Are you intimidated by Permutations and Combinations questions in 91�ȱ� Math?

Do you scratch your head every time you are solving a question on P&C?

Well, you aren’t the only one! Don’t worry, most students who prepare for the 91�ȱ� are stumped by questions on Permutations and Combinations. However, P&C is an integral chapter of 91�ȱ� Math.

Gaining your mastery in this topic is a decisive aspect if you wish to achieve that dream score of 170!

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Why Is Permutation and Combination Important in 91�ȱ� Math?

91�ȱ� Math measures your competency in four primary areas: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Permutation and Combination��is one concept falling under the data analysis section. But P&C is just a small part of data analysis – you will typically get only a few questions on it.

Now, we know what you are wondering: ‘Why must I focus on Permutation and Combination if it forms such an insignificant part of my 91�ȱ� Math?’

Well, the answer is simple: It’s to differentiate the great from the good! If you are aiming for a high score in the Quantitative section, and have already mastered the rest of the topics such as algebra, arithmetic, and geometry; then a few questions can make a world of difference to your scores. And not just for your scores, the same few questions could make a difference between an admit into an elite institute as opposed to an admit into a mid-tier university.

It is therefore important that you familiarize yourself with the basics of Permutation and Combination, thereby raising your chances for a higher and a better 91�ȱ� Quant score. And, we are here to help you do exactly that!

So, let’s begin with the basics. Permutations and Combinations are the bane of many students. But do you know the difference between permutation and combination? No? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

What Are Permutations and Combinations?

As mentioned earlier, most students aren’t aware of the difference between the two concepts. While the difference is small, being aware of it will lead to accurately applying the correct formula at the correct junction.

Permutations: Let’s begin with Permutations. One way to think of this concept is as the number of arrangements or orderings within a fixed group.

For instance, if I have five students and wish to figure out in how many ways they can sit on five different chairs, I will have to use the permutations formula. This is because the number in the group is fixed. Secondly, we have to examine the number of ways in which we can “arrange” the students on the five chairs.

Combinations: On the other hand, the combination formula is useful when figuring out how many groups can be formed from a larger pool of people. For example, if a teacher wanted to know how many distinct groups she can form from all the people in the class, she would use combinations. The imperative word here is “distinct,” as one student can’t be in two groups at once.

To simplify:

Permutations & Combinations – 91�ȱ� Math

Here is one worked out example of each kind to help you understand better.

1) In how many different ways can we award the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes among eight contestants? (Gold / Silver / Bronze)

In this question, we have to arrange 8 people in a sequence. We will use the permutations formula here since the order is important in solving this problem.

Here is how it would work out:

• For the first place spot, we have 8 people to choose from: A B C D E F G H
• As we go down the list, the number of people we have to choose from will decrease by one each time.
• Therefore, silver medal will have 7 choices: B C D E F G H. [B wins the silver]
• Bronze medal – 6 choices: C D E F G H. [C wins the bronze]
• Here you see that we picked specific people to win. We had 8 choices at first, then 7, then 6. The total number of options was 8 × 7 × 6 = 336
• But we don’t have to do 8, since we have to order only 3 out of 8 people.

Because 5 people were left after we picked 3 medals, the final formula is:

�� �� �� �� �� �� �� ����[which translates to]�� �� �� �� �� �� ��

Now, consider this question:

2) Steven draws 13 portraits for his art project. He wants to choose 8 of them for his studio art final. How many different groups of photos are possible?

If you observe carefully, this question asks about ‘groups’ and not the order in which the portraits will be chosen. Therefore, using the formula,

=��13!8! 13-8!

= 1287 different groups

Pro Tip: Always remember to ask yourself whether the order matters in the question. Be mindful while solving P&C questions, as the 91�ȱ� may also combine one or more of these concepts into the same problem!

• Addition Rule: If an experiment can be performed in ‘n’ ways, and another experiment can be performed in ‘m’ ways, then either of the two experiments can be performed in (m + n) ways.
• Multiplication Rule: If an operation can be done in ‘m’ ways, while another operation can be done in ‘n’ ways, then both of the operations can be performed in m × n ways.

Take a 91�ȱ� style practice quiz on Permutations & Combinations now!

��Tips to Master Permutation and Combination Questions in 91�ȱ� Math

To be able to ace your 91�ȱ� math, you have to be at the top of your game all the time! While this may seem daunting at first, with the right techniques and appropriate guidance, you will be surprised at how easily you can achieve a perfect score of 170 in Quant. But blind hard work isn’t enough; in fact, with an exam such as the 91�ȱ�, working smarter rather than harder is the key!

To help you reach your dream score, we have compiled a list of some of the best tips and tricks you can use to ace your Quant section, especially when it comes to the dreaded P&C! Here they go…

1) Confirm That the Question Is Actually on P&C

First and foremost, it is imperative to understand whether the question itself requires you to use the concepts of Permutations and Combinations. In 91�ȱ� Math, questions don’t come according to chapters or labels as is the case with your practice books. Rather, they are a concoction of different topics and concepts thrown together in a blender mix of a section! You can have a P&C question sandwiched between an arithmetic and geometry question. It is therefore important to determine whether the problem involves permutations and combinations or not, and not keep a one-dimensional mind.

One simple way to be alert to this is to, of course, look out for the word ‘����Dz������������ٲ�’ in the question statement. However, they usually won’t be so straightforward. Thus, if you cannot find the word ‘����Dz������������ٲ�’ embedded in the question, then keep an eye out for other important markers and related keywords. All of these imply the use of Permutations and Combinations.

Some of these could be:

• Event
• Outcome
• Random Selection
• Chance

2) Memorize the Formulas

The key to acing your Quant section – not just Permutations and Combinations – is memorizing your formulas. Not only is it a healthy habit, but also saves up on crucial time (remember, you only get 2 minutes per question – you can’t waste any precious seconds on recalling formulas!

According to our data, most of our top scorers actually spend more time learning the formulas and concepts rather than practicing the sums! We’ve listed some of the important formulas you can learn and keep in handy:

• The probability of an event = Favorable Number of Events Number of Total Outcomes
• Odds in favor of an event = Number of Favorable Outcomes Number of Total Outcomes
• Odds against an event = Number of Unfavorable outcomes Number of Total Outcomes

3) Pay Attention to the Language

91�ȱ� Math in your exam is as much a measure of your analytical abilities as it is about your cognitive prowess. To ace this exam, you have to always be on your toes. The test-makers don’t only want to see whether you can robotically apply formulas; rather they want to investigate whether you can comprehend what is asked of you and suitably apply your brains.

Thus, they create challenging problems by using subtle language to indicate whether you should use a combination formula, a permutation formula, or perhaps both sometimes, to answer the question on hand.

Keep in mind, combination-based questions will indicate that you need to form groups or sets, whereas permutation questions will hint towards finding an order. Words and phrases such as ‘first’, ‘second’, or ‘third’; or ‘how many different ways’ are usually indicators of permutations.

4) Practice, Practice, and more Practice!

One should always pay heed to old adages, for they hold the most wisdom. And it doesn’t get much better that, “practice makes perfect”. There is a reason this has reverberated through history; it’s because it’s true. There is no shortcut to success. The more of these problems you solve, the more you will familiarize yourself with them. By practicing more, even if you get them wrong, you will be acquainting yourself with the style of words, the diction, the way the questions are posed, and the format in which they will be presented to you.

Our data reveals that more often than not, the difficulty bar of questions on P&C is usually set at medium to high. So, make sure that you practice 91�ȱ� questions which are a little tough. You must practice advanced 91�ȱ� questions of level 4 and level 5 to be able to tackle the question on your D-Day head on!

Moreover, you will also be reading the corresponding explanations along with the answers, which will further help you understand the concepts of P&C better. The better prepared you are to ace Permutation and Combination questions, the higher your chances of acing your 91�ȱ� Math!

Special Pointers to Follow On the D-Day

We have also put together a list of some special pointers for you to follow right before you Big Day! Consider this as a practical ‘last minute’ tips list. Read it right before you walk into your exam – and walk out with flying colors!

• Firstly, and most importantly, sleep. And sleep well. Nothing ruins your chances of getting a good score as much as a tired mind. Research has repeatedly shown the importance of a good night’s sleep before and exam. Not only does it refresh you and recharge your batteries, psychologists also say that it helps consolidate and retain memorized information better.��
• Stay calm, composed and as the famous book Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy states: Don’t Panic! Nothing shuts down your neuro-receptors faster than anxiety. If you feel stuck or are unable to solve a question, move on. Circle back to it later.
• In relation to the above point, if you still feel like you don’t know the answer to the question; then as a last resort make an educated guess (And hope Lady Luck smiles on you). After all, you miss 100% of the chances you don’t take. ����
• Go fully prepared with your stationary in place. Dress well, and eat something filling. Feeling prepared and ready is crucial! Researchers have regularly found correlations between mentally ‘feeling ready’ and associated better performance on cognitive tasks.
• Punctuality is key! The 91�ȱ� is stressful as it is, so do yourself a favor and reach your test center on time. Worrying about being tardy will only disrupt your mental peace.
• When it comes to P&C, remember:

a) Re-ordering letters of a word, tossing of coins, rolling dice, and pack of cards all come under permutations.

b) Combinations are when you are asked to compute probabilities for independent events that occur together, and mutually-exclusive events.

We hope this article provided you with smart ways to crack Permutation and Combination questions in 91�ȱ� Math. If you wish to take a 91�ȱ� style practice quiz on this topic, you can do so here.

All the best!

The post Strategies to Master 91�ȱ� Math – Permutation and Combination appeared first on 91�ȱ� Blog.

Are you having difficulty with the Quant section?

Do you want to know how to ace Data Interpretation in 91�ȱ�?

If your answer to any of the above questions is ‘Yes’, then you’ve come to the right place! But to understand how to tackle Data Interpretation in 91�ȱ�, we must first have a comprehensive idea of what it is in the first place.

What Is DI 91�ȱ�?

Data Interpretation in 91�ȱ�, or DI for short, is one of the 5 types of questions falling under the Quantitative syllabus. They require you to analyze and interpret data that is often in a pictorial form and subsequently answer questions based on them. This could be in the form of a table, a graph, or a chart and is followed by either multiple choice or numeric entry questions.

For example:

In which year was the imports to the exports of the company greater than 0.3 and less than 1.1? Indicate all such years.

While some questions on Data Interpretation in 91�ȱ� are straightforward, others might be a little trickier – this is because it is also possible that you may be asked to determine if the diagram you’ve been given has enough information to answer the question (‘Not enough information’ is sometimes an option, and occasionally, the correct one)!

Why Is DI 91�ȱ� Important?

DI is a crucial part of the Quant section on the 91�ȱ� because it assesses a different set of skills. It tests your ability to understand, visualize, and extrapolate information; a skill that is of grave importance in Grad school, especially if you wish to enter the STEM stream.

Data Interpretation in 91�ȱ� doesn’t require an understanding of some of the more academically complex math concepts that are needed to tackle other parts of the exam; rather it measures a more cognitive aspect of your profile. For instance, pictures speak a thousand words, and figures/graphs/charts, all allow you to understand what’s going on without the tediousness of reading a long passage. Graphs help you learn a lot of information in a shorter amount of time, but the chances of error also increases. There are no pre-learned formulas that you can apply, but rather have to rely on your wits to get it accurately. This is where the 91�ȱ� exam measures your interpretation skills.

Thus, if you aspire to achieve a score of 160+ in the Quant section, then is important to spend enough time learning and practicing Data Interpretation in 91�ȱ�. On average, you can expect a minimum of 4 to 5 questions in each Quant section.

This means that DI 91�ȱ� carries a weightage of 20% in the Quant section!

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��Some Common Mistakes to Look for!

While attempting DI questions, we have noticed that most students tend to make similar kinds of errors. While there are only 4 or 5 DI questions per section, attempting them successfully is pivotal if you wish to achieve a score of 160+. We have made a list of the most common types of errors students are liable to make in DI:

• Misinterpreting data due to impatience or over-confidence

Remember how at the start we mentioned that Data Interpretation in 91�ȱ� are really tricky? Well, this is why. More often than not, most students tend to get DI questions incorrect,��not because they don’t know how to solve them, but rather, because they know how to solve them a little too well…

That’s right! Most students tend to see a DI question that may seem pretty simple at first glance and get carried away; not giving it a second thought. This is a mistake. Being overconfident and trying to solve such questions in a hurry in an attempt to perhaps save a precious few seconds can leave you vulnerable to errors. In DI 91�ȱ� questions, the answer may not always be what meets the eye. So, take your time, reason out what the question asks and then attempt it.

• Time management

Speaking of saving a few precious seconds, misjudging the time is another type of error most students commit. While time-management isn’t strictly a DI-related error in 91�ȱ�, it plays a significant role in it. As per our student data, these questions usually take a little longer to solve. This point is important to keep in mind so that you can equally balance your time in the Quant section.

• Lack of practice

Since these questions don’t test memory or any pre-learnt skills, but rather measure your interpretation and extrapolation abilities, they won’t come easy, especially to newcomers. Data Interpretation in 91�ȱ� requires repeated practice to gain mastery. Practice makes perfect!

• Overlooking details

It is also pretty common for students to overlook certain details in the figure when faced with these types of questions. Because this question doesn’t offer any elaborate textual data but relies on your ability to understand and analyze the figure, it could be possible that students overlook minute details that might hold the key to finding the right answer.

Different Types of DI Questions

On the 91�ȱ�, Data Interpretation questions can come in a plethora of forms.

If you wish to ace Data Interpretation in 91�ȱ� questions, then it is imperative to understand the different types of questions that constitute this category, so that you can familiarize yourself with them. This will help you approach DIs with confidence on your test day!

There are 4 principal types:

1. Pie Charts
2. Column Charts
3. Line Graphs
4. Box and Scatter Plots

Pie Chart

The most popular, and perhaps also the easiest, pie charts are circular graphs divided into sectors; each of which holds some significant data that when put together form a whole. The sectors demonstrate percentages or proportions of a quantity that is demarcated in the question alongside.

The beauty of the pie charts is that they convey a lot of information easily. You must be able to then extrapolate the information from the chart to answer any question given to you. An example of a pie chart DI 91�ȱ� question follows:

��

Q) If the turnover in the year 2008 is decreased by 15% and the ratio of the profit and operating cost remains the same, what will be the profit in the year 2008?

Note: Turnover – Operating Cost = Profit

1. 0.48
2. 0.408
3. 1.28
4. 1.088

Given data: Total turnover, Total profit, Ratio of profit & Operating costs are the same and Turnover – Operating Cost = Profit

Ans: The correct answer is Option B, 0.408.

Column Chart

Column charts are the second most common type of questions based on data interpretation in 91�ȱ�. Also known as bar graphs, these figures showcase rectangles or ‘columns’ with varying lengths. These lengths highlight different data; that is, their measurements are proportional to the values they represent.

While most column charts are plotted vertically, don’t be surprised if they are presented to you in a horizontal fashion as well. The basic concept and premise remain the same: the length of the bars is proportional to their value!

An example is given below:

The column chart above represents a few countries and their respective oil reserves. An increase in the height (in this case) implies an increase in the value, and vice-versa. Therefore, we can extrapolate that Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world, pegged at just under 300,000 million barrels of oil. Conversely, the USA and China have the least with 20,000 barrels of oil each.

However, your DI 91�ȱ� questions won’t always be this straightforward. You should be able to investigate deeper into this chart. For instance, with the help of the data given along Y-axis, you can also quantify the differences between countries in terms of ratios. Since China has 20,000 barrels of oil, you can say that UAE (with exact 100,000 barrels) has approximately 5 times as much oil as China, or that the ratio of their oil reserves is 5:1.

Similarly, the ratio between Venezuela and Iran is at approximately 2:1, and so on. Keep in mind that DI in 91�ȱ� will often feature questions related to ratios, proportions, and percentages; especially with bar graphs of quantifiable lengths.

Line Graphs

Another type of DI 91�ȱ� question that is bound to come at least a few times in your exam is line charts. You must have already seen these types of graphs feature on TVs and newspapers often. This is because they are the most common type of chart used to compare progress between two or more quantities.

For example, the GDP growth rates of two countries over time can be plotted using line graphs, or the performance of two stocks over the last quarter.

So, what is a line graph? A line graph demonstrates information in the form of a series of data points which are connected by a straight line called the trendline.

The most significant aspect to understand this type of data is that line graphs help you understand movement or growth!

Look at the example below:

The picture above illustrates what a common line graph looks like. On the Y-axis you find the data of all registered voters, while on the X-axis you are given the data of each 4-year term through the secretary of state reports. But that’s not all. You will also see two other pieces of information; namely, the data points of the Republicans as well as Democrats.

Line graphs can thus be tricky!

Here, in this example, we potentially see 4 different data sources. Having to deduce from the given graph could sometimes become unnerving and time-consuming, so it’s important to maintain your focus. From graphs like these, you will be asked questions along the lines of these: Which year saw the maximum percentage change in the share of voters for the Democratic party? Or, what is the average percentage share of the voters for the Republican party from 1980 to 2010?

Box and Scatter Plots

And last but not least is the box and scatter plot graphs. Now, while such graphs are only occasionally given on the 91�ȱ�, it is our duty to stay prepared for any such contingencies.

A scatter plot is a way of displaying bivariate data. This means that it examines two separate variables for a common subject or set of subjects. A simple example of a scatter plot is a relationship between two variables such as age and weight of several people and plotting the data on the same graph. Another example could be the relationship between their annual income and the number of kids.

As shown in the scatter plot above, the number of hours studied by students is pitted in correspondence against their 91�ȱ� Quant score. Now, based on this graph you could be asked to extrapolate information such as: Who scored score the highest in their 91�ȱ� Quant section among those who studied for less than 30 hours?

All 91�ȱ� questions may not be this simple as the once we looked at above, but the manner in which they come will be similar. Acquainting yourself with these DI 91�ȱ� questions will allow you to approach them with far more confidence.

Moreover, according to data from our students, DI 91�ȱ� questions usually take up more time and mental power than other categories. Since there are 20 questions in each Quant section and you are allotted only 35 minutes per section, you cannot afford to spend more than 2 minutes per��question on data interpretation in 91�ȱ�.

Tick Tock!

Within 2 minutes, you will need to assimilate information, interpret this correctly, and accurately answer the questions that follow. If you are not familiar with reading data, then it can quickly turn out to be a daunting task…

So, how do you pick out the relevant information and work it out in 2 minutes?

Tips to Ace Data Interpretation in 91�ȱ�

Here are some special tips and tricks to help you ace the DI 91�ȱ�!

1. Develop a Strong Conceptual Understanding
2. The Art of Being Approximately Accurate
3. Watch Out for Keywords
4. Two is Better than One

• Develop a Strong Conceptual Understanding

As mentioned above, DI 91�ȱ� isn’t a test of your memory or rote-learning skills, but rather, it is a measure of your understanding and extrapolating abilities. It examines how well you have understood and internalized the concepts you are taught, rather than testing your ability to recall certain formulae.

Thus, it is important to be well-prepared and thoroughly clear in your notions regarding topics, such as:

• Fractions
• Decimals
• Percentages & Ratio
• Statistics
• Probability

Building a strong conceptual base especially in these topics ensures that you proceed with the correct methods, despite traps in the question.

• The Art of Being Approximately Accurate

We have spoken at length about how DI 91�ȱ� questions can sometimes cost you more time than its counterparts. Thus, this technique will help you limit the time you spend on such questions, without the cost of losing out on accuracy.

Firstly, it is important to understand that the 91�ȱ� is designed to test your presence of mind! This means that you will encounter some challenging numbers and calculations. But it’s possible that this perception can also work against you sometimes.

Unless a question has multiple steps, we suggest that you round off your values and proceed with your calculations. If your answer is closest to any of the options, mark it and move on! This will save you time as well as unnecessary effort.

However, beware! Don’t use this tip if the answer choices are too close to one another. They could be traps. This is a trick that works often, but not always. Your forethought is required before you choose to mark an answer.

• Watch Out for Keywords

Another DI 91�ȱ� hack is utilizing keywords. Read the question carefully and understand clearly what you’ve been asked to answer. What the creators of the 91�ȱ� love doing is presenting you with two correct answer choices, but to two different questions!

They do this by presenting you with excess data; useless information to bait you into including that in your calculations. The final value of this calculation will then be given as one of your answer choices. While your calculations may be correct, you would have been lured into getting the answer for the wrong question.

This is once again to test your focus and presence of mind. If you haven’t read the question – the actual question – correctly because you were in a time crunch, or simply overconfident, then you will end up choosing the wrong answer and hence lose out on the score in a silly manner.

Common things to look for are units of measurement in the axes, decimal points, and other such smaller details in the fineprint.

• Two is Better than One

Interpreting data quickly is a skill that comes with practice. You need to cultivate it, just as you would hone any other talent. Make sure you practice different kinds of charts and questions. This will help you overcome most of the problems mentioned above. And since DI 91�ȱ� is a sure-shot question carrying 20% of the Quant section weightage, it pays to perfect your techniques.

A recommendation from us would be to practice questions with more than one type of chart, requiring you to correlate data. This will help you understand the relationships between different types of information and the variables connecting them better.

Additionally, and perhaps luckily for you,��DI 91�ȱ� questions don’t usually reflect the same level of difficulty as questions from other categories, such as Algebra or Arithmetic for example. That is to say, 91�ȱ� understands the nature of such questions and therefore doesn’t set the difficulty of these too high. If you make yourself aware of the strategies needed to address such questions, then you should be in a safe spot.

Before we leave you, here are some pro-tips from our Quant SFAs to keep in mind:

Keep in Mind

• The questions are to be answered only on the basis of the data presented, everyday facts (such as the number of days in a year) and your knowledge of mathematics. Do not make use of specialized information you may recall from other sources about the particular context in which the questions are based, unless the information can be derived from the data presented.
• Think beyond formulae: understand the concept, don’t just take the formula approach
• Solve a lot of questions so that on the exam day you get that “Oh I have done this before!” feeling for most of the questions.
• Understand when to skip a question for the greater good of your test. Look at the bigger picture. If you feel like you are spending too much time on any particular question, skip it and finish the rest of the section – you can always come back to the unfinished question later.
• Questions are relatively easy, but tricky. You need to pay attention to the language, or how it is worded.
• Spend only 15 to 30 seconds analyzing the graph and jotting down key information. Then, proceed with your calculations. Remember, you only have 2 minutes for each question.
• And lastly, there is no negative marking on the 91�ȱ�. If you find yourself absolutely stuck for any reason, make an intelligent guess, but make sure you answer. You may be lucky! You miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take.

This is a comprehensive article on how to ace the Data Interpretation questions on the 91�ȱ�. Follow these tricks, and you are bound to ace it!

The post How to Ace Data Interpretation in 91�ȱ�? appeared first on 91�ȱ� Blog.

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What Is AWA?

As the very first section of the 91�ȱ�, Analytical Writing consists of two tasks: an ‘Analyze an Issue’ task and an ‘Analyze an Argument’ task. The time allotted is one hour, with 30 minutes for each task. In the 91�ȱ� Issue essay task, you will be given a general issue and asked to evaluate and analyze it. You are required to essentially develop a sound argument for the issue and support it with examples, while the Argument task expects you to evaluate a given argument for the correctness of the logic assumed. In other words, the Issue essay seeks to examine your ability to take a stance on a certain subject by developing an argument with reasons and examples to support your views about why you favor a side of the argument. On the other hand, in the Argument task, you are expected to critique and take apart the views that the author promotes in the topic.

In this blog, we will be taking a closer look at the Issue essay to better understand what it really entails, as well as the kind of topics that could be asked of you in this section from the ETS issue pool. Finally, we will be examining some 91�ȱ� issue essay samples to grasp what a well-written, high-scoring essay looks like.

All About the 91�ȱ� Issue Essay

A well-written issue essay is basically one that establishes and strongly sustains a particular point of view and gives sufficient justification for the choice of that perspective. Remember, in this section, as we had briefly discussed before, you are expected to understand a given issue and provide ample reasons and examples to support your point of view on the issue. While the examiner will have access to your assessment question, your argument must be clear and strong enough to be understood in a vacuum. In other words, it must be written well enough to rule out the necessity of checking the question at hand. The 91�ȱ� issue essay task question has two parts: first is a thesis statement (or a claim) and the second is a small paragraph outlining the instructions on how to respond to that thesis. Sometimes, there can be yet another part: a brief reason that explains the claim in more detail.

While there is no ironclad minimum word requirement to meet, most students average around 500–600 words in the 30 minutes allotted to them. Remember, writing more words doesn’t necessarily mean your essay is going to be more persuasive or better. In fact, quite the opposite: many test-takers seem to think that writing more is a good substitute to an essay that is otherwise lacking in sound argument and logic, leading examiners to be wary of overly lengthy essays. Always keep it simple and concise, and you’re good to go.

Let us now take a look at some key elements of a 91�ȱ� issue essay task, and how it is different from the argument essay:

1. Nature of topic:

   Generally, the topics and ideas that need to be probed in the issue essay will be of broad, general nature, and are drawn from everyday life, requiring you to rely on your own experiences for your answer. Issue prompts are taken from a wide variety of domains, such as education, politics, art, technology, etc. As such, it is not necessary to possess a very deep knowledge of the issue at hand, although it certainly helps if your general knowledge is up a notch!

2. Type of writing:

   The issue essay is less about critical analysis and more about logical reasoning and justification. Just make sure that your reasoning and justifications are sound, and you should be good to go! Because the issue essay hinges so much on reasoning, it is a great idea to draw on real-life examples to support your position and overall stance on the matter: this will portray you as someone who is well-read and in touch with the world around her. Remember, this is not a section in which you can spin examples out of thin air, so use that wild story that your uncle told you, if you need to!

3. Agreeing and disagreeing:

   While the argument essay contains a problematic thesis statement that needs to be disagreed upon and taken apart by you, the issue essay will generally conclude with a mention of the opposing point of view and stating a few instances in which that view may hold true. Doing so will both showcase you as a well-read, aware person, who is able to understand and appreciate opposing viewpoints. Moreover, in the issue essay, it is much easier to agree with the stance than it is to disagree, since you will usually find a lot more argument points in favor of than against. Although, of course, you are free to disagree if you wish: just be convincing about it!

4. Perspectives:

   The 91�ȱ� issue essay is, at the heart of it, a matter of perspective, and what you really think about the question at hand. There’s no real, unequivocal ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer, because really it is two sides of the same coin, with both sides being amenable to argument and support. The quality of the essay will be wholly judged by your ability to pick one side of the coin, and how well you develop and support that choice. So, an issue question is a claim that needs to be analyzed and critiqued. This is unlike the argument essay, where the thesis statement itself is deliberately portrayed negatively or controversially so as to provoke your counter-argument.

5. Reasoning versus exposing:

   The argument essay is all about you dismantling the author’s claims by exposing the flaws in their arguments, while the issue task is notably about reasoning and building your argument from the ground up by using examples and logic.

6. Liberty to express:

   Last but not least, the issue task is defined by the freedom of scope it affords you. While the argument essay mandates you to work entirely with the evidence and arguments that lead up to the conclusion, the issue task is far more liberal because you are free of any authorial interference. Because of this, you can draw on any and every resource in your arsenal to deliver a powerful defense of your perspective.

What kind of topics can I expect on the issue task?

One of the things that daunt 91�ȱ� test takers is essay writing: specifically, the fear of being tested on a topic or concept they may have no idea or knowledge about. Well, fear not! The 91�ȱ� issue essay task is known for its supremely approachable and general nature and is broad enough to be attempted by anyone with basic general knowledge. Confused? Cast your mind back to all those family dinners, and your father arguing how mobile phones are destroying creativity and intelligence, or your uncle claiming that higher education should be free for all, and you’ll know what we are talking about. The 91�ȱ� issue essay is something like those discussions, but with just a bit more sophistication, of course!

Let’s take a peek at some sample issue questions from the previous years’ 91�ȱ� to better understand the kind of prompts you can expect. Do note that these are directly taken from the ETS (Educational Testing Service) website, and because ETS is the official administrator of the 91�ȱ�, you can be rest assured that this information is straight from the horse’s mouth.

Sample issue tasks:

1. Governments should place few if any, restrictions on scientific research and development.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.

2. Claim: It is no longer possible for a society to regard any living man or woman as a hero.

��������Reason: The reputation of anyone who is subjected to media scrutiny will eventually be diminished.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim and the reason on which that claim is based.

3. ��College students should base their choice of a field of study on the availability of jobs in that field.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position.

4. Young people should be encouraged to pursue long-term, realistic goals rather than seek immediate fame and recognition.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.

Well, there you have it! You now have a general idea of what kind of questions you could expect in the issue task, and the structure of the issue prompts. As you can see, these are questions of a sweeping, unspecified nature, and usually, students find their own experiences, opinions, and awareness sufficient to write a satisfactory essay. Topics like education, healthcare, R&D, art, politics, social media, and gender are usually hot favorites for the ETS, so reading up on these areas and writing a few practice essays can prove to be immensely helpful. If you want the complete low-down on the exhaustive list of topics that make an appearance in the issue essay section, you can download our ebook��to get a better idea

Download our eBOOK on “The complete list of 91�ȱ� AWA Topics“

Now, we have seen the kind of topics and questions you could expect on the d-day, but what about the essay itself? What does a persuasive, well-written, high-scoring issue essay look and sound like? ��We’re sure we’ve piqued your curiosity, so why not head over to our ebook consisting of a gamut of sample essays?

Download our eBOOK on “How to score 4+ in AWA“

We hope you found this article helpful and illuminating and opened your eyes to the intricacies of the 91�ȱ� issue essay. If you have any questions that are not answered in this article, please drop us a comment below and we will get back to you soon. We wish you all the very best in your graduate school dreams!

The post 91�ȱ� Issue Essay: Samples appeared first on 91�ȱ� Blog.

Let’s find out!

Why Take the 91�ȱ�

91�ȱ� stands for Graduate Record Examination and is owned and administered by Education Testing Services, an educational testing and assessment organization headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey. Depending on the course that a student wishes to pursue as well as the admissions requirements of the desired program, a student can either choose to take the 91�ȱ� General Test or the 91�ȱ� Subject Test. The 91�ȱ� Subject Test is offered in six distinct subjects which are�� Biology, Chemistry, ��Mathematics, Literature in English, Physics, and Psychology.

Now, we will be focusing on the 91�ȱ� scoring system of the General Test, given that it is the most popular option both for universities as well as test takers.

The 91�ȱ� (General) tests a student’s abilities in three areas:

• Analytical Writing
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning

Coming to why 91�ȱ� plays an important role in graduate admissions, the reason is that the student’s score in each of these areas gives a picture of how likely he/she is to succeed at a graduate program. All these things are considered in the 91�ȱ� scoring system.

Download our eBOOK on “Introduction to 91�ȱ�“

To go a bit more in detail, we have to understand what graduate study entails. At a graduate level, students study subjects at a specialized level and usually partake in research, which means they must possess an ability to read, understand, and analyze the content of academic texts and long-form research papers. This ability is gauged by the student’s performance on the 91�ȱ�’s Verbal Reasoning section. Graduate students not only have to read complex academic texts but must also be capable of writing reports and research papers based on a given problem statement. The AWA section of the 91�ȱ� tests this skill. Similarly, most graduate programs in the fields of science, mathematics, and economics require students to read, grasp, and apply complicated mathematical and statistical concepts during the course of their study. For this purpose, the Quantitative Reasoning section tests the student’s competency in basic mathematics through questions in areas like algebra, data analysis, statistics, and geometry.

Format of the 91�ȱ�

With an understanding of why students are required to take the 91�ȱ�, let us move forward and get an idea of the format & 91�ȱ� scoring system of the 2011 (revised) version of the 91�ȱ�.

As mentioned above, the 91�ȱ� tests three skills – analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning.

The test consists of six sections, namely:

• Analytical Writing Assessment – 1 section (always the first section of the test)
• Verbal Reasoning – 2 sections
• Quantitative Reasoning – 2 sections
• Experimental/Research Section – Can either be Quantitative Reasoning or Verbal Reasoning (This section doesn’t count towards the final score. Also, the test taker will not be made aware if a section is experimental or not.)

Level of Difficulty

Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning have two sections each, which contribute towards the test taker’s final score. The first section of each of these areas consists of questions with a level of difficulty ranging from easy to difficult. For the subsequent section of the respective area (verbal/quantitative), the level of difficulty is determined by the test taker’s performance in the initial section. This style of testing is called section-based adaptivity, wherein the performance on one section decides the level of difficulty on the next.

91�ȱ� Scoring System

A test taker’s 91�ȱ� score has three components which correspond to their performance in the three areas of analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. This is how the 91�ȱ� scoring system is carried out.

The scale for the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections is the same wherein it ranges from 130–170 with 1-point increments. The total 91�ȱ� score is the sum of the scores obtained on the verbal and quantitative sections respectively and ranges from 260 to 340.

As for the AWA section, the score scale is 0–6 with 0.5-point increments. The AWA score is considered separately and doesn’t contribute towards the total 91�ȱ� score.

91�ȱ� Verbal Reasoning Section:

The test has two verbal reasoning sections which count towards the overall verbal score. While the level of difficulty between both sections may vary, the type of questions will be the same. A typical verbal reasoning section constitutes 20 questions, which can be of the following types:

• Text Completion (around 6)
• Sentence Equivalence (around 4)
• Questions based on reading comprehension passages (around 10)

Download our eBOOK to score “160+ in 91�ȱ� Verbal“

91�ȱ� Quantitative Reasoning Section:

Similar to the verbal reasoning sections, the quantitative sections have 20 questions each and the level of difficulty of the second section is based on the performance in the first. The questions are based on the following topics:

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Data Analysis and Interpretation

Additionally, the questions are asked in the following ways:

• Quantitative Comparison (around 8)
• Problem Solving Items (around 9)
• Data Interpretation (around 3)

Download our eBOOK to score “170 in 91�ȱ� Quant“

How the Quantitative/Verbal Sections Are Scored

The 91�ȱ� scoring system for both quantitative and verbal reasoning sections are similar since the number of questions and sections are the same. The final score in verbal/quantitative sections is a result of a two-step process.

Step 1 – Raw Score

Verbal/Quantitative Reasoning has two sections of 20 questions each. In the first step, a raw score is calculated by giving one point to all the questions which the test taker got right on the exam, irrespective of the first or second section. So, one score for verbal reasoning and one score for quantitative reasoning is computed on a scale of 0 to 40 since the student answers 2 sets of 20 questions each for verbal and quantitative respectively.

Step 2 – Final/Scaled Score

The raw score is calculated by giving a point to all the questions which were answered correctly by the test taker. However, factors like the level of difficulty and the given topic are also to be taken into consideration when determining the score. Therefore, the final score is obtained by scaling the raw score with respect to the level of difficulty, topic, and type of each question that was answered correctly by the test taker. Specifically, since there is an overall difference in the level of difficulty between the questions in first and second sections of quantitative/verbal reasoning, the section-based difficulty levels also weigh in for the calculation of the final score. The 91�ȱ� scoring system is different from other exams.��

For example, in verbal reasoning, questions based on reading comprehension are relatively more difficult when compared to single-blank text completion questions. Similarly, triple-blank text completion questions are more challenging than double-blank text completion questions.

91�ȱ� Analytical Writing Section:

In the 91�ȱ�, Analytical Writing is tested in a single section and is made up of two tasks, which are:

• Issue Task – Here, the test taker must comment on a specific issue which is provided in the question.
• Argument Task – The test taker is provided with a set of facts and an argument; The task is for the test taker to analyze the information provided and provide critique on the argument.

Download our eBOOK to score “4+ in AWA“

How the AWA Section Is Scored

Each task is scored on a 0–6 scale with 1-point increments. The score is assigned based on a careful evaluation by a human grader. The final AWA score is an average of the scores obtained on both the tasks. Since the final score is an average of two whole numbers, it is on a scale of 0–6 with 0.5-point increments.

What Is a Good Score on the AWA Section?

While we have a general awareness on the range of scores preferred in the quantitative and verbal reasoning sections, let the numbers do the talking about what kind of score is preferred by some of the reputed universities in the US.

What Is a Score Percentile?

We now know how scores are computed for all the three sections of 91�ȱ�. But there is still one concept that often appears to confuse students who wish to apply to grad schools.

If you have taken a look at the admission statistics of some programs offered by popular grad schools in the US, you might have come across statements which go along these lines:

On an average, we admit students with quantitative scores above the 85th percentile.

Students who have been previously admitted to this program have scores above the 50th percentile in the verbal, quantitative, and AWA sections of the 91�ȱ�.

Well, to explain this, it is important to be acquainted with the concept of percentile ranks in statistics. As Google says,

A percentile rank of a score is the percentage of scores in the overall frequency distribution which is equal to or lower than it.

So, the score percentile for any given score is based on the scores obtained by all the test takers in a specific time period.

Therefore, a score above the 85th percentile means that the score is higher than what was obtained by 85% of the test takers.

To get a better idea of the score percentile as well as other 91�ȱ�-related information, ETS has collated the data and statistics based on the tests taken between the years, 2014 and 2017 which can be found . Each score is mapped to a specific percentile for all the three sections of the 91�ȱ�. It can help the test taker to understand where he/she stands with respect to all the others who took the test in the last few years.

Alright! Has this article helped in giving you a better understanding of why grad schools want 91�ȱ� scores and how the 91�ȱ� scoring system works? If you have any doubts, leave a comment and we will get back to you.

��

The post Understand the 91�ȱ� Scoring System appeared first on 91�ȱ� Blog.

Of course, this is partly due to the fact that we’re not just looking at a few hundred words here. Going by a rough estimate, the 91�ȱ� vocabulary comprises as many as 3500 words, along with their synonyms & antonyms (especially useful when it comes to answering sentence equivalence and text completion questions). What makes it more challenging is the fact that a large portion of these words comprises those that are relegated to obscure corners of dictionaries and hardly find usage in day-to-day speech.

Now depending on your existing level of command over the English language, you might already be knowing some of them, but if you’re aiming at a really good score (say, a 320 and above) with a score above 160 on the Verbal section, knowing at least 1000 high priority 91�ȱ� words is an absolutely non-negotiable requirement!

What are high priority words? Well, according to a detailed scrutiny of 91�ȱ� verbal questions over the years, we found that certain words had a much higher propensity of appearing on the test than others.

Download our eBOOK on “High Priority 91�ȱ� Word List“

Even a few years ago, vocabulary-building was a pretty long-drawn and tedious process. Students had to painstakingly look up words and their synonyms using a dictionary and thesaurus. Unsurprisingly, it was a process that took months, sometimes, even years!

Learning tools included making flash cards, and looking at the time and again you were sure of each word.

Quite a few of you who have used flash cards earlier might remember how one side had the word or topic you were trying to remember, with a series of clues on the back to help you remember better.

However, though it was arduous and time-taking, it ensured that students remembered what they learned.

Smartphones and the internet have changed all that. Ran into a word you never heard of? Not sure of a word you want to use on an essay? All it takes is a quick Google search! Of course, building your vocabulary for an exam like the 91�ȱ� is likely to take more than just trawling search engines.

Enter – 91�ȱ� vocabulary app!

Combining the versatility of a quick google search, with the mnemonic advantages of flash cards, a well-designed word learning app can really help you with vocabulary building, and in the least time possible.

Putting together our expertise of the 91�ȱ�’s exhaustive vocabulary and learning tools proven effective through years of testing, we created 91�ȱ� vocabulary app WordBot – a free tool designed especially to augment word-learning in a holistic, yet fast manner. Think of it as your very own online 91�ȱ� tutor that not only helps you learn words but also simultaneously test your knowledge of the same through unlimited fun tests.

Check out our��91�ȱ� vocabulary app – Wordbot Now!

Thought flash cards were effective? You’ll definitely have a blast with WordBot. Not only will it save you the time of having to go through innumerable websites and 91�ȱ� study guides for the list of words to master, but you’ll also get to develop an enviable vocabulary organically – something that you’re unlikely to forget in a lifetime.

Now, why is this?

Well, studies have shown that the human brain is 80% likely to remember images, as compared to a 20% likelihood of remembering textual content! Ever wondered why children’s books were so generous with their pictures and brightly illustrated? Now you know why!

The usage of 91�ȱ� vocabulary app WordBot is highly relevant with pictorial guides alongside each 91�ȱ� word takes a leaf out of the very same time-tested philosophy. Only here, you don’t just get to know the meaning of each word, you can also hear their pronunciation, take a quick look at their antonyms, synonyms, see how they’re used in sentences, and take fun tests to see how much you’re able to remember. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself learning even more than 50 new 91�ȱ� words each day!

Not convinced yet? Take a look at these words and see for yourself!

91�ȱ� Words – Felicitous , Enigma

91�ȱ� Words – Effrontery

Want to see more? Head over to��91�ȱ� vocabulary app – WordBot, and click on ‘Get Started’ to create your free account today!

The post 91�ȱ� Vocabulary App vs 91�ȱ� Flashcards: Which is better? appeared first on 91�ȱ� Blog.

If so, then you have reached the correct blog. There’s no denying that most Indian test-takers do find the 91�ȱ� verbal reasoning section pretty tough when compared to the quantitative section. Let’s look at some quick stats from the ETS’s July 2012- June 2017 report. The table below lists out the average scores of test takers across countries where the 91�ȱ� is taken by a large number of students each year.

91�ȱ� Country wise Test Takers Statistics – 91�ȱ� (…formerly 91�ȱ�edge)

As you can see, Indian test takers scored the least in the verbal section when compared to the rest. Even though we have a large percentage of the population exposed to English on a daily basis, there exists a gap in learning. While everyday conversations help us improve general fluency a good 91�ȱ� score requires deeper learning and a strong command over the language. This is partly due to the fact that the 91�ȱ�’s vocabulary comprises as many as 3500 words, many of which hardly find use in day-to-day speech.

Indian test takers are noted to be naturally good with quants, it’s preparing for the verbal section that’s likely to take up the better part of your efforts, as well as act as the determining factor behind your final score. Some of the best universities require a strong 91�ȱ� Verbal reasoning score and hence the command you have in the universal language to consider your application. Here is the list of some famous universities and their average 91�ȱ� Verbal reasoning score requirement.

Famous Universities With Average 91�ȱ� Verbal Reasoning Score

Download our eBOOK on “91�ȱ� Verbal Reasoning scores for Top 35 US Universities“

��Structure of 91�ȱ� Verbal Reasoning:

The intent of the 91�ȱ� Verbal reasoning section is to test your ability to comprehend written text, form conclusions and figure out relationships between two or more parts of a sentence. There are two sets of 20 questions each and you get 30 minutes to answer each set.

The three types of questions that come on this section are:

• Reading Comprehension (RC) – 10 questions/set
• Text Completion (TC) – 5-6 questions/set
• Sentence Equivalence (SE) – 4-5 questions/set

The following graph shows the time spent by students on preparing for the 3 topics of the Verbal section. As you can see, students spent most of their time on Reading Comprehension (RC). This makes sense because 10 out of 20 questions, or 50% of this section, are from RC Passages, with Text Completion (TC) and Sentence Equivalence (SE) questions comprising the rest. Vocabulary building is also a very important part of your 91�ȱ� Verbal reasoning preparation as you’ll need to learn at least 1000 high-priority 91�ȱ� words.

Download our eBOOK on “High Priority 91�ȱ� Words“

Learning just 30 91�ȱ� words per day can improve your vocabulary in a span of 30 days. ��Check out WordBot now, a free vocabulary learning app that has the meanings of 3000+ 91�ȱ� words along with picture guides, their synonyms, antonyms, and usage in sentences. Don’t be surprised even if find yourself learning even more than 50 words a day! ��

91�ȱ� Verbal Reasoning Section Graph

To improve your skills on the verbal section, practice Reading Comprehension; review your passages and your answers after each practice session. If you add one English newspaper (The New Yorker, Arts & Letters Daily, or The Atlantic) to your daily schedule, it helps you to learn words in their proper context, enhancing your vocabulary and as a bonus, brushing up your knowledge of current affairs for the AWA section.

Download our eBOOK on “Ultimate Guide to Crack tough RC’s“

The 91�ȱ� Verbal Section comprises three sections out of which only two would be scored. However, test-takers have no way of determining which of the 3 sections is unscored. Each section has 20 questions and you will be given 30 minutes to answer each (Roughly 1.5 minutes for each question). Most of the questions are multiple-choice questions, where one of the five answers will be correct.

You can begin your preparation by understanding where you stand at the moment. Take a score predicting test here.

Tips and Tricks of the trade:

1. Sentence Equivalence (SE):

These questions could be challenging at moments as you might not be able to think of two words which when placed in a blank will produce sentences that have exactly the same meanings. There can be an approx. of 8 SE questions in the 91�ȱ� Verbal section. The following are some handy tips to ace Sentence Equivalence questions:

• As you read the sentence, fill in the word which you feel is most suitable, based on the context.

• Notice the signal words like and, but, yet, since, thus, although and while. These words will help you to understand the context of the word, and hence, help you make a better choice.

• Make reasonable guesses of the meanings of unfamiliar words.

• Consider all the choices even if you are completely sure. You might come across an even more appropriate word.

• Also, be careful while choosing a word. Many times test takers choose a word which doesn’t have a synonym in the group. Avoid this mistake at all costs.

Let’s understand with an example:

While serving in a place marred by bitter conflict, the high degree of alertness that they develop often gets so ingrained in the psyche of some of the serving soldiers that they continue to display the same sense of _________ in civilian life, often to the discomfort of those close to them.

1. aggression
2. distrust
3. discipline
4. assault
5. suspicion
6. restlessness

Correct answers: ��B & E

Scoring conditions:

• If you select any option other than B & E, you will not get any marks.
• If you select either B or E and not both, you will not get any marks.
• If you select both B & E, you will be awarded full marks for the question.

2. Text Completion (TC):

Text completion type questions are a step up from the SE type. You will have to fill two or more blanks in a 5-6 sentence long paragraph. Choices are to be made from the list of words given and marks would be provided only if you choose all the correct options. Like the SE section, no partial marking system is applied.

Following are the tips for TC type questions:

• Since the questions are lengthy and monotonous, break the text into smaller parts to digest quickly.

• Understand the tone and context that is being aimed by the sentence. Read it 2-3 times until you grasp the context of the question.

• Add your own word to fill up the sentence and then select the closest answer to that word.

Let’s try out an example and apply the tips:

Climate change has already led to the ________ of some bird species in parts of England, where intensively farmed land gives them no room to ______ to warming temperatures. Birds are facing a double-edged sword from climate change and declines in habitat quality as land management is making it harder for cold-associated birds to find cool corners of sites. As biodiversity across England _______________, stopping the destruction of habitat such as hedgerows and old orchards and creating new nature reserves can give opportunities for wildlife to adapt to global warming.

1. A) disappearance ����������������������D) migrate G) is fostered
2. B) evolution ����������������������������������������E) retaliate H) continues to fall
3. C) conservation ����������������������������F) adapt I) continues to spread

Correct Answer: ��A, F & H

Scoring conditions:

• If you select any option other than the correct ones, you will not get any marks.
• If you select the correct option for blank (1) and the wrong option for blanks (2 or 3) or any other combination, you will not get any marks.
• If you select the correct option for all the blanks, you will be awarded full marks for the question.

3. RC Passages:

One can expect around 5 RC Passages in each section which might vary in their length from 1 to 5 passages. These passages are picked up randomly from Scholarly journals, magazines, works of literature, politics, art, culture, textbooks, biographies, lifestyles, etc. These passages are composed well with complicated structure and advanced vocabulary. These passages make even a good reader break a sweat.

The three types of questions you will be answering are:

• Multiple Choice questions with one correct option: You will be required to choose from a set of five answers.
• Multiple Choice questions with more than one correct option: The twist with these types of questions is there is no partial credit provided for the answer. You will have to choose from a set of 3 answers out of which, one/ two/ even all three answers could be true.
• Select in Passage: The answer to this question lies in the passage. You need to select a sentence in the passage that answers the question.

With 30 minutes dedicated for each section, whilst solving these passages, time is of ultimate value.

Download our eBOOK on “Ultimate Guide to Crack tough RC’s“

��Following are a few tips if kept in mind can help you through 91�ȱ� Verbal Reasoning section:

• Introduction and Conclusion of long comprehensions: To develop an understanding of long passages, read the introduction and conclusion first. Often these are enough to give you sufficient hints to answer the questions.
• Keywords and Context: If you find the keyword from the question in the text, read the preceding and succeeding sentences before forming a complete understanding. Then you can understand the intent and context of the author.
• Save the most complex passage for the last: Know your strengths and weaknesses beforehand. If it takes you a longer duration of time to solve certain passages that talk about say: history. Then skip it and then come back to it after you are done with other ones. This rule is pretty much the same as what applied to your school board exams.
• Stick to the information provided: Do not get carried away by your own opinions on the matter while answering a critical reasoning question based on the passage. Assuming information can be a self-destructive step while solving RC Passages.
• Take notes as you read: While going through the text, take notes simultaneously and notice the keywords.
• Misinterpreting the linking words: Every paragraph of the RC could be a turning point in the reading or it might simply support the preceding paragraph. Develop the understanding of linking words or phrases, like however, in contrast with, but, on the other hand, in addition, yet, in conclusion, and others.
• Wasting time in comprehending useless information: ��This often happens with long RC passages. If you try to unravel the complexity, you are caught in the trap. Skim through the comprehension once focusing your attention on the first and the last paragraph of the comprehension to understand the intent of the RC. Then, read all the questions and look for the keywords in the body paragraphs. Extracting only the meaningful information from a long passage is a skill that you’ll keep getting better at with practice.
• Not taking notes: Test takers often don’t take notes and have to read the passage again. It wastes precious time. Take notes of significant points in the text as you go through RC the very first time.
• Adding details of your own: Strictly remember that the answers if the questions asked would be available in the RC passage. Do not make assumptions and find the answer.

Let’s try to apply these tips in the example below:

Through her works, Abril Bolivar aimed to take the average middle-class reader from a state of ennui and indifference to a state of enlightenment. Long before terms such as socialist, feminist, and progressive intellectuals got their modern definitions, Abril championed the cause of the marginalized section of the late 19th-century Bolivian society such as peasants and laborers in her writing.

Since Abril’s rather premature death at 45, her work has acquired greater significance. Her novels have achieved cult status, some are even made into movies, and her short stories were lapped up by schools and colleges as an essential part of their curriculum. Even those with a cursory interest in literature find her novels and short stories appealing. What perhaps has not found as much appreciation is her disquisitions, especially those where she explains her art, her view of the world, and philosophy of life.

Abril, in one of her speeches at a literary conference of Latin American writers, said that she did not subscribe to the “art for art’s sake” school of thought. In light of the themes she chose to write, this would give the facile impression of Abril being a pamphleteer for a cause. However, her language is more of an aesthete than an ideologue. Her writings express the restlessness of an artist and not the certitude of a propagandist.

Based on the information provided in the passage, the author most likely believes Abril’s work to be:

1. A fine blend of art as well as a social discourse
2. More biased toward social causes rather than aesthetics
3. More of cult literature following among movie-makers, students, and those with a cursory interest in literature
4. A propagandist that would leave the reader in a state of restlessness of an artist
5. Less interesting as compared to her disquisitions on her art, her view of the world and philosophy of life.

Correct Answer: Option A

Scoring conditions:

• If you select the incorrect option(s) / sentence, you will not get any marks
• If you select all correct choices, you will be awarded full marks.

4. Vocabulary

There are more than 3000 91�ȱ� words that you will have to learn. Though you won’t ever be directly tested on these words separately, 91�ȱ� verbal reasoning comprises questions which can be solved only if you are familiar with their meanings. Without a vocabulary of 91�ȱ� words, the chances of making a mistake grow several times. Let’s take a look at the graph of actual 91�ȱ� verbal reasoning scores obtained by test takers who prepared with 91�ȱ� (…formerly 91�ȱ�edge) vs. the number of words learned by them.

91�ȱ� Vocabulary – 91�ȱ� words

Words Seen: Words that they have only seen, but not mastered.

Words Mastered: Seen the word & mastered using WordBot, by taking a test in 91�ȱ� Style.

The graphs make it pretty clear to get a 160 above on the verbal section; you need to master the words with practice tests.

Download our eBOOK on “How to learn 91�ȱ� Words to score 160+ in Verbal“

��3 pointers that can lead you to improve your 91�ȱ� Vocabulary:

Following are some most effective ways to keep in mind during this tenacious process of learning:

1. Choosing the right word-list: English is a vast language and mastering it all with a limited amount of time available might not be feasible. However, there’s still a lot you can achieve through smart work. Hence, right at the beginning, you need to select the correct list of 91�ȱ� words. Basing on the frequency of their appearance on the 91�ȱ�, apps like WordBot have a compiled list of words along with their meanings accompanied by picture-guides that can assist your learning.

2. The technique of mastering words: Let’s discuss exactly how big this list that could get you through 91�ȱ� verbal reasoning is. There are around 3000 91�ȱ� words that you need to learn while preparing for the verbal. Mugging is not the solution for a list this large, at least not for the majority of them.

1. 1. Redefine Definitions: The dictionary definition of the word might not be that interesting and you might find it hard to keep those words in mind. So, reinterpret the definition given by the dictionary in your own words, you will realize that learning a definition written by you is comparatively easy to learn.
   2. Use the words in your daily life: Once you have learned a few words, try to add them to your daily conversations. As you carry your flashcards, think of the scenarios where you can use those words. Make sentences with them; say them out loud so that you familiarize yourself with the tone of that word.
   3. Keep a list:��Type out the unfamiliar words several times a day. Scribble it on the back of your notebook, text that word to someone; or write an essay containing that word.
   4. Revise and Repeat: Remembering 1000s of words can be challenging and you will start forgetting the words you learned first as time passes by, so remember to revisit the words from time to time to keep them in your memory.

3. Use apps: There are several apps that are designed to make this boring process into some type of game. They help you keep track of your overall development.

Apps like Wordbot from 91�ȱ� (formerly 91�ȱ�edge) are premeditated to provide you with assistance throughout the process of your learning. They not only operate with a list but also test you from time to time keeping your memory intact throughout the months of your preparation.

Some other tips for prepping for 91�ȱ� Verbal Reasoning:

• Knowing where you stand: Take a practice test and know where you stand at the moment. It will help you find your strengths and weaknesses and the degree of improvement that you actually require. It can be helpful in deciding how rigorously you need to address your existing vocabulary. Since 91�ȱ� vocabulary comprises words that aren’t used in your day to day life, even if you realize you have a great deal of learning to do, don’t lose hope and start today.
• Start a habit of reading editorials: Newspapers like the Hindustan Times, The Economist has great articles in their editorials which can help you improve your vocabulary as well as keep you updated with the current events. It will help you with the other sections of your 91�ȱ� Test as well. If you can, develop a habit of reading good books. ��There is no better way of learning words than seeing them in their very own context.
• Don’t focus only on Vocabulary: It will amount to at max 50% of your score but the rest would come from your comprehending ability, your capability of understanding the context, and of course, reading speed. So prepare and practice RCs well.
• Assess yourself: Before going for the actual test, take practice tests and mock tests to get a better understanding of your state of preparation as well as the 91�ȱ� time structure. These texts are important as the way you will be giving your exams would be entirely different from how you speak or write English in your daily life.

Download our eBOOK on “Ultimate guide to crack 91�ȱ� Verbal Reasoning“

Now that you have got what you need to begin your battle against 91�ȱ� Verbal reasoning, how about you give it a try? Remember, practice is the key and no matter what, don’t give up! You are already a step closer to your dream 91�ȱ� score.

So select a good application to supplement your learning and start today! Keep this guide handy if you feel it can be of help.��

All the best!

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Truth be told, there are more than a few ways to go about it. Most students targeting a high 91�ȱ� score usually either opt to prepare on their own from 91�ȱ� books or go for some kind of coaching, which may be a traditional classroom program, or online.

If you too are confused about which of these methods you should be choosing, read on to find out!

If you’re the type of student who has always studying independently to being taught, you might feel a natural affinity towards preparing for your 91�ȱ� yourself. Some of the most common books used by students who prepare on their own include Barron’s 91�ȱ� and their Math and Verbal workbooks along with Word Power Made Easy for vocabulary building, and the official guide to the 91�ȱ�, published by the ETS (Educational Testing Service – the organization that conducts the 91�ȱ�). If you’re already completely acquainted with the structure of the 91�ȱ� ��online test and have taken it earlier, this might be a pretty decent way to prepare, however, if you’re a first-time test taker and haven’t taken an adaptive style exam like the 91�ȱ� before, it might lead to a few hiccups and the risk of your test prep being left incomplete.

What preparing from 91�ȱ� books alone cannot help you with:

1. Time Management:

Time management – 91�ȱ� Books

The 91�ȱ� (General) comprises 3 sections – namely the AWA, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. Barring the AWA section, in which students get an hour to write 2 essays of approximately 500 words each, there’s only about a minute and a half to devote to each of the other questions. This includes the time taken for reading and understanding the questions. Undoubtedly, it is a race against time that requires not just knowing the concepts behind each question, but also being able to apply them instantly. With sufficient experience of solving online practice tests in the same pattern as that of the 91�ȱ�, you can hope to increase both – your accuracy as well as time management skills. You’ll also know just what to expect on test day, and well-equipped to tackle a mixed bag of questions together, rather than just going through the section-wise practice questions you’re likely to find in most books.

Want to know how much you’d score on your 91�ȱ� if you took it today? Try out the free 91�ȱ� score predictor now!

2. Using online tools:

Using online tools

On the 91�ȱ�, test takers are only allowed the use of an online, on-screen calculator and timer. Familiarising yourself with features like these is an important part of effective 91�ȱ� prep, so you’re completely comfortable with using them on D-day. You’ll also get to understand how an adaptive test really works (where your performance in the first section determines the difficulty level of the second section), and the effect it has on your final score. None of these are possible when you practice offline through 91�ȱ� books, either through books or through coaching classes. Live online mock tests in the same style as the 91�ȱ� that incorporate these tools are undoubtedly more effective in this regard.

3. Doubt Solving:

Doubt Solving

Though most questions on the 91�ȱ� are drawn from concepts you’ve learned in high school, the way they are presented can often be a grueling test of your logical and analytical thinking abilities. Now, while the best books or study material for 91�ȱ� preparation might do a commendable job at explaining concepts, they can do little to solve any obstacles or doubts you might run into on the way. Personalized online training, on the other hand, ensures that you not only have a solid understanding of the concepts but also receive one-on-one assistance from a trainer, who can help you out with nifty tips to identify and solve tricky questions and save time while you’re at it.��

4. Feedback:

Feedback

How do you know when you’re ready for the score that can get you to your dream graduate schools? While most of the best online 91�ȱ� preparation programs include detailed feedback of your performance and progress, when preparing from 91�ȱ� books, you can only guess how far you’ve come along. Personalized feedback is a crucial component of highly effective 91�ȱ� prep, as it’s only then, that students can get clarity on what their strengths and weaknesses are where exactly to focus on! At 91�ȱ�, each test undergoes thorough evaluation and analysis to point out how much time students have spent on each question and the concepts that are most likely to trip them up on the test. This method of testing and evaluation has proved to be so effective that the scores obtained by most students on the 91�ȱ� range between +/- 3 points of their score on the standardized tests they take. This way, it’s easy to know just when to take the 91�ȱ� in order to be able to hit your dream score in your first attempt!

5. Fast vocabulary building:

Fast vocabulary building

A significant part of your 91�ȱ� practice is probably going to be devoted to mastering the expansive 91�ȱ� vocabulary, consisting of nearly 3500 words. So what is the best way to go about this – is mugging up the dictionary the best option? It has been shown several times that the brain processes images faster, as well as remembers visual content much more vividly than text. Remember the brightly colored picture books that we all learned the alphabet from? Free word learning apps like WordBot, too, use mnemonics (learning tools) to ensure that you remember each word faster, and don’t forget what you learn. Each word is accompanied by a relevant image that will help you associate the word with its meaning, along with its synonyms, antonyms, usage in a sentence and pronunciation. What all of this ensures, is that you are able to build a holistic understanding of each word, and not just memorize them mindlessly.

Try our Wordbot App for free Now!��to start experiencing the wonders it can work for your vocabulary!

Setting up the right study plans:

Most test takers don’t have the luxury of devoting their complete attention towards 91�ȱ� preparation. With working professionals and final year college students already saddled with work or projects and other commitments, time is often at a premium; which is exactly why their study plan has to be one that doesn’t interfere with their schedule, while still getting them ready for their target score! In a situation like this, it makes all the more sense to opt for online coaching as it negates the need to travel to coaching classes allowing one to prepare at a time and pace that is ideally suited to their schedule, current preparation levels, and target score.
Since all of the above factors are bound to vary from one student to another, it’s extremely imperative that your study plan is one that is completely personalized – tailored to your current skill levels, target score, and your time availability!

Download our eBOOK on “study plan of a 338 scorer who scored in just 60 days”

Among all the various methods to prepare for the 91�ȱ�, online coaching, if done right is a unique combination of convenience, personalization, and speed. It identifies just where you need help, how you should ideally tackle your areas of weakness, and keep an eye on time management all along. It is only befitting that the best way to prepare for an online exam is, well, online practice.

Don’t get me wrong here, it’s not that you shouldn’t refer to books to prepare for your 91�ȱ�. In fact, they can really help you out with building your concepts and exposing you to the different types of questions on the 91�ȱ�. However, getting a 320 and above requires more than just knowledge of the concepts – time-management, the practice of taking full-length tests and customized feedback and doubt resolution all play key roles at ensuring that you’re completely primed to take on the 91�ȱ� and perform to your full potential. Preparing solely from books or at a classroom coaching program where students don’t receive individual, personalized guidance, there’s always the risk of certain gaps being left in one’s preparation, which might come in the way of a high score. All said and done, the best way to prepare for the 91�ȱ� depends on which mode of learning you feel the most comfortable with, how much time you allocate to your preparation every day and your level of exposure to the 91�ȱ� test pattern. Our take, based on the experience of having guided over 40,000 students with their 91�ȱ�, is that online prep, supported by a few good books is an approach that has the potential to yield the best results.

Ideally, if you haven’t started 91�ȱ� Preparation, you could start off by taking a diagnostic test.

No, it’s not the kind of scary diagnostic test involving needles and doctors that you’re thinking about!

Your 91�ȱ� diagnostic test is one that will tell you:

1. All about what your strengths and weaknesses are,
2. How much time you spend on each question and topic.
3. Suggest where exactly you need to work on, and the time you’ll need to reach your target score.

Take your Free diagnostic test today and find out exactly how prepared you are for your 91�ȱ�!

If you’ve already taken your diagnostic test before and are looking for some additional help with preparing for either Verbal or Quants, then we believe you could benefit from some of these eBooks.

Check out our eBOOKS on Quants and Verbal to score 330+ in 91�ȱ�

We hope you now know how exactly online preparation differs from learning from books and will be able to make an informed decision. Have more questions? Leave them in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you in a jiffy! Happy learning!

The post 91�ȱ� Books Vs Online Coaching – 91�ȱ� Preparation appeared first on 91�ȱ� Blog.

Introduction to 91�ȱ� Probability

The Quants section of 91�ȱ� assesses you across four broad areas- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Probability is one of the concepts tested in the data analysis section. However, Probability is just a small part of data analysis and you may expect hardly two to three questions on probability.

Now, you might be asking why to study probability if it forms such an insignificant part of 91�ȱ� Quants? Well, if you are aiming for a high score in the quantitative section and have already mastered the algebra, arithmetic, and geometry; then two or three questions can make a world of difference in your scores. It is therefore important that you familiarize yourself with the basics of probability thereby raising your chances for a higher and a better 91�ȱ� Quants score.

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Probability questions can take on many different forms such as multiple choice questions, quantitative comparison, and numeric entry. In case of multiple choice questions, you will be asked to select only one answer from a list of five choices. Quantitative comparison questions consist of two quantities, let’s say A and B, which are accompanied by a description. Your task is to compare the quantities and select one of the four possible choices. Numeric entry questions, as the name suggests, ask you to enter your answer either as an integer or as a decimal in an answer box or enter a fraction in two separate boxes.

Concepts tested in 91�ȱ� Probability

Now that you have a fair idea about the number and kind of questions to expect, let us have a look at the concepts tested by these probability questions. All 91�ȱ� probability questions will test your knowledge of two basic concepts- simple probability and permutation and combination.

Simple probability:

Probability is a way to describe uncertainty and the possible outcomes of an experiment using numbers. Simple probability determines the likelihood that an event will happen. Let us look at an example to understand simple probability better.

When we perform an experiment, then the set of all the possible outcomes is called the sample space (S). When we roll a die, the possible outcomes are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Here, in our example of rolling a die the sample space is-

S = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Any subset of the sample space is called an event. So, let’s say “rolling an even number” is an event which corresponds to the outcome of {2, 4, 6}. Now, the probability of rolling an even number is the number of outcomes that constitute the event divided by the total number of possible outcomes. We call the outcomes in an event its ‘favourable outcomes’. So, the probability of an event is determined using the following formula-

Probability = Favourable number of events / total number of events

or, ����������P(E) =n(E) /��n(S)

Therefore, the probability of getting an even number when we roll a die is-

Probability of getting an even number = {2,4,6} /��{1,2,3,4,5,6}

= 3/6 ����

= 1/2 ����

Thus, the probability of getting an even number while rolling a die is half. Or in other words, the probability of getting an even number when we roll a die is fifty percent.

Permutation and combination:

Apart from simple probability, the 91�ȱ� probability section also tests your knowledge of permutation and combinations. In very simple words, permutation refers to sequences and combination refers to groups. In a sequence order is important. Therefore, permutations are sequences where order is important, whereas in case of combinations, the order is not important. Let us understand both these concepts with the help of an example.

Consider the following question:-

In how many different ways can five people sit in a row?

In this question, we have to arrange five people in a sequence. However, the order is important in solving this problem. Now, for the first spot in the row, we have five people to choose from. As we go down the line, the number of people we have to choose from will decrease by one. Therefore, we have 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 = 120 ways in which five people can sit in a row.

Now, consider this question:-

Steven drew 13 portraits for his art project. He wants to choose 8 of them for his studio art final. How many different groups of photos are possible?

If you observe carefully, this question asks about groups and not the order in which the portraits will be chosen. Therefore, this is a combination problem. Therefore, using the formula-

nCk = n! /��k! * (n–k)!

= 13! /��8! * (13–8)!

= 1287 different groups

Download our eBOOK on “How to Master 91�ȱ� Probability“

Tips to master 91�ȱ� Probability questions

Tip 1- Confirm that the question is on probability:

In 91�ȱ� questions don’t come labeled or tagged as arithmetic or probability. It is therefore important to determine whether the problem involves probability or not. So, look for the word ‘����Dz������������ٲ�’ in the questions. If you cannot find the word ‘����Dz������������ٲ�’ embedded in the question description then look for other important and related key terms such as- event, outcome, random selection.

Consider the following example-

1) A fair dice is tossed. Event A is defined as getting a prime number and event B is defined as getting an even number. Which one of the following is/ are true?

(i) P(B)= 1/2

(ii) P(A n B)= 0

(iii) P(A) + P(B)= 1

(iv) P(A n B)= 1/6

(v) P(A)= 4/6

Notice in this example question that the word probability has not been used. But as you can observe the word event appears in the question. This means that the question involves probability.

Tip 2- Memorize the formulas:

If you want to have a good Quants score then memorizing the key formulas in probability is important. You should not be wasting time trying to figure out what the formula was as you don’t get a lot of time to solve the questions. Our experience with 91�ȱ� aspirants shows that top scorers actually spend more time learning formulas and concepts rather than practicing sums.

These are some of the important probability formulas you can memorize and keep in handy-

The probability of an event = Favourable number of event number of total outcomes

Odds in favor of an event = Number of favorable outcomesNumber of total outcomes

Odds against an event = Number of unfavorable outcomesNumber of total outcomes

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Tip 3- Practice a lot:

There is no shortcut to success. And that is true even for 91�ȱ� Quants. If you are dreaming of higher Quants score, your dream will come true with thorough practice. Data shows that difficulty level of questions on probability is usually medium to high. So, make sure that you practice 91�ȱ� questions which are a little tough. You must practice advanced 91�ȱ� questions of level 4 and level 5.

In order to secure a higher percentile in 91�ȱ� Quants, it is important that you gain enough understanding of probability concepts. In fact, achieving a perfect 170 in Quants is not a very difficult task. What you need is some advice and guidance regarding how to prepare and avoid some common mistakes that 91�ȱ� test takers often make. You can check out our video on Quant Shortcuts! (Probability)

We hope this article provided you with smart ways to crack 91�ȱ� Probability questions. All the best!

The post 91�ȱ� Probability Questions: How to Tackle appeared first on 91�ȱ� Blog.

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All about 91�ȱ� Text Completion:

The 91�ȱ� text completion section assesses how you interpret and evaluate information presented to you based on your reasoning skills. They do this by omitting critical words from short passages which you need to fill up by using the remaining information in the passage as a basis to create a logical and meaningful whole.

A typical 91�ȱ� text completion question features a sentence or short passage where one, two or three words are left blank. Your task is to pick the right word from the choices given and make the passage meaningful.

You can expect approximately 12 text-completion questions in total with roughly 6 text-completion questions in each sub-section of the 91�ȱ� Verbal.

91�ȱ� text-completion questions can be of three types:

• Single-blank: These questions have a single blank to be filled up. For sentences or passages with a single blank, you will have to choose the right option from five given words. You can expect four single blank questions in total (2 per section)
• Double-blank: Double blank text completion questions have two blanks to be filled up. You will have to choose the right answer from three given options. You may expect around four to five double blank questions. (2-3 per section)
• Triple-blank: Triple blank text completion passages have three blanks which need to be filled. Three options will be given from which you will have to pick up the right word and you can expect roughly three to four triple blank questions. (1-2 per section)

It is important for you to remember that you have to choose the right answer for every blank for questions with either a double blank or a triple blank to earn a credit. You do not earn any credit for partially correct answers. Also, a double and a triple blank question counts as a single question even though the question passage has multiple blanks.

Tips to crack 91�ȱ� Text Completion:

One of the most common mistakes candidates make on this section is to focus only on vocabulary building. Now don’t get me wrong here – a great vocabulary is, in fact, one of the pillars of your 91�ȱ� verbal prep; but it’s not the only one! There’s quite a lot of critical thinking involved in answering Text Completion questions with respect to which word (or words) make the passage meaningful and rational, i.e., contextual usage of words.

Let us consider the following examples for a better understanding:

91�ȱ� Text Completion: example 3

Now, the tendency of test takers is to link the first two blanks and then find out the right word for the third blank. So, you might think that because the author is so ‘verbose’ that his work becomes ‘inaccessible’. And then, therefore you quickly link that to ‘lack of coherence and lucidity’. However, this is the point where you need to use your critical thinking and reasoning skills.

If you notice that there is a ‘but’ in the middle of the sentence, that’s your clue that it’s a turning point for the sentence, and the second part of the sentence is likely to take on a different tone from the first. Also, the term ‘knowledgeable critics’ appear and you need to think about why and what critics would point out in the author’s work. Hence, if you logically analyze this sentence, you will find that because of the author’s ‘verbosity’ people, in general, find his work ‘inaccessible’, but critics, because they are experts and know the topic really well, find this to be the most ‘succinct’ piece of work in the field’.

Thus, the answer to this question goes like this:

Because of the author’s (i) verbosity, many readers consider his latest work (ii) inaccessible but, in reality, as many knowledgeable critics point out the piece (iii) is the most succinct on the subject.

Therefore, do not jump into conclusions and make the wrong choices! But what must you do to identify the correct answers? Well, there are some tips and tricks to master text completion questions and handle them like a pro.

Tip 1- Break the sentence:

Text completions passages can be lengthy and are difficult to assimilate at one go. You might as well get lost in the maze of words by looking at the whole passage and attempting to answer the question. ��One of the ways to handle a text completion question is to break the text into parts in a way that is easy for you to understand. So, before you consider any of the choices given, break the passage into smaller, easily understandable parts and consider each part at a time. You will then find it easy to link these smaller parts to get the bigger picture.

In order to understand this, let us consider an example:

91�ȱ� Text Completion: example 2 (Break the sentence)

In order to solve this, break this passage into smaller parts in your own words. Doing so will make it easier for you to find the right word for each blank.

(i) Let’s take a look at the first part of the sentence:

“For centuries now, cancer has (i) ___________ scientists.”

Since confused would be the right word here, look for the option that is closest in meaning to confused, which in this case is confounded.

Great! We now know the answer to one of the blanks!

(ii) Let’s move on to the second part of the passage now:

“Unlike most microbes, cancer can spread to the (ii) __________ organism.”

If ‘whole’ is the word you have in mind, you’re absolutely on the right track! Now, look for the option that is closest in meaning to ‘whole’. This is an easy one – entire!

(iii) Now for the 3rd and final part of the passage:

“making it very difficult for scientists to find a way to attack the cancer without (iii) _________ any of the affected organs.”

What words are you thinking of? Damaging? Harming? Destroying? Locate the 91�ȱ� word for that and you’ll have successfully answered all three blanks correctly and earned your score

Download our eBOOK on “How to score 160+ in 91�ȱ� Verbal by Learning 91�ȱ� Words?“

In this case, the word you’re looking for is ‘impairing’ which essentially means the same as harming or damaging. Hence, here’s what the completed passage should look like:

For centuries now, cancer has (i) confounded scientists. Unlike most microbes, cancer can spread to the (ii) entire organism, making it very difficult for scientists to find a way to attack the cancer without (iii) impairing the functions of any of the affected organs.

If you would have tried to choose the right words without breaking down the sentence into smaller parts, you were very likely to choose ‘intrigued’ instead of ‘confounded’ for the first blank. The word ‘intrigued’ means ‘to arouse curiosity or to fascinate’ and considering that the passage talks about scientists finding it difficult to figure out how to attack the cancer cells, the word ‘confounded’ fits the blank better. The word ‘corrupted’ means ‘to act dishonestly for personal or monetary gains’. This word does not fit the blank because cancer being a disease cannot corrupt scientists.

On the same lines, you were very likely to choose ‘eradicating’ for the third blank which means to destroy completely. ��However, we need to understand that the passage talks about the scientists trying to eliminate cancer and not the organs. The word ‘eradicating’ therefore, changes the context of the passage completely. The right word choice is, therefore, ‘impairing’, which translates to ‘having an adverse effect’ on the organs.

Tip2- Check for word use and idiom problems:

91�ȱ� Text Completion uses words as well as idioms to express ideas which may sound and appear very tricky. You must make sure you understand how ideas have been expressed as phrases and eliminate the options or choices that result in the sentence appearing puzzling or awkward. Read the complete sentence and if it sounds wrong to your ear then maybe it is not the right answer.

Let us consider an example:

91�ȱ� Text Completion: example 1

In the case of the second blank, we can take a hint from the last line of the passage ‘sometimes the petty differences end up fatally’. This indicates that even though the social bonding in crows, bees, and humans is strong, sometimes they also quarrel amongst themselves and this sometimes can lead to loss of life. The word ‘criticism’ means ‘expression of disapproval’ which does not lead to any fatalistic outcome and therefore does not fit the bill. The answer choice ‘prejudice’ means ‘preconceived notion not based on any reason’. Since the comparison is made between humans and animals, this word will not fit because prejudices exist only in humans and not in animals. This leads us to the answer ‘quibble’ which refers to an argument. So, the passage with the correct words goes like this: In this passage, the phrase ‘creatures who bond, such as the crows and bees, humans too have ��…’ provides a vital clue regarding social behavior of these species for the first blank. The word ‘enthusiastic’ means showing interest and does not really relate to social behavior. Also, the other option ‘warm-blooded’ refers to birds and mammals and therefore does not fit the context, as the passage includes bees, too. This leads us to answer choice ‘gregarious’ which means being sociable.

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Humans too, like all (i) gregarious creatures who bond together, such as the crows and bees, have their (ii) quibbles. Sometimes the petty differences end up fatally.

Tip 3- Consider all the answer choices:

Always read the entire passage and don’t choose options in haste. Most of the times the difference between the options might be very subtle and you might end up choosing a weaker option when a stronger one is already provided.

91�ȱ� Text Completion: example

Now, in the options‘insincere’, ‘facetious’, and ‘mistaken’ all indicate a general sense of falseness; however, it is the word insincere which directly relates with the idea of trust and belief.If you examine this sentence carefully, then three keywords emerge from the passage which provides us a clue about the answer. The words ‘since’, ‘believed’ and ‘refused’ give us an idea that because of her belief, she refused to think that he might be lying or something that is false.

So, we hope these examples helped you to understand how critical thinking skills paired with knowledge of vocabulary can go a long way in selecting the right answer choice. By practicing text completion questions using these techniques, you can easily achieve a 160+ in the 91�ȱ�’s Verbal section.

91�ȱ� Text Completion versus Sentence Equivalence:

Now that you have a fair idea on how to go about answering text completion questions, you must be wondering about the difference between text completion and sentence equivalence. Text completion and sentence equivalence are both types of fill-in-the-blank questions. However, apart from that similarity, there are significant differences between the two. Let us have a look at them:

91�ȱ� Text Completion versus Sentence Equivalence

Effective Vocabulary building techniques:

By now you must have understood that the keys to cracking 91�ȱ� Verbal are developing critical thinking skills and a strong vocabulary with about 3,500 91�ȱ� words, their usage and application to learn! You can start off with reading different articles and pick up words which are unfamiliar to you and check their meanings.��

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Memorizing is one thing and usage is another. You may memorize a whole lot of words but you may not really be aware of the context in which these words are used. Therefore, while learning words you must also learn where to use them. In order to do this, construct your own sentences using the words you have just learned. This is where WordBot can really help you out! Try it out now – it’s completely free to use!

We hope this article provided you with smart ways to crack 91�ȱ� Text Completion questions. All the Best!

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Originally established as an intercollegiate athletics conference between eight universities in the Northeast USA, the Ivy League system has now come to be synonymous with pride, prestige and academic acumen.

Naturally, of course, these universities often make it to every aspirant’s college wish list and attract thousands of quality applicants from some of the most outstanding students in the world. So who are the eight members of the Ivy League? In no particular order, these are:

1. Harvard University
2. Yale University
3. Dartmouth College
4. Brown University
5. University of Pennsylvania
6. Cornell University
7. Princeton University
8. Columbia University

What’s the big deal about the Ivy League schools?

As we can see, this list doesn’t include some of the best universities in the US, such as Stanford, MIT, Caltech or Berkeley. While the Ivy League schools are now seen as the figureheads of excellence and prestige, they’re not the only place at which to get a top-tier education. So, what’s the fuss about the Ivy Leagues? While originally famed for their onus on athletics, the Ivy League colleges are now known for their generous endowments, excellence in R&D, state-of-the-art libraries and infrastructural facilities and a certain prestige that has now come to be associated with the colleges. While certainly, you can find these at many of the non-Ivies, what truly sets apart the Ivy League schools is, as a professor at Harvard pointed out, is the fact that the average student at, say, Harvard or Yale, will be usually more dedicated, ambitious and bright than the average student elsewhere. This kind of an atmosphere then automatically pushes you to work and perform better, and consequently, add to the academic caliber of the institution. Another aspect of the Ivy League is the focus on fostering diversity in the student body. By offering generous scholarships and endowments, the Ivy League colleges are dedicated to making high-quality secondary education accessible to people from historically disadvantaged strata of the society. A move that has been imitated by many other top-tier schools, this has helped the Ivy League colleges encourage and educate some of the best minds in the country (and the world).

What does it take to get into the Ivy League schools?

Taking into account the rich histories and legacies of these colleges, coupled with their repute for cutting-edge excellence in research and academics, it’s not difficult to see why so many higher studies aspirants would want to apply to these schools. A high number of applications, typically from outstanding students, means that the acceptance rates of these schools are usually quite low. Though the acceptance rates are invariably anywhere between 5-10%, it can be still lower for highly sought-after programs such as computer science. So, what can you, as an Ivy League aspirant, do to maximize your chances at an offer letter from Columbia or Penn? In other words, what are the admission requirements of these schools? Let’s take a look, shall we?

1. GPA: While these colleges aren’t looking for a perfect 10 GPA, it goes without saying that a high GPA is paramount to your Ivy League dreams. Additionally, your relative performance matters too: generally, you are required to be in the top 10-15% of your class.
2. 91�ȱ� and TOEFL scores: Again, though Ivy League schools don’t necessarily have a 91�ȱ� or TOEFL score cutoff, having a high score in these competitive exams can seriously help in improving your chances at an offer letter since it speaks of your technical and linguistic acumen.
3. Extracurricular activities: Remember, these schools are looking for all-rounders, and this isn’t restricted to just the classroom. Sports, music, fine art or dance, a strong extracurricular profile sets you apart as a force to be reckoned with. It especially helps if your extracurricular activity exhibits a synergy of your academic and non-academic passions: for instance, if you’re applying for an MS in CS, it helps if you were, say, the captain of the programming team in college.
4. Community service: After all, what good is a leader if he doesn’t give back to his community? Ivy League colleges are known for their thrust on community service and volunteering work, so any experiences working with the local pet shelter or teaching at the underprivileged girls’ school on weekends are likely to help bolster the quality of your application.
5. Strong, reflective essays: your SOP is crucial to your admissions, but even more so in the case of the Ivy Leagues, which use your essays as a tool to gauge your commitment to your discipline, your preparedness for graduate school, and your achievements within and beyond the classroom.
6. Prior research experience: Most fresh undergraduates have little to no research experience by the time they get out of college, so any and all such experience you may have had—be it a research internship or working as a research assistant with a faculty member—will set you apart from your similarly qualified peers.
7. Co-curricular activities: Sure, a high GPA is great, but that’s not the only thing it takes. Paper publications, participation in academic conferences and workshops, and internships will add invaluable weight to your application and portray you as a serious, committed candidate: something that is crucial to your Ivy League dreams.

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��What are the Ivy League schools like?

Lush, sprawling campuses, rosters of reputed alumni, huge libraries and celebrated athletic teams are just a few things that separate the Ivy League schools from the rest. But what is special about each of the individual colleges? Moreover, what are the ranking, tuition fee and application deadline for these colleges? Let’s have a look.

1. Harvard University:

Harvard University – Ivy League Colleges

Established in 1636, Harvard is the US’s oldest institute of higher education and hardly requires any introduction. With an acceptance rate of 6%, the University has so far produced eight US Presidents, more than thirty foreign heads of state, 62 living��, 359��, and 242��. Today, the University is synonymous with academic excellence, prestige, and honor.

Harvard University – Admissions details

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2. Yale University:

Yale University – Ivy League Colleges

Yale University – Admission Details

The third-oldest university in the US, Yale counts notable personalities such as George W. Bush, Meryl Streep, James Franco and Bill Clinton among its impressive list of alumni. Other than the well-documented rivalry with Harvard, Yale is also known for its football team, the Yale Bulldogs, and the Yale Whiffenpoofs, an a cappella group.

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3. Dartmouth College:

Dartmouth College – Ivy League Colleges

Dartmouth College Known for being the smallest Ivy League with a student enrolment of about 6,400, Dartmouth is renowned for its excellence in liberal arts, medicine and international relations. With an acceptance rate of 11%, Dartmouth is relatively an easier school to get into, although the university is reputed for its undergraduate courses, and not so much for its graduate programmes.

Dartmouth College – Admission Details

��4. Brown University:

Brown University – Ivy League Colleges

Brown University – Admission Details

Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown University is coveted for its track record in R&D excellence, its onus on cultural values, and an active campus life. Boasting of stalwart alumni such as John D. Rockefeller, John F. Kennedy and Emma Watson, the university has thus far produced 54 members of the��, 56��, 52��,��49��,��14����Fellows and��21����winners.

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��5. University of Pennsylvania:

University of Pennsylvania – Ivy League Colleges

University of Pennsylvania – Admissions Details

Founded by Benjamin Franklin, UPenn is the US’s sixth-oldest university, and is home to the reputed Wharton School of Business. Penn alumni include current US president Donald J. Trump, singer-songwriter John Legend, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and legendary sociolinguist Noam Chomsky. With an acceptance rate of 10%, it is one of the less selective Ivy League schools.

6. Cornell University:

Cornell University – Ivy League College

Cornell University – Admissions Details

Established in 1865, Cornell is the youngest Ivy League school, but that hasn’t stopped the university from contributing 58 Nobel laureates, 4 Turing Award winners, 55 Olympic medallists and 30 Rhodes scholars to the world, among others. The school is known for Cornelliana, its distinctive campus culture and tradition, its focus on cutting-edge research, and its rich history of working at the nexus of engineering and management.

7. Princeton University:

Princeton University – Ivy League College

Princeton University – Admissions Details

The fourth-oldest university in the US, Princeton boasts of a top-notch school of Engineering, an exciting campus life, and notable alumni including former First Lady, Michelle Obama, and US Supreme Court Justice Susan Sotomayor. Other claims to fame include the university’s dedication to community service and its generous endowments.

8. Columbia University:

Columbia University – Ivy League Colleges

Columbia University – Admissions Details

Last but not the least, Columbia University in the city of New York is the dream destination for scientists and researchers alike and has helped pioneer groundbreaking discoveries in the fields of genetics, earth sciences, nuclear engineering, and machine learning. Its first president was none other than the literary stalwart Samuel Johnson, and the university is also responsible for administering the prestigious Pulitzer Prize which recognizes excellence in music, literature and journalism.

(Note: All rankings are taken from the latest QS university rankings. Fees mentioned include tuition, room and board before aid, and may differ from programme to programme.)

While the Ivy League schools may certainly seem daunting and out of your league (pun intended!), it is actually possible for just about anyone to make it to their dream Ivy League college, provided they are armed with a good academic profile and a high 91�ȱ� score. Like the best things in life, an offer letter to an Ivy League just takes a little more effort and preparation.

Dreaming of an Ivy League education? Why not take the first steps today to make your dreams a reality? If you’re eager to start applying but aren’t sure of how you could go about it, you can drop a comment below and an expert from 91�ȱ� will reach out to you in no time. We wish you warmly on your grad school journey ahead!

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