Preparing for the English Section
Familiarize yourself with idiomatic expressions. Idioms are conventional sayings that often don’t have an obvious meaning, even if you understand the definitions of the words it uses. To improve your understanding of English idioms, read a book of English idioms and their meanings. Idioms include phrases or sayings like “kicked the bucket” or “hot potato.” Ask a native English speaker if you need help understanding certain expressions.
Read a variety of materials. Read a variety of English-language materials, including newspapers and periodicals, websites, novels, and nonfiction. Watching English-language films with the subtitles on is another good way to learn new words and phrases.
Use context clues to determine meanings of unfamiliar words. In many cases, you should be able to figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word by using the rest of the surrounding passage. Instead of reaching immediately for your dictionary, try to suss out the meaning of the word using the rest of the information in the paragraph. For instance, if you read that a certain person is “dishonest” but do not know the meaning of the word, read on for a few sentences. The author might provide examples of how the person in question lies and cheats others. Using this information, you should be able to extrapolate the meaning of “dishonest.” To check your understanding, look the word up after you have guessed its meaning.
Look up words that you can’t figure out. Sometimes, context clues are not enough. When you encounter new and unfamiliar words that you can’t quite figure out, consult a dictionary to make sense of them.
Build your vocabulary. In addition to learning new words by looking them up when you encounter them, use an advanced dictionary and vocabulary flashcards to learn new words. Aim to learn 20-30 new words daily. Thumb through a quality dictionary like the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary or the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. These dictionaries have separate sections for business vocabulary and offer many clear example sentences.
Learn to identify the main idea. After reading an article or nonfiction book, ask yourself, “What was the author trying to communicate? What’s the primary point or purpose of this text?” Being able to summarize the main point of a text in a sentence or two means your reading comprehension is good. Look for discrepancies between the point an author is trying to make and the facts they use to prove their point.
Identify the parameters of the section. Check the most current parameters of the English section of the test by contacting Symbiosis University. In 2016, the English section had 40 questions, each worth one point. Since the total test time is 120 minutes and there are 150 questions on the test, you can expect to spend about 50 minutes on this section. This section often has questions that test your knowledge of vocabulary, homonyms, antonyms, and syllogisms.
Preparing for the Quantitative Section
Consult a general math testing book. The quantitative section of the test often has questions covering a broad range of quantitative and mathematical areas, including time, data interpretation, mixtures and allegations, averages, percentages, and profit loss. A broad array of quantitative abilities, therefore, are required. Consult a general study guide for the SNAP test or a book on quantitative reasoning. Alternately, a book designed for a similar math exam like the CAT could prove beneficial in preparation for the SNAP test.
Brush up on your geometry. In addition to the more economics-based math questions, mensuration is a regular part of the SNAP test, so review how to measure geometric magnitudes, volumes, areas, and lengths. You could use a geometry book and/or get a tutor to improve your knowledge in geometry.
Study with a group. Quantitative skills have been shown to improve when a group works through a problem together. Connect with existing SNAP test study groups or start one yourself. Stay engaged as you work through a common math prep book, and let your group know if you don’t understand something.
Consult a tutor and take notes. Hearing the information from a trained mathematician can often illuminate the material in ways that a written text might not. Plus, a tutor can answer questions and help you figure out where you’ve made mistakes. Since active note-taking can improve retention, take notes as your tutor conducts the lesson.
Find out more about the quantitative section. Contact Symbiosis University to learn more about the quantitative section of the test. You might ask how long many questions the section has and how long it lasts. In 2016, the quantitative section had 40 questions, each worth one point. In order to allow yourself an appropriate amount of time on each section, spend about 50 minutes on the quantitative portion.
Preparing for the General Awareness Section
Look over a yearbook. A yearbook is an encyclopedia that chronicles major events of the past year. Read over, for instance, the most current Manorama Yearbook, paying special attention to the main events of the year. As you read, take notes on major events that you are unfamiliar with.
Read the paper. Reading a major newspaper can help you prepare for the SNAP test. Since the SNAP test is meant as preparation for a business degree, pay extra attention to the economic and business pages of the paper. Stories about mergers, startups, or marketing trends might appear on the general awareness section of the SNAP test.
Consult a general knowledge digest. These books are aimed at preparing students for the civil service and competitive exams like the SNAP test. Read a general knowledge digest to get a better grasp on broad subjects like history, geography, government, science, and the economy. If there is a particular general knowledge area you know you are strong in, focus less on it during your preparation. Conversely, if there’s a particular issue you know you’re weak in, study it with greater care.
Learn more about the general awareness section. Contact Symbiosis University for information regarding what sorts of events or material you might see on the test. Use this information to better prepare for the test. They might, for instance, tell you that you can expect a question like, “What does the devaluation of the U.S. dollar mean for the Chinese economy?” You could use this information to study the U.S.-Chinese relationship in greater detail. Other questions might ask about why India’s export rate has increased recently or why trade between Japan and Brazil is bad for the U.S. In 2016, this section of the test had 30 questions, each worth one point. Try to spend no more than 24 minutes on this portion in order to leave time for other sections.
Preparing for the Logical Reasoning Section
Obtain a logical reasoning or puzzle book. One of the more difficult portions of the test to prepare for is the analytical and logical reasoning section. The best way to prepare for this portion is to read and work through a puzzle book (one with a variety of verbal and visual puzzles). You can get such a book through your local book store or your library. Reading such a book will familiarize you with concepts in logical reasoning.
Practice recognizing visual patterns. Using your book of puzzles or logical reasoning, practice recognizing visual patterns. For instance, you might practice a puzzle that has a square divided into three equal parts. One of the three portions might be lighter than the others. In the first image the light portion is at the far left of the square, and in the second image the lighter portion is in the center of the square. You might be then asked to choose from a number of images which image is next in the sequence.
Identify the difference between strong and weak arguments. Use your logical reasoning book to learn how to identify a good argument. A good argument is logical, fact-based, and has premises that flow naturally into statements and conclusions. A poor argument is illogical and not based in facts. Read over these sample questions in your practice book, looking for details that lend credence to a particular position or belief.
Learn to crack numerical codes. Some questions will require you to decipher a code. For instance, perhaps 2 stands for “A,” 4 stands for “B,” and so on. You might then be asked to write a message using the code, provide a missing number in the code system, or translate the coded message. Practice these questions regularly in your practice puzzle book
Preparing in Other Ways
Take a sample test. There is no official mock test, but various private companies offer sample SNAP tests online. Search online for these tests and take as many as possible to improve your performance. Use your performance on these tests to refine your review process. For instance, if you do poorly on the quantitative section, devote more of your time to preparing for the quantitative questions.
Buy a study book. In addition to buying subject-specific books you might need, it’s a good idea to obtain a SNAP test study book. Such a book will provide you with study tips, sample questions, and more detailed information about the sort of skills you might need to prepare for your SNAP test. 2018
Prepare well in advance. The amount of preparation you’ll require for the SNAP test depends on your abilities and intelligence level. If you do well on sample tests and are a very intelligent person, you’ll require less preparation than a poor student who struggles with the subjects covered on the SNAP test. There is, therefore, no objective metric that defines how far ahead of the SNAP test you’ll need to begin studying. Reflect on your level of academic success and your abilities to determine how much preparation you’ll need.
Planning for the Day of the Test
Arrive early. Plan to arrive early to your test site. That way, if you hit traffic or if something goes wrong, you should still be able to get to the test site on time. On the other hand, if you cut it too close and something goes wrong, you might arrive to your test site late. This could mean you’ll be turned away from the test.
Bring test materials. You’ll be asked to bring a few things to the test site, including an admission card (with a passport-sized photo attached), a photo ID, and a blue or black pen. Pack these materials in your backpack before you head off to your test.
Leave unnecessary materials at home. Some materials are not allowed in the test center and should be left at home. These include calculators, alarm clocks, cell phones, watch calculators, digital watches with calculators in them, and any other electronic devices.
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