SNAP 2014 AnalysisSNAP 2014 Exam Snapshot: SNAP 2014 followed the same distribution
of questions and marks across sections as the last few years SNAP tests. The
overall difficulty level of the test was higher compared to last year. The
broad distribution of the test was as follows:
The total duration of the test was 120
min, and comprised 150 questions in all. The Logical Reasoning section had only
30 questions with 2 marks per question as against 40 one-mark questions in each
of the remaining sections. Let us have a closer look at each of the
sections - Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency The section had a good mix of
easy-medium-difficult questions and most topics in QA were reasonably
represented. What made the section difficult was the high number of questions
that were ambiguously worded or were outright incorrect. The following
questions were a few such: 1. Questions with wrong data A. A DI set on Pie-Charts (with 5 questions)
the sum of all the values given in the set added up to 420 even as it was
mentioned that the distribution was in degrees (and therefore should add to
360). If one ignored the mistake in data, the set could have been attempted. As
a matter of fact, the set was very similar to the first DI set we discussed in
the classroom under the topic pie-charts. The variations in the questions were also
on similar lines. So, a classroom student who would have practiced this set
from the handout would have been able to solve the set quite easily. B. A question on Logarithms where the base
was negative logarithms are not defined for negative bases, the question was
therefore incorrect. 2. Questions with confusing language A. Plantation of sunflowers (going by the
options was the better approach), B. A line subtends an angle of 90 degrees at
a point (the end points of the line subtend the angle at the point), C. Arrangement of books of two varieties (one
had to assume that the books of each type were same) 3. Questions requiring high-level concepts A. Domain of sinX +
logX B. The sum of three variables was given and
an identity involving cot and cos was to be proven C. The number of digits in (10368)6 D. Taking out 5 tokens from a box with 11
tokens such that the median is 3 F. The hands of a clock are reversed and it
showed the correct time at 6 PM 4. Questions with tedious calculation A. Two successive discounts on an item with
MRP Rs. 65. B. The probability of a hit when the
individual probabilities for 4 shots are given. Even though the section title has Data
Sufficiency mentioned in it, there were no questions based on data sufficiency. The remaining questions in the section
were easy-moderate and could have been attempted. Given the confusion caused by
the language in a few questions and the overall paucity of time, it is
reasonable to expect a slightly low accuracy. So, a good number of attempts in
the section would be around 24 questions, with 16-20 of them being correct. Analytical & Logical Reasoning The Analytical and Logical Reasoning
section of SNAP2014 was more difficult when compared to the last years paper.
However, the section was not very difficult when appraised in itself. The section was well represented by
questions from all the usual areas in LR with one/two questions from each of
verbal analogy, critical reasoning, symbols and notations, deductions,
assumptions, clocks, letter series, number series, distribution, conclusion,
blood relations and binary logic. There were 5 questions from circular
arrangement, and 4 each from venn diagrams and
distribution. The questions that stood out in the
section were: 1. Circular arrangement (5Q) the set
combined the concepts of circular arrangement and networks and then further
complicated the matter by providing additional conditions in the questions. It would
have been a good strategy to relegate this set to the later stages of the test
given that it would have taken considerable time for an average student to
answer it. 2. Distribution (4Q) the set was very
similar to one of the sets we discuss in the first set of LR handouts in classroom,
the set would have been easily solvable to those familiar with it. It could otherwise
be tagged a time-guzzler by someone looking at it for the first time. 3. Blood Relations & Distribution (1Q)
one was better off taking a leap of faith in terms of the family structure and
then substituting the values. Else, it would have taken a while to answer. At
any rate, with just one question to gain, the set was better left off. 4. CR based questions (4Q - two questions on
assumptions, and one each on conclusion and deduction) these questions could
have been better designed, the answer choices did not seem to fit-in with the
understanding one would gather from the information stem. 5. Binary Logic (2Q) Even though the
question was very similar to the kind of sets we would have discussed in class,
the question was time consuming and probably better left out. Non-verbal reasoning was conspicuous by
its absence. The remaining questions in the section
were quite manageable. Given the higher number of marks per question, one
should have spent a little more time in the section. Around 14-16 net attempts
in around 45 min time can be considered good in this section. General English The General English section of SNAP2014
marked a slight departure from the exam pattern we saw in the past few years.
There were fewer questions that required a deep understanding of the
context/usage. Rather, the focus was on Vocabulary alone. These questions do
not require a lot of time to answer, when compared with the QA or the LR areas.
This would give an advantage to students who have a good hold on vocab as they would be able to attempt a good number of
questions in the limited time. The distribution of questions across areas
was as follows:
A.
R.C. Passage 1 (Topic How to read and
importance of reading by Roger Bacon) with 3 questions (1 Vocab
based or synonym, 1 specific detail, 1 inference question) All moderate B.
R.C. Passage 2 (Topic Why firms fail at
doing a good export job) 6 questions (3 specific detail and 3 inference
based) 3 Moderate, 3 Difficult. With 20 out of the 40 questions in the
section being based on vocabulary alone, the section would not have taken a lot
of time to attempt. Net attempts in the range of 20-22 marks in around 25 min
can be considered a good score in the section. General Awareness The General Awareness section covered
questions from a good range of topics such as history, civics, geography,
awards, sports, science, recent events, economics, and government bodies. The
section was difficult primarily on account of the very close/nuanced answer
choices. A lot of questions had very close answer choices and unless one knew
the exact answer, one could have been left bemused. At the same time, there
were also a few sitters that even a person with a basic reading habit would
have been able to attempt. Around 8-10 net attempts in the section in
around 15 min would have been good. Bottom line: The test was significantly more difficult
than last year and the cutoffs are expected to come down significantly.
Overall, a score of 80 or above should be a good for SIBM, 75 for SCMHRD, and
70 for SIBM Bangalore and SIIB. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
