JEE (Advanced) 2014: Study tips for Mathematics | India Results and ...

JEE (Advanced) 2014: Study tips for Mathematics | India Results and ...
GMAT Study Tips for International and ESL Students | The GMAT Club
ADHD Study Tips: Essay, Math and Multiple-Choice Test-Taking ...
5 tips for Solving Mathematics Problems | OneClass Blog

Posted: 24 Apr 2014 03:14 AM PDT

ith JEE (Advanced) 2014 just over a month away, it is time engineering aspirants pep-up their preparations for the exam.
The JEE (Advanced) question paper consists of questions from: Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics.
Students may find Mathematics a little overwhelming while preparing for the exam. Here are a few helpful tips for students which will them master the subject.
Paper pattern:
The exam consists of two objective type (MCQ) question papers, designed to test comprehension, reasoning and analytical ability of candidates. Both the papers will be held for a duration of three hours and are made of three separate sections on Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.
Candidates can answer the questions in English or Hindi. Negative making is applicable for every wrong answer.
Mathematics syllabus:
Algebra:
Quadratic Equations and Expressions, Complex Numbers, Probability, Vectors and 3D Geometry, Matrices
Coordinate Geometry:
Circle, Parabola, Hyperbola
Calculus:
Functions, Limits, Continuity and Differentiability, Application of Derivatives, Definite Integral
Tips:

If we analyse the previous year JEE papers, they suggest that the candidates should pay more attention to Vectors and 3-D than Probability or Indefinite integration as vectors and 3-D offers very less scope to examiner, as far as variety in problem is concerned. Each year 2-3 questions are asked from Complex Number. Therefore mastering complex numbers, vectors, 3-D and Definite integral should be their top priority.
Students can make Algebra easier if they can harness the ability to picture functions as graphs and are good at applying vertical and horizontal origin shifts carefully as zeroes of functions and other specific values can be done in much less time using these techniques.
Differential calculus again relates well to roots of equations, especially if you use the Rolle's and Lagrange's theorems.
Students can use Complex numbers to solve questions in co- ordinate geometry too. Trigonometric questions require applications of De Moivre's theorem.
Permutation - Combination and Probability is another very important topic in algebra. Students have to be thorough with the basics of Bayes theorem, derangements and various ways of distribution, taking care of cases where objects are identical and when they are not.
Matrices can be related to equations, hence a 3x3 matrix can actually be visualized as being three-planed in 3D geometry. Determinants have some very nice properties, for instance, the ability to break them into two using a common summand from a row/ column, which should be made use of in tougher questions.
Integral calculus can be simplified using tricks and keeping in mind some basic varieties of integrable functions. Remembering the properties and applying them wisely saves lot of time.
Coordinate geometry requires a good working knowledge of the parametric forms of various conic sections and an ability to convert the other, tougher ones to these basic forms and then interpret the solutions accordingly.
The most important point to keep in mind is that Mathematics can only be mastered with regular practice. Hence the students should try and solve as many sample papers and problems as possible on a regular basis.

GMAT Study Tips for International and ESL Students | The GMAT Club

Posted: 05 May 2014 07:00 AM PDT

GMAT Study Tips for International and ESL Students

I started my Kaplan career teaching in the Puerto Rico center, where most of my students knew English as a Second Language. The GMAT can be especially daunting when not the just the content or strategy, but the language itself intimidates you. Never fear – I've got some action steps to help you out.

1. Aim for total English immersion between now and GMAT Test Day.

Immersion means only English movies, English music, English radio, English-speaking friends, and English newspapers. You can absorb grammar and get a better ear for the language even in the short time between now and GMAT Test Day if you immerse yourself. Free resources abound on the internet: nytimes.com for reading, npr.org for radio (Fresh Air, Diane Rehm, and This American Life are great picks), free podcasts on iTunes, English music on pandora.com. The New York Times is especially important, since you need to be comfortable with high-level writing in the reading comprehension section. Nytimes.com is particularly helpful because double clicking on a word you don't know calls up a definition. Any improvements you make in vocabulary and reading comprehension will also help you once you get to business school.

2. Use your first language to help with vocabulary.

Particularly if you speak a Romance language, like French, Spanish, or Italian, you can use your knowledge of that language to guess on unfamiliar English vocabulary. My Spanish-speaking students had no problems guessing that lachrymose means tearful, because it sounds just like lágrimas, which is Spanish for "tears". Word roots will also come naturally to you, since they are often forms of words you already know.

3. Recognize that math vocabulary is as important as English vocabulary

You could be very strong in math, but if you studied it in a different language, you will need help with some terms. Many of my students in Puerto Rico knew odds and evens as pares and impares. The GMAT made more sense to them when they learned the English translations for unfamiliar math terms. When you encounter math terms you are unsure of, look them up. Also, practice accurately translating from English to Math on Algebra word problems – this is an extremely important skill to master for the exam.

4. Be extra-familiar with the Kaplan essay templates.

Simplicity and clarity are the keys to writing an essay in 30 minutes in a foreign language. First, make sure you understand the prompt. If you are enrolled in a Kaplan course, use the Kaplan Template for the essay and know that you will probably have to make use of all the time valves in order to finish. When writing, it is better to write something simple in English, as opposed to translating something complex from your own language into English. This is definitely something you will want to practice repeatedly under test-like conditions.

5. Know how to pace appropriately.

When reading questions and passages takes longer than average, pacing becomes more challenging. Make sure you input an answer for every question, even if you have to guess, since you don't lose points for wrong answers. Pacing on reading comprehension may be particularly tricky. Kaplan's elimination strategies for wrong answer traps on reading comprehension will really help you answer more quickly. Also, using the approaches for each reading comprehension question type will save you time. Put special emphasis on these facets of your study to make the most of the time you have.

The fact that English is not your first language may cause you anxiety when facing the GMAT, but ultimately it's something that you must make the best of. Following these strategies will allow you to do just that. Many speakers of English as a Foreign Language are accepted into MBA Programs every year and you should be among them!

ADHD Study Tips: Essay, Math and Multiple-Choice Test-Taking ...

Posted: 26 May 2009 09:51 AM PDT

Study tips for students with attention deficit disorder (ADHD)

I remember a quiz I took in high school. I had studied hard, but as I read the first question, my brain shut down. I couldn't remember any answers or solve any problems. Fear paralyzed me.

Does your ADHD student ever have brain-lock? If so, there are ways to keep the brain working in the exam room despite the sometimes-paralyzing symptoms of attention deficit disorder.

Before taking a test, follow these general tips to maximize your success:

Ask the teacher for extra time

To relax your mind, visualize yourself sitting down, answering the questions, and getting a good grade

Figure out the average time you'll have to answer each question (if there are 10 questions and the test is 30 minutes long, you have at least three minutes for each question)