Thursday, April 7, 2011

Test your Expertise


1.     Although one player in the team was demonstrated as weak, but not sufficiently so to require the recall of the team.
A.   demonstrated as weak, but not sufficiently so to require
B.   demonstrated to be weak, but not sufficiently so that it required
C.   demonstrably weak, but not sufficiently so to require
D.   demonstrably weak, it was not so weak as to require
E.    demonstrably weak, it was not weak enough that it required

2.     The first of four wars fought between the two newly independent nations,The India-Pakistan War of 1947-48, sometimes known as the First Kashmir War, was fought between India, from which Pakistan was separated, with Pakistan over the region of Kashmir from 1947 to 1948.
A.    between India, from which Pakistan was separated, with Pakistan
B.     between India, from which Pakistan was separated, and Pakistan
C.     between India that made Pakistan separate from it  with Pakistan
D.    between India that made Pakistan separate from it  against Pakistan
E.     between India that made Pakistan separate from it  and Pakistan


3.     The Aryans were primarily planters, but supplementing their cultivation of maize, squash, and beans with fishing and hunting.

A.   but supplementing
B.   and so supplimented
C.   and even though they supplemented
D.   although they supplemented
          E.  but with supplementing


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Avail the Opportunity


Rack your Brain with SC concepts


Did you ever wonder about how correctly are you forming a sentence when you speak to somebody?

Did you ever give a thought to the very basics of English Grammar i.e. joining words or group of words?

Did you ever realize that sentence is not just a collection a words, but a collection of words adhering to certain rules?

Well, Sahithya will make you start doing all these in some time from now.

Now who is this Sahithya?

Of course it’s me.

Let me have the privilege to burden your brain for sometime from now.

In English, Some words can be used to join words or group of words. Such words are called as Conjunctions.

Ex:
"I play cricket and football."

In the above sentence the word “and” joins two words: “cricket” and “football”.

"Though I was busy, I attended the party."

In the above sentence the word “though” joins two groups of word: “I was busy” and “I attended the party”

What’s so complex about this? Doesn’t all this look simple?

Oh! Yes, it would have been very simple had the job of conjunctions been just to join words or group of words and there were no restrictions on what should be joined, but that is not the case.

So, to understand that set of rules we need to first know conjunctions thoroughly.

As already said CONJUNCTIONS are the words that join words or groups of words.

How many types of conjunctions are there?

There are three types of conjunctions.

What are they?
  1.  Coordinating
  2.  Subordinating
  3.  Correlative


Coordinating Conjunctions: Coordinating conjunctions join only similar elements i.e. they join a noun with a noun, an adjective with an adjective etc. Fortunately, there are only seven words which can function as coordinating conjunctions and these words are known by the acronym FANBOYS.

Lets the see the abbreviation of this acronym

F- For

A- And

N- Nor

B-But

O-Or

Y-Yet

S-So

So next time when you see one of these words, make sure these words are joining similar elements.

For example:

"It's Sachin, Sehwag, and Yuvraj against Lee, Tait and Johnson."

So what is the conjunction in the above sentence?
“And”

Is it joining similar elements?
Yes of course it is.

The first “and” is joining “Sachin”, “Sehwag” and “Yuvraj”. All the three elements are names

Similarly, The second and is joining “Lee”, “Tait” and “Johnson” and these are again names.

"The movie was lengthy but interesting."

So what is the conjunction in this sentence?
“But”

What is this conjunction joining?
“Lengthy” and “interesting”

Are these similar elements?
Yes they are. Both are the qualities or description of the movie.

Subordinating Conjunctions:  Subordinating conjunctions make one clause dependent on the other.

Now what is this new concept?

Well don’t worry, will explain everything in detail.

Let’s take a clause “I was busy yesterday”

Is the above clause giving full meaning?
Yes it is.

Now I will add just one word to this sentence and rewrite it.

"Although I was busy yesterday"

Now, if I just say this and stop, will I be conveying the complete idea I want to?

Wouldn’t you be waiting for me to conclude the sentence?
Yes definitely.

Now if I say

Although I was busy yesterday, I attended the party.

Will I be conveying the complete idea?
Yes

So the first clause “Although I was busy yesterday” is depending on “I attended the party” to give out complete meaning.

Hence the first clause is called as dependent clause and the second clause is called as independent clause.

Which word is making you to feel so?
“Although”

Hence “Although” is a subordinating conjunction.

Let’s see few more such examples.

Because I worked hard, I should score 700+ in GMAT.

While I was playing cricket, my mom cooked food for me.

I have been told that I will be promoted this year.


Correlative conjunctions: Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs to show the relation between elements 
being joined.

Ex:
Either – Or
Neither – Nor
Not only – But Also
Both – And

Let’s see how they are used.

"I will go to either the park or the restaurant."

The above sentence elements being joined are “the park” and “the restaurant”

So what relation is the correlative conjunction showing between these two?

The correlative conjunction is bringing out the meaning that “I will go only to one these two but not both”

Similarly

"I need not only a good score but also admission into top B School."

What does the correlative conjunction do here?

It says “I need both good score and admission into top B school. I will not be happy just with the good score”.

Correlative conjunctions should also always join similar elements.

Let’s cross check with the above sentences.

In the first sentence “the park” and “the restaurant” both are names of some place, hence are similar elements.

In the second sentence “good score” and “admission into top B school”, both are names of two things I need, 
hence similar elements.

So the summary is:
  1. Coordinating and Correlative conjunctions should always join similar elements
  2. Subordinating conjunction should always make one clause dependent on the other.
  3. Subordinating conjunctions cannot join words. It has to join only clauses
  4. Correlative conjunctions should always come in corresponding pairs.

Too much of theory isn’t it.

Then let’s divert our remaining energy to the application of this theory. After all what’s the use of all this theory when we don’t apply it to crack questions in GMAT.
Contrary to popular opinion, the movement toward a service economy is leading neither to lower standards of living, more of an unequal distribution of income, or displacing the physical production of goods.
A.   leading neither to lower standards of living, more of an unequal distribution of income, or
B.   leading neither to lower standards of living nor a more unequal distribution of income, or
C.   not leading to either lower standards of living nor to more of an unequal distribution of income, and neither is it
D.   neither leading to lower standards of living, more of an unequal distribution of income, and it is not
E.    not leading to lower standards of living or to a more unequal distribution of income, nor is it


Now read the original sentence given. Do you notice that there is a word called “neither”.
So what does that mean?
The question is testing you on the correlative conjunction “neither - nor”
What should you do now?
1.     Since “ neither” is there, check for “nor”
2.     Eliminate the options which do not follow the structure.
3.     In the options which follow the structure “neither- nor” correctly, check whether similar elements are being joined.
4.     If you are still left with more than one option which follow the structure and join similar elements, check for the option which is logical in meaning
5.     If still you are left with more than one option which you feel is logical in meaning check for the option which is less verbose i.e. the option which is grammatically correct, which is giving out the correct meaning and which is using less number of words to convey that meaning.

Does the original sentence have “nor”?

Neither to lower standards of living, more of an unequal distribution of income, or

No it does not. Instead it has “or”.

So, eliminate the options that have the mismatch of “neither –or”

Hence options A and B can be eliminated.

Now let’s analyze option C.

Option C has “either” so check for “or” as “either- or” is a correlative conjunction.

Does option C have “or”?

Either lower standards of living nor to more

No it does not instead it has “nor”

So C can not be the answer.

Next let’s analyze option D.

Option D has “neither” so check for “nor”.

Does option D have “nor”?

Neither leading to lower standards of living, more of an unequal distribution of income, and

No it does not. Instead it has “and”.

So D can not be the answer.

Let’s analyze E.

There is only one conjunction “nor” and it is a coordinating conjunction. So it need not come in pairs.

Next thing to check for is whether the coordinating conjunction is joining similar elements.

Let’s rewrite the whole sentence by replacing the underlined portion with option E.

“Contrary to popular opinion, the movement toward a service economy is not leading to lower standards of living or to a more unequal distribution of income, nor is it displacing the physical production of goods.”
“Nor” is joining “the movement toward a service economy is not leading to lower standards of living or to a more unequal distribution of income”  and “is it displacing the physical production of goods” and both  the elements being joined are independent clauses. Hence they are similar elements.

Thus E is correct option.

Not happy with just one question?
Ok will explain one more question.

Doctors generally agree that such factors as cigarette smoking, eating rich foods high in fats, and alcohol consumption not only do damage by themselves but also aggravate genetic predispositions toward certain diseases.
A.   not only do damage by themselves but also aggravate
B.   do damage by themselves but also are aggravating to
C.   are damaging by themselves but also are aggravating
D.   not only do damage by themselves, they are also aggravating to
E.    are doing damage by themselves, and they are also aggravating
Now read the sentence.
What do you notice in the underlined part?
“Not only”
So what does that mean?
The question is testing you on the correlative conjunction “not only – but also”
What should you do now?
Just follow the steps explained for the first question, but this time check for the correlative conjunction “not only – but also”
Does the original sentence follow the structure?
Not only do damage by themselves but also aggravate
Yes it does.
So what is the correlative conjunction joining?
“Do damage by themselves” and “aggravate genetic predispositions toward certain diseases”
Are these two similar elements?
Yes they are.
Both are clauses as they have the verbs “do” and “aggravate” respectively.
So option A is not grammatically wrong.
Let’s see whether any other option is grammatically correct.
Now let’s analyze option B.
Do damage by themselves but also are aggravating to
Option B has “but also”. What about “not only”? Is that present?
No it is not.
This choice cannot be grammatically correct.
Eliminate it.
Now let’s analyze option C.
Option C also has the same problem as option B.
Eliminate option C.
Now let’s analyze option D.
Option D has “not only”, but does that have “but also”?
No it does not.
Eliminate option D.
Now let’s analyze option E.
Option E does have neither “not only” nor “but also”.
So we need not check for this particular correlative conjunction in this option nor do we have to eliminate this option just because this option does not have this correlative conjunction.
Option E is using the conjunction “and”. Let’s check whether this conjunction is joining similar elements.
Let’s first replace the underlined part with option E and dissect the structure of the sentence.
“Doctors generally agree that such factors as cigarette smoking, eating rich foods high in fats, and alcohol consumption are doing damage by themselves, and they are also aggravating genetic predispositions toward certain diseases.”
“Doctors generally agree that” is a dependent clause
“Such factors as cigarette smoking, eating rich foods high in fats, and alcohol consumption are doing damage by themselves” is an independent clause.
“They are also aggravating genetic predispositions toward certain diseases” is another independent clause.
The conjunction “and” is joining the first independent clause with the second independent clause, so even option is grammatically correct.
Is it distorting the meaning?
No it is not. It is still giving the logical meaning.
So, now we have two options which are grammatically correct and do convey the logical meaning.
What should we do next?
Check which option is using less number of words to convey this meaning.
Definitely option A.
Hence that’s the answer.
So now you know how apply all the theory we have read.
Nodding your head?
Good.
Then be prepared to face the test that I will be posting tomorrow.




Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Test Taking Psychology 101

You have practiced. You have revised. You have practiced some more. And you have revised even more.

But when it comes to taking the test itself, you sweat. You don't remember the concept. You can't remember the strategy that you should be applying for this question type. You completely blank out.

In short, you choke.

Afterwards, disappointed with your 600+ score, you take a look at your answers. "What the hen was I thinking?" seems to be your recurring theme. "The correct answer was so obviously X!". Story of your life?

Relax. You are not alone.

Of course, you have to know your basics. Your formulas, your strategies, your shortcuts. But these are NOT the only things that the GMAT tests.

A huge part of what the GMAT tests is NOT content, but how you are able to handle pressure, manage time, and deal with your emotions.

Think about it. Aren't those the exact qualities that a future manager/leader is supposed to have?

Remember that as a test, GMAT is designed to push you to your failure point. It is upto you, how you handle that failure point.

So what could help you make the final leap - from a test taking novice to an expert? 

Here are some tips that you might find helpful:
  1. Before you start the test, KNOW that you have put in the required efforts to crack it. You know everything that is there to know about the test. All you need to do now is to apply everything. What stands between you and success is YOU. So get your own doubting self out of the way! BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! Take a couple of deep breaths and start the test, slowly but steadily. 
  2. Initially in your preparation, look at it after every 5 questions or so. You will soon be able to internalize the clock, and can then reduce the frequency even further (maybe 10). Do NOT look at the clock after every question. 
  3. After every 5 questions or so (maybe when you look at the clock), take a couple of deep breaths and clear your mind. Taking a short 3 second break like this will improve your concentration levels.
  4. Don't get egoistic about any question. If you are unsure of an answer, you can do one or more of the following:
    • If you are ahead of the time-targeted question curve, slow down. Take a deep breath. Try and remember the concepts related to that question. Did you miss anything? If you still can't figure out the answer, go with your gut feeling.
    • If you are behind the time-targeted question curve, go with your gut instinct. Deep breaths. Clear head. And dive on head to the next question.
    • REMEMBER: the GMAT does NOT punish you for a single wrong answer!
  5. Remember that there are sample questions. You REALLY don't want to waste your time breaking your head over something that is not even going to count towards your final score!
  6. Initially atleast, you can ignore the last 3 or 4 questions in your section. These questions are going to be the toughest questions in your test, and yet will not give you very high returns in terms of score. Hence, treat your test to consist of only 33 / 37 questions, and time yourself as such. (Of course, you WILL have to mark the answers, even though it is only a guess). Later, as your speed and timing improves, you can tackle all the questions.
Finally, remember that a great GMAT score is just a good GMAT score, combined with some smart strategic guessing and keeping your cool!

Darden releases deadline dates and essays

Darden recently released the essay questions and the deadlines.


MBA Application Essay Questions 2010–2011

  1. The Darden MBA program expects students to actively participate in learning teams, the classroom, and the broader community. Please share one or two examples from your past experience that best illustrate(s) how you will contribute to this highly engaging and hands-on learning environment. (500 words)
  2. Please discuss how a global event that has taken place in the past two years has impacted the way you think about leadership broadly and personally. (500 words)


Application Deadlines 2010–2011

RoundApplication
due by
11:59 PM (EST)
Interviews
Begin
Decisions
Released 
Deposit
Deadline 
Materials Charge
1
Oct. 14, 2010

Mid-November

Jan. 12, 2011

Feb. 22, 2011
June 2011
2
Jan. 5, 2011

Late January

Mar. 24, 2011

TBD
June 2011
3
Mar. 30, 2011

Late April

May 12, 2011

TBD
June 2011
Please note that interview notification can take place at any time up until the decision release date for the deadline in which you have applied.
If you are offered admission, there will be several admitted student events that you can attend throughout the late winter and spring, including regional events around the country and events in Charlottesville on February 4 and April 15-16.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Chicago Booth GSB 2011 Essays - Some insights

Chigago Booth released their 2011 essay questions yesterday.

Since many amongst you might be thinking of getting started on your essays even now, here is some insight as to what they might be looking for in each essay.

1. The Admissions Committee is interested in learning more about you on both a personal and professional level. Please answer the following (maximum of 300 words for each section):

a. Why are you pursuing a full-time MBA at this point in your life?
b. Define your short and long term career goals post MBA.
c. What is it about Chicago Booth that is going to help you reach your goals?
d. REAPPLICANTS ONLY: Upon reflection, how has your thinking regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application?


These short essays will require you to know yourself. You will need to understand where you have been and where you are going. Before you begin drafting the responses to these essays, take some time for self-reflection. Why do you want to return to school? Why is the MBA the right degree for you?

We know that many of you will use your MBA experience to help you figure out what kind of job to pursue next. Even though your future career plans may not be clear at this time, you should still be able to discuss your goals and how they relate to obtaining an MBA.

For reapplicants, question 1d is where you can tell them what, if anything, has changed since the time of your last application. What has occurred in your life or career that has either reinforced or changed your goals? What lessons have you learned or how have you grown since you last applied to Chicago Booth?

2. Chicago Booth is a place that challenges its students to stretch and take risks that they might not take elsewhere. Tell us about a time when you took a risk and what you learned from that experience (maximum of 750 words).

You’re probably wondering, “What kind of risk do you want me to discuss?” To be honest, it can be ANY form of risk that you have taken. It can be a risk related to your professional, academic or personal life. It can be a risk that resulted in either a positive or negative outcome. They just want to see how you have challenged yourself, and what you learned from that experience. How has that experience influenced your future actions?

3. At Chicago Booth, we teach you HOW to think rather than what to think. With this in mind, we have provided you with “blank pages” in our application. Knowing that there is not a right or even a preferred answer allows you to demonstrate to the committee your ability to navigate ambiguity and provide information that you believe will support your candidacy for Chicago Booth.

This is probably the trickiest part of the entire application. You have at your disposal 4 absolutely blank pages, to fill with whatever you think is necessary to make your profile standout.

(Please remember that they will taking printouts of this presentation. Hence flash, animation, music, etc are absolutely useless!)

Just because you are given absolute freedom, does not mean that you should abuse it. You have to be very careful about the content that you put here. Are there any blanks in the other areas of your application? Are there certain messages about yourself that you have not been able to communicate to the admissions committee? If so, then the presentation will be an opportunity for you to provide them with this type of information. After reviewing your presentation, they want to have a BETTER AND MORE COMPLETE understanding of who you are and how you think.

Also, please remember that it is the content – not the design – that should be the focus of the presentation. Not everyone is a design guru. So, whether it’s through photos, images, graphs, or just words, the goal is to communicate your messages as effectively as possible.

We at GMAT Toppers wish you all the best for your application


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