Tips to crack Verbal Ability - 1
This segment cannot be mastered in one long stuffing session or within a scheduled number of days. You need to start right now and then pick up fast, until the yearning to know the language seems innate.
Here's how to make a start:
- Pick up the Wren and Martin's High School English Grammar and Composition (often used in junior classes).
- Go through the concepts on nouns, verbs, adverbs and adjectives. Concentrate on the application of these words in sentences.
- Use Etymology to perk up your Vocabulary. Etymology is the scientific study of the origin of words. This etymological study improves your Vocabulary.
- Get a pocket size dictionary, which truly is the best investment. Make it a point to read upto 10 words, or one page, every four hours. Don't memorize or cram.
- Read complete meanings, usage, and sentences. Use mnemonics, which means that you create a mental image of the word. For example, the word PASTICHE means a work of art that imitates the style of some previous work. The cue for memorizing ‘Pastiche’ is Paste. We do copy PASTE and while copying, we imitate the style of others and paste it where we want.
- CAT usually tests on the application of the word, not its meaning. It is not possible to just cram and remember all the words, so a better option is to remember the application and usage.
- It is your language application skills you need to hone rather than adopt a knowledge-based approach.
- As this is a multiple-choice type of test, you do not need to know meanings verbatim or literally. It just pays to 'know' more words.
- To enhance grammar skills, write around 200 words on different topics once in every 3 days and get it checked by your mentor. (Remember there is nothing like being blessed with a person who can always guide you.)
- Read books, magazines, newspapers, and journals. The more you read, the better will be your chances of succeeding in this section.
- Aim to read 3-4 passages of 800-1200 words spanning as diverse topics as possible – the idea is to become as comfortable as possible with things that you are generally not comfortable with.
- Understanding the Logical connect between words in a sentence, sentences and ideas in a paragraph and paragraphs in a passage – this would be as handy for Verbal Ability as for Reading Comprehension.
- There is no escaping the fact that English is the most preferred and accepted language for business communication internationally and as a global manager you need to hone it as an area of strength, lest it turn out to be a roadblock in your path to reaching the top.
If you are looking to learn English, there are a plethora of options to help you on the net. The internet has truly opened up the world to other cultures and has made getting English Lessons much more accessible to everyone.
Garima Gulia
Garima is a graduate in English Literature from the Delhi University and has pursued her Post-graduation in management from IIM Indore. At MBAGuru, India’s fastest growing CAT Coaching, Garima is one of most popular mentors for English among thousands of MBAGuru students.
