Tip 1: Pay Attention to Connotation and Context

This tip is critical for answering tough questions in the Reading section. Look for words that indicate positive or negative connotation in the part of the passage that the question references. This can help you to eliminate at least a couple of choices even if you have no idea which of the remaining choices is correct.

Context is also very important! Do not just look at the exact line that is referenced in the question?alook at the sentences around it too. Look for contrast words such as 'however', 'rather than' or 'still'. You should also pay attention to strong adjectives that might help you to determine connotation.

Tip 2: Use Find the Evidence Questions to Your Advantage

Some questions would ask you to choose an excerpt from the passage that serves as the best evidence for your answer to the previous question. These new questions can help you tremendously in identifying mistakes and clearing up ambiguities.

For example, say you have picked out two answers that you think could be correct for a reading question. If the next question asks you to identify the best evidence for your answer, you can read through all the options the find-the-evidence question gives you and see which choice most directly connects to one of your two potential responses for the previous question. In almost every case, it will become abundantly clear which of the two choices is correct because only that one will have a corresponding tidbit of direct evidence tucked away in one of the answer choices for the find the evidence question.

Tip 3: Read Passages Strategically

Try to nail down a good passage reading strategy for the GATE/ASET before test day. This will save you time and stress later. There are a few methods you might use depending on how comfortable you are with the test and where you are in your reading comprehension skills.

Method 1: Skim the Passage First

This is the method I would be most inclined to recommend. You can get a sense of the main ideas of the passage without wasting too much time reading it closely. To skim effectively, just read the introductory paragraph, conclusion paragraph, and first and last sentences of each body paragraph.

Answer main idea questions first while the overall point of the passage is still fresh in your mind. Then you can read specific sections of the passage more closely as needed to answer questions about smaller details.

Method 2: Skip Straight to the Questions

If you think skipping the passage altogether can be an effective initial strategy, you should answer questions about small details in the passage first, so you end up reading a bit of the passage while answering questions. Then, when you move on to main idea questions later, you will already have a solid sense of the message of the passage as a whole.

Method 3: Read the Passage in Full

If you are both a quick and thorough reader, you might be able to pull this off without any problems. Just make sure it?¡¥s not slowing you down.

If you are reading this way and find you can save a few minutes (and not lose any points) by using one of the other methods, then you should do that instead. It is always better to have extra time at the end so you can double-check your answers!

Tip 4: Get Interested in the Passages

If you want to retain information as you are reading passages on the GATE/ASET, the best way to do it is to force yourself to engage with the material. Treat this as a learning experience, not a chore, and you will find it much easier to remember what happened in the passage. If your brain is in 'wow, interesting' mode rather than 'blah, blah, just have to get to the questions' mode, you will have a more pleasant experience on the test and a better time answering the questions overall.

Tip 5: Look for Direct Evidence

Though questions on GATE/ASET reading may sometimes seem subjective, the reality is that you should always be able to find direct evidence in the passage or chart you are referencing to support your answers.

Even inference questions, which ask you to look beyond the literal facts in the passage, will be backed up by logical deductions that can be made from the evidence that is presented. For inference questiosn especially, you might end up looking beyond the sentence referenced in the question to find the evidence you need. But the evidence is always in there somewhere!

If you are thinking about choosing an answer that seems like it could be correct, but you can not find any evidence for it, hold off. Any answer that can not be backed up by specific information in the passage has to be incorrect.

Tip 6: PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!

We say this in pretty much all of our GATE/ASET test advice posts, but the reason we repeat it so frequently is because the GATE/ASET test is one of those tests where the best preparation is the test itself. Second to that, practice tests are the most fool-proof preparation there is for a test that measures almost as much test-taking strategy as it does content and skill.

Start by taking practice tests, one section at a time. Identify your weaknesses and work to improve in those areas. Gradually, as your skills grow, begin to take each section of the test with time constraints. And finally, take a few complete practice tests under testing conditions as similar to test day as possible.   

Studying for GATE/ASET is a big undertaking, and you might not know where to start. A good way to get yourself into gear is to learn about the structure of the test and different ways you can adapt your strategy to improve on each section. In this article, you will be provided with some most effective tips and tricks that you should be using to get your best scores ever. 

Tip 1: Eliminate 3 Wrong Answers

The most important rule to remember that there is only one correct answer for each question, and you should be able to eliminate all the others. This means that your number one strategy on the test is process of elimination. If you're struggling with a question, try to find reasons to rule out most of the answers rather than reasons why certain options could work.

Learn to be extremely picky about which answers to eliminate.  If a question seems subjective, keep reminding yourself that it is an illusion. All incorrect choices are incorrect for good reasons, and it is your job to find those reasons until you narrow your answers down to one possibility.

Tip 2: Always Understand Your Mistakes

This is vital if you want to see dramatic improvements. If you take the time to understand each mistake you make on practice questions, why you made it, and what you will do to avoid it in the future, you are virtually guaranteed a good score on the test.

Mistakes usually fall into one of four categories:

#1: Content weakness
#2: Time pressure
#3: Question comprehension issue
#4: Careless error

After you finish a practice test, catalog all the questions you answer incorrectly so you can work on detecting error patterns. Did you consistently answer a particular type of math question wrong (content weakness)? Did you keep missing the words except or least (careless error) in questions? Did you consistently miss questions at the end of sections (time pressure)?

Whatever your issues, you have to understand them completely so you can fix the problems you are having and see positive changes in your scores!

Tip 3: (Maths) Focus on Filling Content Gaps First

If you have problems with basic math skills, it does not matter how many practice questions you do?ayou are going to have to fix those knowlege gaps before you can improve your Math score.

If you notice you are missing practice questions because you are uncomfortable in a certain content area, work on your content weaknesses before you do anything else. This is the fastest way to improve your scores dramatically. You can go from here to fix other types of mistakes that are more surface-level (such as reading questions wrong or basic carelessness).

Tip 4: (Maths) Re-Solve Questions You Missed Before Looking at the Answer Explanations

This is the best way to make sure you truly understand how to solve questions you initially messed up on the Maths section. It is one thing to read the answer explanation and say 'oh, of course, that is how you solve it,' but it is a completely  different matter to work out the problem yourself.

The process will stick in your mind much better if you go through it, rather than if you just read about it. Look at what the correct answer choice should be and try to get there yourself before you read the explanation.

Tip 5: (Maths) Underline Key Parts of the Question

You should use this tip on the math section if you've been missing questions by accidentally solving for the wrong value. Underline what you need to find in the question so you do not get confused during the calculation process.

Sometimes questions ask you to solve for a value that necessitates solving for something else along the way. That something else will often be one of the incorrect answer choices. Many students accidentally pick the trick answer choice because they lose track of the value that they were originally supposed to find. You can avoid this by underlining relevant parts of the question to maintain your focus.

Tip 6: PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!

We say this in pretty much all of our GATE/ASET test advice posts, but the reason we repeat it so frequently is because the GATE/ASET test is one of those tests where the best preparation is the test itself. Second to that, practice tests are the most fool-proof preparation there is for a test that measures almost as much test-taking strategy as it does content and skill.

Start by taking practice tests, one section at a time. Identify your weaknesses and work to improve in those areas. Gradually, as your skills grow, begin to take each section of the test with time constraints. And finally, take a few complete practice tests under testing conditions as similar to test day as possible.   

In the previous post "Learn From Your Mistakes For GATE/ASET Test", we have listed out 4 categories of mistakes you could make when you prepare yourself for GATE/ASET test, they are: 

Time Issue: You were pressed for time.

Question Comprehension Issue: The question was too complicated, you were not exactly sure what it was asking, or you were tricked by the question.

Procedural/Content Issue: You did not know how to find the answer to the question, or did not know the material the question covered.

Careless Error: A.k.a. careless mistakes, a.k.a. stupid mistakes, a.k.a. the most frustrating mistakes of all.

Okay, you know everything now about what you were doing wrong with your reviewing of missed questions. How can you make it more efficient (and effective) in the future?

There are a few tips:

1. When going through practice tests, always mark the questions you think you have a 3/4 or less chance of getting correct. Circling the numbers of the questions works well for me, because you can circle them lightly on your first time through the test, and circle ones you are still unsure of more heavily on your second time through. This way, you can review everything you were unsure about, even if you ended up getting them right. Knowing you have looked over everything you were unsure about, even if you ended up getting the question correct, will make you more confident you are choosing the right answer in the future, because you will have put in the time.

2. Just like a tooth with a cavity, the best way to get better is to...PRACTICE!

I have no regrets about this wordplay. I am also 100% serious. Practice makes perfect, and it does make answering the questions you have trouble with more routine, which in turn can get you closer to perfection. See also my earlier explanation for why you should structure your practice.

3. Do not immediately go back and try to re-do missed questions (or if you do, do not let that be the only time you re-do them). It is more helpful to let some time pass in between attempts - a day is usually good enough, but anywhere between few hours or a week can also work, depending on the person - because then you can try it again fresh.

4. Keep a notebook or computer record of questions you got wrong, sorted by subject and question subtype. Note for each question why you missed it and how you plan to remedy this in the future.

Reviewing questions you got wrong is integral to effective test prep. Learning from mistakes is not just a saying - it reflects the reality that can help you break through a score ceiling and drastically improve your score on the exam. The trick is to know not just where you are making mistakes, but to practice those same types of questions over and over until you have mastered them.

5. PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!

We say this in pretty much all of our GATE/ASET test advice posts, but the reason we repeat it so frequently is because the GATE/ASET test is one of those tests where the best preparation is the test itself. Second to that, practice tests are the most fool-proof preparation there is for a test that measures almost as much test-taking strategy as it does content and skill.

Start by taking practice tests, one section at a time. Identify your weaknesses and work to improve in those areas. Gradually, as your skills grow, begin to take each section of the test with time constraints. And finally, take a few complete practice tests under testing conditions as similar to test day as possible. 

What do you do when you have been preparing tirelessly for the GATE/ASET test, sit down to take a practice test...and then have to face all the questions you missed? This article lists the best ways to grapple with missed questions when you prepare yourself for GATE/ASET test. 

1. Common Reactions to Mistakes

Getting questions wrong on an GATE/ASET practice test can be anywhere from mildly disappointing to absolutely infuriating. Discovering that you have answered a question incorrectly can trigger any or all of the following impulses:

Impulse 1: Focusing on what you did well and ignoring what you did wrong (not helpful).

Impulse 2: Disregarding questions you got wrong because they were just "careless mistakes" (not helpful).

Impulse 3: Focusing on the fact that you got things wrong and ignoring review in favor of self-loathing (not helpful).

Reviewing the questions you missed, however, is an extremely important part of test prep. It is the point at which you switch over from merely practice to actually teaching yourself.

2. Strategy One: Analyze Your Confidence for Each Question

It is not only important that you review missed questions, but that you also review them effectively. A helpful way to do this is by going through the questions you messed up on and sorting them into categories.

Many times, questions can be sorted into these general categories: Skipped (guessed randomly on), Guessed (through elimination), and (thought you) Knew. Seeing how many questions you skipped, how many you guessed, and how many you were certain were correct can help to focus your studying.

For instance, if the majority of the questions you missed were ones you skipped answering, it is possible that you might be accidentally skipping over some questions because you are rushing and end up zipping right past them.

Once you have sorted the questions you missed into these general categories, make sure to review all of the questions you guessed on, including the ones you answered correctly. Compare these questions with the questions you guessed incorrectly on. Was it just blind luck, or is there a difference between the way you approached the guessed questions you got correctly and incorrectly?

3. Strategy Two: Understand the Reason for Missing Each Question

Sort the questions by the fundamental reason you missed them. Do not just think, "Well, I got that one wrong." That is not useful in figuring out where you are really making mistakes.

Nearly all mistakes fall into following four categories:

Time Issue: You were pressed for time.

Question Comprehension Issue: The question was too complicated, you were not exactly sure what it was asking, or you were tricked by the question.

Procedural/Content Issue: You did not know how to find the answer to the question, or did not know the material the question covered.

Careless Error: A.k.a. careless mistakes, a.k.a. stupid mistakes, a.k.a. the most frustrating mistakes of all.

4. Mistake Type #1: Time Crunch

These are questions where you were pressed for time and could not answer the question. This is often the case with skipped or incorrectly guessed questions. Out of all the questions you missed, how many of these "ran out of time" questions are there? If the majority of your missed questions happened because you were running low on time, you may have a time management issue and you need to improve your time management skills.

5. Mistake Type #2: Question Comprehension

GATE/ASET questions might need to have one unambiguous answer, but that does not mean that they can not trick you with the wording of the question. Oddly, this is especially lethal for those who read quickly, because it can lead you to focus on the wrong part of the question. Always make sure you know what the question is asking before you look at the answers. Often, the test will give several incorrect answer choices that each could be correct if you misread the question a particular way.

6. Mistake Type #3: Procedural/Content Issue

If it is a multiple choice question, identify what type of question it is. For these kinds of missed questions, there is a main step to take which is to practice answering questions, over and over and over and more importantly, reviewing them well.

7. Mistake Type #4: Careless Error

Careless errors are seemingly innocuous, but with a potentially fatal impact. Rushing headlong through answer choices (or problem solving, in the case of some math questions) is often the prime culprit for careless mistakes. This is completely understandable, as you are taking a timed test, but ultimately it can be counterproductive if you do not have the appropriate backups in place.

We will discuss about each of these mistake types and strategies to improve on them in greater details in the next a few posts. 

8. PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!

We say this in pretty much all of our GATE/ASET test advice posts, but the reason we repeat it so frequently is because the GATE/ASET test is one of those tests where the best preparation is the test itself. Second to that, practice tests are the most fool-proof preparation there is for a test that measures almost as much test-taking strategy as it does content and skill.

Start by taking practice tests, one section at a time. Identify your weaknesses and work to improve in those areas. Gradually, as your skills grow, begin to take each section of the test with time constraints. And finally, take a few complete practice tests under testing conditions as similar to test day as possible.   

#1: Make a Study Plan

To keep up your motivation, make yourself a holiday study plan and stick to it. Plan out to the day and week how much time you will spend studying and how often you will be taking the GATE/ASET practice tests.

You can be flexible if you find you are progressing faster or slower than you expected, but try to stick to your study plan as much as possible. 

By planning ahead of time, you will also be able to do things like adjust for mandatory family vacations or other holiday activities.

Learn how much you need to improve, and review your mistakes with the GATE/ASET practice tests. You should also use the tips in this article about getting a satisfactory score on the GATE/ASET practice tests to keep up your motivation.

#2: Target Your Weak Areas

To keep your skills honed, you will need to regularly practice skills you struggle with. Before you start your holiday studying, take a full-length practice test, note what you had problems with, and plan your studying accordingly.

For instance, let us say you took a practice test and did fine on Math but struggled with the Reading section. When plan your studying, you will need to make sure that you are regularly drilling yourself on Reading passages and reading GATE/ASET practice materials. 

#3: Consider a Holiday GATE/ASET Test Prep Course

Think about doing a Holiday GATE/ASET Test Bootcamp course in this holiday to give you more structure in your studying.

It is no fun to have to give up part or all of your holiday for GATE/ASET test prep, but if you can get a great score on the BIG DAY in a few weeks time then you will be done with the test forever.

#4: Do not Burn Yourself Out

If you get to the end of the school year and you are brain-dead because of how hard you have been working, give yourself a break.

Immediately diving into GATE/ASET test prep when you no longer care about anything schoolwork related is a recipe for disaster. Instead, give yourself a set amount of time to relax and reboot. It would be better to spend a week or two at the beginning of the holiday building up your motivation than to force yourself straight into GATE/ASET test prep and see no score improvement.

Avoiding burning yourself out also means not creating a too ambitious holiday GATE/ASET test prep schedule. Do not expect that you can study for ten hours a day for months on end and continue to have high-quality studying time.

Know your own studying strengths and weaknesses and create a study plan that plays to your strengths and minimizes your weaknesses. For example, if you know you can only concentrate for about 45 minutes at a time, build in breaks to your study sessions so that you can concentrate absolutely for those 45 minutes, confident that you will have time to take a break once that sprint is over.   

Looking for best creative writing techniques for your kids? You have come to the right place. The following guidance will prepare your kids and boost their scores.

1. Plot Planning 

Firstly, ask your child where the story is going to take place. It could be somewhere fictional or real, it could be a planet, a country, a town or a house or anywhere!

Then, ask when the story is taking place, now? In the future? In the past?

Finally ask what they think is going to happen. Remember that this does not have to be accurate and they do not have to stick to what they say; many of the best writers say that their plots develop organically as they write. If they do have a firm idea of where they want to go with the plot, though, they can create an outline by completing a story planner, which could look something like this:

• First ...
• Then ...
• Next ...
• And finally ...

2. Characterisation 
Ask your child who is going to be in the story. How do they want their readers to feel about each character? Again, they may want to jot some ideas down. You could make a table for them to help them organise their thoughts, with these headings:

• Name of character
• Relationship to other characters
• What he/she looks like
• Behaviour

3. Story Language 
Ask your child to think of some fabulous words to use in their story writing. They might be long words or simple ones, or they might be great descriptive words or words that help create pace and tension. Encourage them to jot these down and refer to the list as they write their story.

4. Story Starters 
All writers know that you have got to capture the attention of your readers right from the start; you want to make them desperate to read on. Ask your child to think of some good story openers that will entice people to find out more. Here are a few examples:

First sentences that are mysterious?-
Molly had no sense of the day that lay ahead.

Story starters that use language tricks like alliteration?-
It was damp, dark and dreadfully dusty when Molly entered the house.

Story openers that create tension?-
Molly could hear her heart beating faster than ever before. Could this really be happening?

Stories that go straight into dialogue?-
"But I do not want to go to school, Mummy, " groaned Molly.

Encourage your child to look at some of the books they like to read and see how they begin in order to offer inspiration.

5. Get Writing!
Once they have got all of these ideas in place, they can start writing. They could do a draft in the first instance and then a neat, polished version later. They may wish to write in short chapters, use illustrations, or make their own book to write in,  let them use their imagination and creativity when it comes to presentation, and make sure you show how much you value the end product by keeping it to read again with the other books in your house.