Do's n Dont's for CAT

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DO'S & dont's

HERE YOU'LL FIND top DO's and DON'Ts for both multiple-choice sections (Quantitative and Verbal) of the CAT. These basic test-taking tips apply to all multiple-choice questions.DON'T resort to random guesses. Instead, always try to eliminate at least one answer choice before you confirm your response. If you must guess, always try to eliminate obvious wrong-answer choices first, then go with your hunch. Eliminating even one choice obviously improves your odds. If you're out of time on a section, there's no advantage to guessing randomly on the remaining questions. Why? You might luck out and guess correctly. But incorrect responses move you down the ladder of difficulty to easier questions, and your reward for responding correctly to an easy question is less than your reward for responding correctly to a more difficult one. So on balance, there's no net advantage or disadvantage to guessing randomly.


The test-makers love to bait you with tempting wrong answer choices. (You'll see for yourself as you tackle the Mini-Tests here at this Web site.) So unless you're running out of time, heed the following advice:



In Problem Solving questions wrong-answer choices typically reflect common computational errors. To avoid this trap:
1. check your calculations
2. know the general size of the numerical value that answers the question


On the Verbal section questions typically include a best response and a second-best response. So unless you're quickly running out of time on the Verbal section, never hasten to select and confirm an answer until you've read all the choices!
DO pace yourself so that you have enough time to consider every available questions but don't be a clock-watcher. To give your full attention to all the questions in 150 minutes, you'll probably have to work at a somewhat quicker pace than is comfortable for you Adjust your pace accordingly so that you have time to at least take a reasoned guess on every available question in the section. But try not to be a constant clock watcher.


TIP: The best way to avoid the time squeeze is to practice under timed conditions, so that you get a sense for how quickly you must proceed to get through a multiple-choice section within the allotted time.


DO take your time with the first few Quantitative and Verbal questions.



The first few questions you attempt may make all the difference. It doesn't matter how many mocks one has attempted, D-day has its toll on many test takers. One need to be a little bit nervous but never be panic or loose concentration during the course of the examination. If first few questions goes wrong never loose your patience - Just think one thing tough questions are gone and easy are ahead, because if loose your concentration for more than 2/3 mins then your out of the race.DON'T succumb to perfectionist tendencies.
On an exam as important as the CAT, it's easy to be a stubborn perfectionist. The design of the CAT itself contributes to this mind set, because your reward for correct responses to difficult questions is greater than your reward for easier questions. But a stubborn attitude is self-defeating, for two reasons:
(i)It reduces the number of questions that you attempt, which lowers your score .
(ii) You run the risk of over-analyzing questions, and going against your initial hunch (which more often than not is correct)As you take the Quantitative Tests and Verbal Tests here at this Website, get comfortable with a quick pace by adhering strictly to the time limits imposed.


Remember: You can miss quite a few questions and still score high. Develop a sense of your optimal pace - one that results in the greatest number of correct responses. DO maintain an active mind set. During the CAT it's remarkably easy to fall into a passive mode, in which you let your eyes simply pass over the words while you hope that the correct response jumps out at you as you scan the answer choices. Fight this tendency by interacting with the test as you read it. Keep in mind that each question on the CAT is designed to measure a specific ability or skill. So when you're presented with each new question, try to adopt an active, investigative approach to the question. Ask yourself:


What skill is the question measuring?

What is the most direct thought process for determining the correct response?

How might a careless test taker be tripped up on this type of question?