FireUp - CAT Preparation, Online Mock CAT test papers 2009-2010

Common Mistakes in English Usage

admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:50:00 +0000

Whether you like it or not, any management entrance examination like CAT, XAT, SNAP, etc. will judge you by your quality of using right word in right context. The first thing you should do is to avoid the most common spelling mistakes. Below you’ll find 10 such mistakes to get you started.

10 common spelling mistakes

1. accept / except

INCORRECT: Please except this gift.
CORRECT: Please accept this gift.

Except, as a verb, means to exclude or leave out. As a preposition it means “with the exception of.” Accept means “to receive willingly.” For example: We visited every landmark except the Eiffel Tower. The school is accepting only those students who have had their shots; all others are excepted.

2. advice / advise

INCORRECT: He refused to take my advise.
CORRECT: He refused to take my advice.

Advise is a verb. The s has the sound of “z.” Advice is a noun. The c has the sound of “s.”

3. all right / alright

INCORRECT: He’s alright after his fall.
CORRECT: He’s all right after his fall.

Although arguments are advanced for the acceptance of the spelling, alright is still widely regarded as nonstandard. Careful writers avoid it.

4. effect / affect

INCORRECT: His death really effected me.
CORRECT: His death really affected me.

The most common use of effect is as a noun meaning “something produced by a cause.” The most common use of affect is as a transitive verb meaning “to act upon.” For example: The disease had a lasting effect on the child. The family’s lack of money affected his plans.

5. every day / everyday

INCORRECT: Dan walks the dog everyday at six p.m.
CORRECT: Dan walks the dog every day at six p.m.

Everyday is an adjective that means “daily.” Every day is a phrase that combines the adjective every with the noun day. For example: Walking the dog is an everyday occurrence. I practice the flute every day.

6. its / it’s

INCORRECT: Put the saw back in it’s place.
CORRECT: Put the saw back in its place.

It’s is a contraction that represents two words: it is. Its is a one-word third-person singular possessive adjective, like his. For example: The man lost his hat. The dog wagged its tail.

7. passed / past

INCORRECT: The car past the train.
CORRECT: The car passed the train.

Past is used as an adverb of place, or as a preposition. Passed is the past tense of the verb to pass. For example: The past few days have been hectic. The deadline has passed. He passed her the biscuits. The boys ran past the gate. As we stood in the doorway, the cat ran past.

8. quiet / quite

INCORRECT: We spent a quite evening reading.
CORRECT: We spent a quiet evening reading.

Quiet is an adjective meaning “marked by little or no activity.” Quite is an adverb meaning “to a considerable extent.” For example: The children are quite amiable today. Quiet can also be used as a noun. For example: We enjoyed the quiet by the lake. (The suffix “ness” should never be added to the abstract nouns quiet and calm.)

9. then / than

INCORRECT: I have more eggs then you.
CORRECT: I have more eggs than you.

Then is an adverb that indicates time. It can go anywhere in a sentence. For example: The man paused by the door and then entered. Then the noise started. As conjunction or preposition, than will always be followed by a noun or a pronoun. For example: I like Melville better than Hawthorne.

10. who’s / whose

INCORRECT: I don’t know who’s dog you’re talking about.
CORRECT: I don’t know whose dog you’re talking about.

Who’s is the contracted form of “who is.” Whose is the possessive adjective form of who. For example: Who’s your daddy? Whose car are we going in?

FireUp Group Discussion CD

admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:30:39 +0000

We have been continuously receiving lot of queries about the Group Discussion CD module. So we decided to put the details of it here for everyone’s information.

After going through the post if you have any queries, you can write us at info@fireup.co.in

For any trade queries or bulk orders you can contact us on info@fireup.co.in

For individual orders, you can place your order directly on the website using our 100% safe payment gateway. You can pay by Net Banking, Debit Cards and Credit Card, depositing Cheque or cash directly in our account.

Free Shipping – Shipping is free to any part of India. Typically it takes 3-4 days to get the CD after placing the order.

Number of CDs - Two (includes audio, video, pdf files, word docs, etc.)

Price – MRP of this CD module is Rs. 395

Discount – Currently we are providing 10% discount. So get it for Rs. 350 flat.

Content of Group Discussion CD

Please go through the exhaustive list of content of the FireUp’s Group Discussion module. We are sure the well researched topics will appeal you and make you realize how this CD could be a great investment for lifetime learning.

Chapter 1 Introduction to a Group Discussion

What is a Group Discussion?
Group Discussion Vs Debate
Objectives of Group Discussion
How Group Discussions are conducted?

Chapter 2 Preparation for Group Discussion

Types of Group Discussion

- Normal Group Discussions

- Case study (depicted with a animated video)

- FireUp’s Recommendation on Case Study (casestudyrecommendation.doc/pdf)

- FireUp’s Case Study Analysis (casestudyanalysis.doc/pdf)

- Role Play Video

- FireUp’s Recommendation on Role Play (roleplayrecommendation.doc/pdf)

- Group Tasks with Animated Examples

Types of Group Discussion Based on Start

Chapter 3 Two Real-Time Group Discussions

Group Discussion – Video -1 & 2

FireUp’s Recommendation of Group Discussions (recommendation1/2.doc/pdf)
FireUp’s Analysis of Group Discussions (analysisgd1/2.doc/pdf)

Chapter 4 Two Real-Time Group Discussions

Group Discussion – Video -3 & 4

FireUp’s Recommendation of Group Discussions (recommendation3/4.doc/pdf)
FireUp’s Analysis of Group Discussions (analysisgd3/4.doc/pdf)

Qualities Required for Cracking Group Discussion (qualities.doc/pdf)

Chapter 5 Evaluation Criteria

Macro Parameters of Evaluation
Micro Parameters of Evaluation

- Success Mantras & FireUp Missiles of Mass Destruction

- FireUp Missile – 1 with Audio Book

- FireUp Missile 2 & 3

Dress Code for participants of Group Discussion Presented through Animated Stills

Chapter 6 Advanced understanding of Group Discussions topics

Interruptions in a Group Discussion

- Real Time Video Extracts representing important points

Common Mistakes in a Group Discussion

- Real Time Video Extracts & Audio Books representing Common Mistakes

Do’s and Don’ts in a Group Discussion (dosanddonts.doc/pdf)

Suggested Group Discussion Topics

- Suggested Group Discussion topics and explanation

(suggestedgroupdiscussiontopics.doc/pdf)

Group Discussion topics of previous years (previousyearsgd.doc/pdf)

Different Types of Group Discussion Topics (differenttypesgd.doc/pdf)

Conclusion of Group Discussion

The .doc/pdf file names given are in addition to the narration done by the experts in the CD

To order the CD now, go to Purchase Page or write us at info@fireup.co.in

CAT 2010 Dates

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:56:29 +0000

Common Admission Test 2010 Dates Announced

Number of days on which CAT will be conducted – 20 days

Examination window : October 27 to November 23

Major decisions which have been taken this time include increase in the number of days for conducting test — from 10 days to 20 days this year.

The IIMs have also decided to give the test centres a 15-day-time to test their system compatibility and at the same time ensuring that all those, who answer CAT helplines, managed by Prometric, are well versed in both English and Hindi. Technical breaks will also be given in between the CAT schedule, which will take place from October 27 to November 23 this year.

“Last year, for the first time the new system was introduced and we were not aware of the exact nature of the challenges that might surface. But after reviewing the complaints of last year, we have decided to make some changes aiming at better CAT-2010,” said Himanshu Rai, Chairman, Admission Cell at IIM-Lucknow.

The Common Admission Test or CAT will be held across 32 cities. Besides the eight IIMs, there are over 120 management schools registered with CAT that use the CAT score for admitting students. Click here for detailed CAT Syllabus

The number of testing centres and technology partners will be finalized by the end of this month and the IIMs are expected to publish the first advertisement for the test by end of August.

Sources:

Indian Express

Business Standard

Magic Puzzle

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 04:16:57 +0000

Here is a puzzle which you can use for entertainment in parties with your friends, and enjoy the magic.

Ask your friend to secretly write any number with any number of digits, but not ending with zero.(Say he writes 89635). Now ask him to add up the all digits and then subtract the total from the original number. (In example, the total of all digits is 8+9+6+3+5 = 31, and then subtract the total from original number i.e. 89635 – 31 = 89604). Now ask him to cross any one digit from this resulting number and tell the remaining number. (In example say he crosses out 6 and tells you the remaining number 8904).

Now you have to do your magic. You did not know what was the number he wrote. What was the total of all its digits and what was the difference. You have to tell the digit he crossed out only by knowing the remaining number he told you.

Can you do it? I know many of you will be able to do it. So what are you waiting for? Post your answer now!

Quantitative Aptitude Question for Competitive Examinations

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:58:49 +0000

Quantitative Aptitude Question: Topic – Time, Speed and Distance

Try solving this question which has appeared in CAT, GRE and GMAT papers and many other competitive examinations. So try your hands at this question from topic speed and distance. You can expect similar questions in competitive examinations.

Here is the Competitive Examination Question -

A thief escaped from police custody. Since he was a sprinter, he could run at a speed of 40 km/hr. The police realized it after 3 hr and started chasing him in the same direction at 50km/hr. The police had a dog, which could run at 60 km/hr. The dog would run to the thief and then return back to the police and then would turn back towards the thief. It kept on doing so till the police caught the thief. Find the total distance traveled by the dog in the direction of the thief?

Here are the options -

a) 720 km
b) 600 km
c) 660 km
d) 360 km
e) 230 km

I will provide the solution later. I urge everyone to try this. Please give explanation with your answers -

SMS Channel – Free CAT Preparation

admin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:23:41 +0000

FireUp SMS Channel

This post is to introduce you all to a very useful and 100% free service provided by FireUp to all its users- the all new FireUp SMS Channel.

Now you can get various information, tips and tricks related to your CAT preparation directly on your mobile through SMS.

We will send you -

1) English words with their meanings daily. How is it beneficial?

5 Words daily means : 5×30= 150 words per month and 150×12=1800 words an year. (approx.)
You can revise them in your free time

2) Quick calculation tricks which will surely make you a master at tackling data interpretation questions.

3) Information about important events and dates related to CAT and other examinations.

Frequently Asked Questions – I

Question 1) How can I subscribe to this service?
You can subscribe by Typing “ON FIREUPCAT” and send it to 9870807070

Question 2) Is this service totally free?
Yes, Service is totally free. You will be charged only when you send sms to subscribe for this service. There are no charges to receive the sms.

If you subscribe using this link – FireUp SMS Channel, you will not be charged for anything.

Question 3) Why is FireUp providing this service for free?

We are committed to the betterment of students preparing for competitive examinations.

Apart from this, we also have a detailed courseware that is structured to be as user friendly as possible.

Have a look at the courses we are selling – Online CAT Preparation

Question 5) I have subscribed for the service, but I have not received any confirmation message?
You need to wait for a while. Sometimes, it takes little longer due to network problems. If the problem still persists after 2 days, you may contact us for assistance.

Question 6) I have subscribed for the service, But I am no longer interested in receiving sms from you. How can I unsubscribe?
You can unsubscribe by Typing “OFF FIREUPCAT” and send it to 9870807070. You will be unsubscribed.

Question 7) How many messages will I receive per day?
We send around 1-2 messages daily. WE DO NOT SPAM.

Question How can I contribute in your website?

Great!! You can start writing articles for us. Participate in various discussions going on here or contact us by using contact us page.

For any other queries and problems, feel free to mail us at info@fireup.co.in Generally we respond in a few hours.

Mathematics Puzzle

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:33:11 +0000

Hello Friends,

Today I am giving you a very interesting puzzle. This is not a very simple puzzle. You have to use your gray cells to answer this. You have to face similar problems in your Logical Reasoning part of CAT. Don’t look at the existing answers (in comments), if there is any. Try it yourself

Puzzle

At a census there is the following dialog:

Field helper: number of children?

Citizen: three!

Field helper: age of Your children in whole numbers?

Citizen: The product of the years is 36.

Field helper: This not a sufficent answer!

Citizen: The sum of the ages equals the

number of the house of our next neighbour.

(Field helper acquires the number.)

Field helper: That is still not a sufficient answer!

Citizen: Our eldest child plays the piano.

Field helper: (after some mental calculations) – Fine, now I know the age of your three children. But it would not have been possible without the last clue.

How old are the three children?

Leave your answers below -

Fast Reading for Reading Comprehension

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:45:08 +0000

Reading Comprehension – Fast Reading

We keep on getting requests from FireUp patrons (both paid and unpaid users) to publish various tips which could help them in their preparation for CAT or other MBA entrance examinations.

Good News for You!!

There’s good news for all of you. Now onwards FireUp’s Free CAT Prep section will feature exclusive CAT prep tips. We hope all of you will make full use of FireUp’s new initiative. We can make it successful only with your participation. So write to us your suggestions, requests, and feedbacks. Email id is info@fireup.co.in

Here’s our first post under this initiative

Biggest hindrance to speed reading and its solution

Subvocalization limits your reading to the speed of normal speech to about 200-300 wpm only. It is the tendency to pronounce words as they are read. Activating parts of the brain related to pronouncing limits the reading speed to 250 wpm only. This common flaw is what limits performance of average readers.

Eliminating Subvocalization to Increase Reading Speed

So how can we get rid of the “inner voice” that reduces our reading speed? Here are a number of ways to speed-read by eliminating subvocalization:

Simply the Process

As discussed earlier in Speed Reading post, below-average readers are slowed down when they read word for word. From this, they either verbally or mentally hear themselves voice each word before finally comprehending the meaning of each word. However, there is a better way. The faster way eliminates the practice of hearing your own voice reading each word – you glance at the word and go directly to understanding its meaning.

Adjust the Speed

This actually reinforces initial efforts to shortcut the process as stated above. Step up eye movements across the page to prevent the inner voice from actually verbally or mentally saying the text you are reading. Pick-up the pace of the finger, hand, pen, or card movements as you go over the material. The objective here is to distract you and skip the subvocalization process in order to speed up the reading process.

Consider the reading material in entirety

When reading, people have the tendency to focus on the word or blocks of words only, paying no attention to the whole thought and idea expressed in the sentence, paragraph, and reading material as a whole. Shift the focus on the entire idea expressed in the book, article, or any reading material you are holding.

Constant practice with these techniques increases the number of words read at each eye stop and picks up your pace in reading.

Buy FireUp Reading Comprehension module for detailed description of various techniques like the one discussed above and for thousands of practice questions and tests.

Sample Logical Reasoning CAT Questions

admin — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 07:52:51 +0000

Sample Logical Reasoning CAT Questions- Directions for next 3 questions: Answers the logical reasoning questions based on the following information.
The following steps refer to a certain software programme. The steps given in the code (in simple English language) shows the stages of working of the programme.

Step 0: Start of programme.
Step 1: Select X, where X is a natural number.
Step 2: If X is a prime, go to step 5.
Step 3: If X is an even number, convert X to Y. Y is defined is step 6. Go to step 6.
Step 4: If X is an odd number, convert X to Y. Y is defined in step 7. Go to step 7.
Step 5: Display output as square root to X. Go to step 9.
Step 6: Y is defined as equal to two less than the square of X. Go to step 8.
Step 7: Y is defined as equal to 5 more than the square of X. Go to step 8.
Step 8: Display output as Y.
Step 9: End of programme.

1. Find the value of X if the output number displayed is 4.121.
a. 4
b. 7
c. 17
d. 21

2. Find the value of X if the output number displayed is 2406.
a. 33
b. 47
c. 48
d/. 49

3. Find the value of X if the output number displayed is 14.
a. 3
b. 4
c. 5
d. Both a and b

Data Sufficiency Sample Questions

admin — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 06:06:24 +0000

Direction for next 5 Data Sufficiency Sample Questions: Each Data Sufficiency Sample Questions n is followed by some data.

Mark [a], if I alone is sufficient to answer the question.
Mark [b], if II alone is sufficient to answer the question.
Mark [c], if both I and II needed to answer the question.
Mark [d], if neither I nor II is sufficient to answer the question.
Mark [e], if either I or II is sufficient to answer the question but not both.

1. Will the new mayor prove more useful than the last one?
I. The new mayor has preformed a number of urgently required tasks for the benefit of the city.
II. The new mayor is disciplined and is achievement-oriented.

2. Are colleges today understaffed?
I. The paucity of teachers is reflected in the unmanageably high number of students per teacher.
II. Many posts in colleges lie vacant as there is a dearth of qualified personnel.

3. How has the trading business fared in the last two months?
I. Due to rising demands from other countries in the last couple of months the actual market size increased for traders.
II. Thanks to increased capacities, traders were able to meet the rise in demand.

4. Is the study of Philosophy necessary for children today?
I. Philosophy acquaints one with the purpose of life.
II. Children need to understand the implications of their environment, which they can get only from philosophy.

5. Are writers of pulp fiction intelligent people?
I. Pulp fiction relies on an astute understanding of human nature and sharp perspective on the current environment.
II. Pulp fiction is widely read by some of the most intelligent people in the world.