MAT 2020 Preparation Tips for Language Comprehension

The Management Aptitude Test [MAT] is a nationwide entrance test for MBA and allied programs as well as other postgraduate/diploma courses at more than 600 B-schools over the country. Approved by the HRD Ministry of India, Govt of India, many international schools also accept the MAT as a valid test score. 

Taking the current situation of Covid-19 pandemic into account, its organising body AIMA has introduced the Remote Proctored Internet-Based Test [IBT] to facilitate applicants to take the test at home. Notifications for the Computer-based Test will be released by August 1 st , 2020. In this blog, we shall focus on the most favoured MAT 2020 preparation tips geared towards the MAT Language Comprehension questions.

MAT Preparation Tips: Exam Pattern :-

Designed to test both the quantitative and language skills of a candidate, the MAT exam is an objective-based test comprising of a total of 200 questions categorised into five sections. The total time duration allotted is 2.5 hours [150 minutes]. The MAT Language Comprehension syllabus consists of, besides Reading Comprehension for MAT, questions on jumbled sentences, vocabulary, one-word substitution and like.

Section	No. of Questions	Duration [in minutes]
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning	40	30
Mathematical Skills	40	40
Language Comprehension	40	30
Data Analysis & Sufficiency	40	35
Indian & Global Environment	40	15
Total	200	150

MAT Preparation Tips : Language Comprehension

Here are a few expertly curated tips to help you cover the MAT Language Comprehension syllabus effectively and efficiently.

• For Reading Comprehension in MAT, make a strict habit of reading long articles and passages. You can do so through newspapers, journals, etc. The reason this is crucial is that on the exam the more adept you are with reading skills, the more beneficial it is for you. Try to grasp the change in arguments, perspectives and ideas, the introduction of new information and so on. Master the art of reading quickly but accurately.

• Give a quick preliminary reading and map out the text. Highlight or even jot down notes of the vital points in a short-hand manner. The rationale behind this is to have an understanding of the basic structure or the passage. This is one of the most important MAT preparation tips.

• Look for the ‘Big Picture’. More often than not, you will be bombarded with loads of information in the starting few lines. But do not get intimidated. Carry on, search for the core of the passage on which the passage is anchored upon and then proceed. Engage your mind and try to retain.

  • One of the most important suggestions to tackle Reading Comprehension for MAT is to interact with the information provided. Absorb yourself in the act of reading, visualizing it as much as you can. Reading actively rather than passively. This will aid you to steer through the passage with ease while you are answering questions as you will have a sound awareness of the central theme, author’s tone, the structure of the arguments presented [single layered, multi-layered, balanced, etc.

• Focus on the opening lines of the passages of MAT Language Comprehension Questions. The first few lines of the passage, in most cases, hints at the orientation of the information to be provided in the coming sentences. 

• Be on the lookout for ‘trigger’ or ‘structural’ words. ‘However’, ‘having said that’, ‘conversely’, ‘ yet’, ‘but’, ‘neither…nor’, ‘either….or’, ‘in contrast to…’, etc. are some examples of words that can change the direction of the sentence. Usually, the author employs such words to shift opinions or to introduce counter-arguments against something already mentioned. However, always remember to see such information in connection with it and not in isolation.

• While preparing for MAT Language Comprehension syllabus, make sure to read and practice on diverse passages taken from fields of medicine, technology, language and arts to history, sociology and psychology and everything in between. It is better to be equipped. Conversely, you can pick a genre of your preference and 

• After reading the passage, ask yourself the toughest of questions concerning the information presented. These include:-

• Do you agree or disagree with the author? Why?

• Mention the differences between _____ and _____.

• State the features of ____

• Does Conclusion A directly flow from Statement A?

• Employ innovative techniques you already know or search the internet. Brain Dump is a technique wherein you immediately write down whatever you remember from your reading the passage, in other terms, ‘dump it all’. Make mind maps to help connect different pieces of information and create patterns of flow. Further, you can make flashcards as well.

• Make the most use of the elimination technique while answering MAT Language Comprehension questions. Look for extreme, improbable or factually incorrect options as per the information in the passage. This is not only helpful in Reading Comprehension for MAT but also in other general competitive examinations. 

• While reading the passage, beware of integrating any prior knowledge you already know related to the theme of the passage. You are to answer question solely based on the passage and nothing else. Not doing so may lead you astray. Assume whatever’s said is true and even if you feel the opposite. 

• Self-test, assess your mistakes and analyse your performance frequently. Make notes on the specific parts of MAT Language Comprehension Questions you get stuck on or take more time than needed. Take short topic-based tests.

• Time management is vital. Do not get too immersed in the passage. Read steadily, understand, know which portions say what and then move on to the questions. Refer and navigate freely.

• Vocabulary preparation must not be taken lightly. Make a list of at least 15-20 words every day depending on your level-beginner, intermediate or advanced. Refer to their origins, synonyms, antonyms, common idioms, sayings and phrases, etc. Move gradually towards harder ones. Revisit them frequently and try to connect words with others

One of the most important tips we can give to cover the MAT Language Comprehension syllabus with greatest benefits is to remain focused. Do not lose your concentration and employ a positive approach. Stay confident and give your best.