CMAT Exam@ CMAT Feb 2013: Last-minute tips to improve vocabulary

(prHWY.com) February 6, 2013 - Noida, India -- Like most other popular MBA entrance exams, CMAT Exam also tests the English language skills of aspirants. The basic purpose of this test is to find out if a candidate is able to express his thoughts in grammatically correct language. But having a sound understanding of grammar is not all. You must have strong vocabulary to properly convey your thoughts. Later in the WAT as well, your vocabulary will be put to test.

This article of MBAUniverse.com shares with you some tips to improve your vocabulary. Since the time is short and volume is large, it is suggested that you go for a quick revision and understanding.

1.Use of Flash cards with the words to be learned written on one side and their synonyms & antonyms on the reverse side.

2.Use the learned words vigorously. Use them in writing, conversation. Use every opportunity to revise them.

3.Solve more and more quizzes based on vocabulary words. Be attentive to solve and understand them.

4.Newspapers and periodicals like Times of India, The Hindu, India Today, Times, Reader's Digest, and Newsweek should be studied. Pick out the difficult words as used in them and immediately consult the dictionary to understand the context. This use in context will become the part of your memory.

5.More exercises and mocks should be practised to get the feel of examination and to improve accuracy and speed.

6.Even if the vocabulary words are unfamiliar to you, attempt the question by perusing the options available. It is quite possible that you understand the given options and can go for the elimination round. This will help you zero on the right option to the question.

7. Formation of questions cannot be limited in one or other way. You may confront i) Relationship words - Analogy ii) Synonym-antonyms or vice-versa iii) Marking the correct choice of similar sounding/confusing words iv) Picking out the correct words left out in a paragraph v) One-word substitution and other types of vocabulary questions in CMAT. We may solve a few sample questions:

1.Direction: An expression followed by four alternatives is given in the question. The expression carries the meaning of one of the words. Find out the word and choose the correct answer

'State of being present everywhere simultaneously'

A. Omniscient C. Omnipotent
B.Multi-present D. Omnipresent

Ans. D. Omnipresent. God is said to be all knowledgeable - Omniscient; All powerful-Omnipotent; Present everywhere - Omnipresent. Hence the answer is D.
Direction (Q 2 & 3): In each of the following questions, a pair of words is given followed by four pair of words. Choose from the given options a pair of words that best explains the same relationship as the capitalised pair of words.

2. DECREPITUDE : RENOVATION

A.Credulity : Fury C. Doctor : consultation
B.Reproof : Confirmation D. Estrangement: Reconciliation

Ans. D. Estrangement is removed with reconciliation in the similar manner as decrepitude is removed with renovation.

Direction (Q 3-6): In the following paragraph, one word has been left out at the places numbered in brackets. You have to pick out the most appropriate option out of the four options that follow the sentences.

The northern, eastern and north eastern regions suffered the (4) Their respective grids collapsed in quick (5) The collapse of grids had (6) effect. States have been suffering from the (7) problem for last many years.

3. A. Outrage B. Outage C. Rampant D. Impact
4. A. Recession B. Succession C. Depression D. Rotation
5. A. Devastating B. Damaging C. Deteriorating D. Peculiar
6. A. Unmanageable B. Perennial C. Avoidable D. Manageable

Ans.

3. B. Outage- means suspension of operation esp. Of electric power
4. B. Succession- means events following one another
5. A. Devastating- means highly destructive, causing shock or grief
6. B. Perennial- means-continuing, for a long time

Please remember every word in English dictionary has its specific use. Despite being synonyms to one another, a number of words cannot be perfect substitutes. For example, you cannot write handsome woman or pretty man, although both are synonyms. Similarly, cutting a sandwich is regular practice but you cannot write murdering a sandwich.

The next article will be on tips to solve the questions based on jumbled paragraphs and reading comprehension passages.

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