Time Left : Ten days
SSC CGL Tier 2 is round the corner and everybody is trying to give their best to crack it. In tier 2 there are two papers viz; Quantitative Abilities (Paper I) and English Language & Comprehension (Paper II) – for all posts. Those of you who have applied for Statistical Investigator Grade II and for Compiler pos there is one additional paper on Statistics (Paper III).
All three papers are of 200 marks each. Paper I and III have 100 questions each, with 2 marks for every correct answer and 0.5 negative marks for every wrong answer. Paper II has 200 questions, with 1 mark for every correct answer and 0.25 negative marks for every wrong answer.
A good score in English and Quantitative Aptitude will help you sail through this Tier. The difficulty level of Tier II is considered to be higher than Tier I.
Let us find out how to tackle both the papers of Tier II
We went through few previous years papers and found out that major chunk of questions are from Basic Arithmetic. Questions on Ratio/Alligation, Profit & Loss, Averages, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work and Percentage. Also, a lot of questions are asked from Geometry, Mensuration and Trigonometry.(Around 10 to 11 questions on profit and loss, 10 to 15 from mensuration and geometry each, 5 to 7 from trigonometry).
In English Language & Comprehension paper questions on Antonyms, Synonyms, One word for many, Sentence Correction, Narration, Voice, Spot the Error, Idioms and Fill in the blanks and comprehension are asked. Around 15 to 20 questions on finding the error, 10 on idioms and 15 to 20 on sentence improvement are usually there in the paper.
Tips to Crack SSC CGL Tier 2
Paper 1 – Quantitative Aptitude
- Practice – Take every practice test as seriously as you would sit at the time of your exam. Time yourself for every test that you take.
- Focus more on Geometry, Algebra, Percentage, Mensuration and Trigonometry – Your main focus should be on these topics in particular as they constitute major portion of the paper(based on previous year’s paper analysis). Flip through NCERT or any school level book for revising basic formulae.
- Confusion – If you are confused between two options(which you should not be at this stage of the exam) try back substituting the answer into problem which means assume one of the option to be correct and then solve the problem. If the question can not be solved repeat for other option. This method should be used only after you are attempted other questions. Do not waste time on one question, you will end up wasting your time.
- Time Management – There will be many questions that will take up a lot of your time either because of long calculations, a lot of data or its from your weak area. Skip those questions and go for the next one. Save your time attempt easy ones quickly then come back to tricky/ difficult questions.
- Revision – Have a list of formulae that are important and make sure that you memorise them all.
Paper II – English Language and Comprehension
- Vocabulary – Vocabulary is a concern area for many. To build good vocabulary you need to read consistently. Make a list of the new words, learn and revise these words everyday. Never ignore new words that you stumble upon.
- Sentence Correction and arrangement – there is no specific rule to solve these type of questions.Try to identify the link between the two sentences. Your statement should make sense after you rearrangement.
- Comprehension – In the comprehension section, you will be gauged on your understanding of the passage and its central theme, meanings of words used in the passage etc. If you find the passage is DIFFICULT for you to understand.DO NOT attempt the tricky questions based on guess. If you cannot understand, leave the question and attempt the easier follow up questions. See our post on How to solve comprehension passage in exams, this will help you understand how to go about solving these questions most accurately
- There is NO short-cut to grammar, so start by completing the basics of grammar and continue practising by solving as many questions as possible.
Other important stuff
- Solve Previous Year Papers- Solve the last year papers to know which type of questions can come in the exams.
- Accuracy – Attempt only those questions in which there is no scope of error. Since there is negative marking for each wrong question answer carefully to maximise your marks.
- Number of Questions to be solved – Your attempt should be to solve the complete paper but it is one difficult thing to do. So set an achievable target and attempt those questions that you are confident in.
- Plan your Strategy – Some of us like to start solving a paper from the first question, while some like to go through the entire paper and then start answering questions from their areas of strength. We would also recommend you to go through the paper and first solve the questions from your strong areas then go through others.
- Confidence – Since you have already prepared for this paper for Tier 1 exam, it is safe to say that all your basics are crystal clear. Have faith in yourself and you will be through. Have a positive attitude and keep yourself motivated. At the end of the day, it is only an exam.
- Relax – One day before SSC CGL Tier II, take it easy. Watch a movie or do something that relaxes you. Keep calm and appear for the exam with a fresh mind
Correct balance of practice, smart planning and calm approach will help you sail through the exam. Best of luck!
Photo credit: ozz13x / Foter / CC BY
Mukesh Baranwal says
Nice information