Improving Verbal Ability for Competitive Exams

Jul 14, 2024

Lecture Notes: Improving Verbal Ability for Competitive Exams

Introduction

  • Focus: Preparing for top business schools, government jobs, and improving English skills.
  • Audience: People with zero verbal ability.
  • Session Plan: Basics of English, CAT verbal ability, newspaper reading, and 30-day challenge.

Importance of English

  • English as a Skill: Essential for global jobs and top positions in India.
  • CAT Preparation: 40-minute verbal section, crucial for a good start in exams like CAT.
  • Job Interviews: Good written and spoken English enhances interview performance.
  • Post-MBA: Reading extensive materials, especially case studies, is essential.

Preparation Strategy

Short-Term Goals

  • Daily Reading: Newspapers like Times of India and Hindu; editorial sections are crucial.
  • Understanding the World: Reading helps in better comprehension and staying informed.
  • Written English: Improves spoken English indirectly.

Long-Term Goals

  • Books: Suggested books include Norman Lewis’ “Word Power Made Easy,” “Man's Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl, and others focusing on habits, management, and personal development.
  • Grammer and Vocabulary: Initial grammar knowledge is helpful; deep dive into vocabulary using recommended books.
  • Thinking in English: Crucial for reducing the gap between thought and speech in English.

Daily Plan for 30-Day Challenge

  1. Newspaper Reading (30 mins/day): Focus on front page, business page, and editorial sections.
  2. EON Essays (30 mins/day): Online reading is crucial for comprehension and analysis skills. Use for the first 30 days to build the habit.
  3. Reading Comprehension Practice (30 mins/day): Solve 2 RCs daily, using old papers and mock tests. Aims to enhance comprehension under timed conditions.
  4. Verbal Ability Practice (60 mins/day): Focus on Parajumbles, Para Summary, Para Completion, and Odd One Out – practical exercises to build verbal section confidence.
  5. Norman Lewis (Word Power Made Easy): Finish within 12 days before starting the intensive daily plan.

Specifics on CAT Exam Strategy

  • Recent Trends: Analysis of 2021-2022 papers showing 99 percentile around 39-45 marks. -** Question Distribution**: 24 questions, with 16 in reading comprehension and 8 in verbal ability.
  • Preparation Focus: Start with verbal ability in the paper; no negative marking for certain questions.
  • Consistent Practice: Approx. 12-15 correct answers in RCs and Verbal to aim for the high percentiles.

Motivational Note*

  • Mindset Change: Own up to past academic performance and focus on clear, actionable steps to improve. Avoid negative self-talk and remain positive.

Additional Tips

  • Travel Reading: Suggestions for bus/metro reading materials, like “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl.
  • Global Readership: Emphasize reading materials that broaden perspectives, such as world literature and philosophy.

Conclusion

  • Engage and practice consistently: Adopting these daily habits and challenges will significantly improve verbal ability over the 30-day period.
  • Feedback: Students encouraged to write daily stories using newly learned vocabulary to cement learning and receive feedback.

Final Remarks

  • Importance of Verbal Ability: Enhances overall test performance and prepares for long-term career success.
  • Community Engagement: Active participation in challenges and feedback for ongoing improvement.
  • Ongoing Learning: Continuous reading, practicing, and thinking in English as keys to success.