With the class 12 board exams drawing to a close, students across the country are gearing up for the next big step: the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET UG) 2024 entrance exams for college admissions.
It is not just another run-of-the-mill exam; it is a national level event that opens doors for the aspiring college-goers to over 250 prestigious central, state, deemed, and private universities across India. Scheduled to take place between May 15 and May 31, 2024, the hybrid examination format proposed for CUET (UG) 2024 combines both computer-based testing and pen-and-paper methods, catering to the diverse needs of test-takers.
Today, The Telegraph Online Edugraph will shed light on effective preparation strategies for cracking the CUET (UG) 2024 English Language exam. For delving into its nuances, we reached out to Dr Madhumita Barua, Assistant Professor in English at Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata. With 17 years of teaching experience at the undergraduate level and 12 years at the postgraduate level, Dr Barua offers invaluable seasoned insights for students aiming to excel in the CUET (UG) 2024 English Language subject paper.
We asked Dr Barua for effective time management tips considering that students will need to attempt at least 40 out of 50 questions in a 45-minute duration. Our learned academic observed, “time management is paramount in the CUET UG 2024 English Language section. 35-40% of the questions are comprehension based. These take more time, but that doesn't mean there will be different passages for every question. From each passage, 4-5 questions are set. If a student reads one passage carefully she/ he can attempt 4-5 questions in no time at all!"
Further, the Reading Comprehension section, with its diverse range of passages from factual to narrative and literary, demands a multifaceted approach, emphasised Dr Barua. She underscored the value of exposure to varied literature beyond textbooks, recommended “solving question papers from previous years”, and developing familiarity with different writing styles.
While navigating the objective type questions in the Verbal Ability section, Dr Barua advised students cautious deliberation to avoid falling into traps of similarity among options. With a keen eye for context and reasoning, test-takers can enhance their accuracy and efficiency. “Sometimes adopting a process of elimination is necessary to find out the correct option,” she said incisively.
Tackling the Rearranging the Parts section often poses a unique challenge for many students. For excelling in this aspect of the exam, Dr Barua suggested, “reading the parts repeatedly” since getting the sense is the key. Also, “having a knowledge of correct English syntax is necessary for this part,” she added.
As for avoiding the common pitfalls associated with the Choosing the Correct Word section, drawing on her years of experience, Dr Barua urged the exam-takers to “focus on the question, not make silly mistakes in a hurry and eliminate the wrong options thereby.”
The Synonyms-Antonyms as well as the Vocabulary sections can sometimes be tricky due to nuances in language. For vocabulary enrichment, active engagement through word games, frequent dictionary consultation, and usage in daily communication is key. Moreover, Dr Barua stressed the need for discernment in tackling Synonyms and Antonyms. “Sometimes the words are given in pairs, such as, ‘Hinder : Assist’ and ‘Resolute : Determined’-- however, the relationship between the two pairs of words are not the same,” she observed. She encouraged students to decipher the distinct relationships between words.
As students gear up for the CUET UG 2024 English Language paper, Dr Barua offered a final word of advice: embrace the breadth of the English language beyond the syllabus. From practising figures of speech to idiomatic expressions, exploring diverse sources such as news bulletins, documentaries, and movies, to maintaining composure of mind and strategic time management is the recipe for success!
Remember, dear students, preparation is key, but so is confidence. Believe in yourself, trust in your abilities, and tackle each question with a cool head and a steady hand. You've got this!
