumbled paragraphs and Reading comprehension passages.
Improve the speed and strategy to Put the jumbled sentences in order
You can solve these jumbled paragraphs faster if you can search for connectors to sentences e.g. conjunctions, personal ( He/she/it/they/their etc), relative (Who,whose, that,which etc.), Demonstrative (These, those, this, that etc.) pronouns as they indicate that they must have been used in place of some noun-proper/common etc. A few paragraphs have time factors in it-indicating that the events mentioned for the earlier time should come first and could help you to put them in chronological order
You may also find certain words which may be leading towards next idea or concluding part – like- Summing up, in a nutshell, Nevertheless, therefore, However, hence, So, Simultaneously, Apart from etc. They denote change of thought process and transform sentence to next stage.
RC questions: Speed is the key
The passages in CMAT unlike CAT are shorter with fewer number of questions are based on their reading. Besides, the difficulty level is also less. The aspirants should concentrate on main/important words in the sentence and try to link their reference to other parts.
The strategy should be to read the passage twice and then proceed to questions. Jumping to questions before thoroughly reading the paragraph might affect adversely. Even if certain words are unfamiliar you may check for the general meaning of the part of the paragraph. This will enable you to understand the options and mark your answer.
No accuracy means negative score
If you mark one wrong answer, you will lose the credit for the question and will be imposed a penalty also, pushing you back in score. It is advisable not to waste time, In case you find the same beyond your reach. Switch over to next one. You may come back to it, if time permits.
With your more attempts, improve your accuracy level. Next 5 days are crucial for this improvement. It will not only help you to get a good score in CMAT but also will improve your percentile in CAT 2014 and XAT 2015 since both the tests are on the heels of CMAT Sep 2014.
Manage time to score more
Out of 25 questions in language Comprehension section in CMAT Sep 2014, you can get a very good score by cracking around 20 questions. Since all the questions carry equal weightage and are to be solved within given time frame, say 25 questions in 45 minutes. Your endeavour should be to solve one question in less than one and half minutes or within 90 seconds. This will enable you to come back and review as well as to solve the left over questions.
Practice the mocks
Devote more time in taking mocks. Practice more such questions as you think will give you more confidence and further strengthen your strong areas. Do not over stress but half hearted study will also not help. So devote your time with concerted efforts.
Avoid getting biased
When you enter the Examination hall, enter with an open mind. Many pieces of advice from your well wishers must be coming on do’s and don’ts for the examination. However, if you can have a few from those who appeared and became a winner, it would be more useful. The gist of above is not to get biased or limit yourself in attempting the number of questions. You may or may not attempt all the twenty-five questions in this section, given the time constraint or for fear of getting penalty on wrong answer. But be open to all the questions. It is very much possible that you may find more doable questions, so please do not go with a biased mind that you will not attempt all the twenty five questions. If you can, solve them with confidence.
Avoid new concepts now
You should not cram your head now in learning new topics. Go easy for whatever you can learn, revise and practice, do that but something which might create confusion in your mind should be avoided at this moment. Remain calm and cool throughout the examination. Just relax and sleep well before the night of the examination.
General Awareness: Only revision-no current affairs now
It is better to revise the items that you have already studied and keep pace to keep you up-to-date. Since examination paper must have been prepared by now, you may not require to go through more such events which are taking place now a days like Modi’s visit to USA, visit of Chinese President to India, Scotland deciding to remain with UK and the like. The focus should be on the current affairs that took place till a fortnight ago, conventional, business, commerce and other international GK must be revised at this point instead of learning something new.
In view of Prof S K Agarwal, English language comprehension section in CMAT remains unpredictable and full of surprises. Its Jumbled paragraphs although small have different types of jumbled sentences. Other questions based on varying topics also do not lag behind. So gear up, fasten your belts and give your best shot in CMAT Sep 2014..
Related Links
CMAT September 2014: Time to revise and finalise your preparation in next 15 days
CMAT Sep 2014: Nothing unusual about Dip in Registration for the first CMAT 2015
Countdown begins: 20 days left for CMAT Sep 2014; finalize your preparation
AICTE extends CMAT Sep 2014 Registration date to Sep 1, 2014; 4 days left to apply
Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more preparation tips on CMAT Sep 2014
