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4/17/2014 Mrunal [Studyplan] SBI PO Reasoning (High Level): Topicwise Approach, booklist, strategy, Cutoffs » Mrunal

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[Studyplan] SBI PO Reasoning (High Level): Topicwise Approach, booklist,strategy, Cutoffs

1. The structure of SBI PO Exam 2013

2. Reasoning: Topicwise breakup SBI papers

3. Reasoning: SSC vs SBI

4. Reasoning approach: Higher Level

5. 3 Statement Syllogism

6. Reasoning Approach: Usual topics

1. Eligibility Test

2. Math Operations+Inequality

3. Sitting arrangement

4. Non verbal

5. Data Sufficiency

6. Input Output

7. Reasoning: Peripheral Topics

1. DBT: Direction Based Test

2. Coding Decoding

3. Dictionary (Alphabet) tests

8. How people dig their grave in Bank PO/Clerk exams?

9. So, How to avoid your grave?

10. Cutoffs of SBI PO 2011 Exam

1. Phase 1: sectional cutoffs (2010, 11)

2. Phase 1: Marks of last candidate

The structure of SBI PO Exam 2013

Phase 1(28.04.2013)

MCQ(2hrs)

GA+Marketing+Computer 50

Data Interpretation (DI) 50

Reasoning 50

English grammar, vocab and Comprehension 50

Descriptive(1 hr)

Essay, précis, letter writing 50

Total 250

Phase 2 GDPI

Group Discussion (GD) 20

Personal Interview (PI) 30

Total 50

http://mrunal.org/



Final Phase 1 (250m) marks are are converted to out of 75marks secured in Phase 2 (50m) are converted to out of 25.Final Merit list of 75+25=100 marks.

Reasoning: Topicwise breakup SBI papers

2011 2010 2010(Asso.Banks)

ReasoningUsual

Coding-Decoding 6 3 5

Direction based tests 0 2 1

Dictionary (Alphabet) test 0 2 3

Maths operations, inequalities 3 6 6

Sitting arrangement 13 5 5

Eligibility Test 0 5 5

Odd pair 3 0 0

Data Sufficiency 5 0 0

Input output 3 0 0

Misc. 0 2 0

Subtotal: Reasoning (Usual) 33 25 25

ReasoningHighLevel

Fact-assumption-inference-conclusion

2 7 10

Course of Action 0 6 0

Cause effect 1 2 0

Strong/weak argument 3 0 5

3 statement Syllogism 6 5 5

Subtotal: Reasoning (Higher level) 12 20 20

NonVerbal

non-verbal (image based) 5 5 5

Total: Verbal Reasoning(usual+higher)+Non verbal

50 50 50

2008’s SBI PO paper doesn’t follow this pattern of “High level reasoning” (ortougher data interpretation Qs like those of 2010’s papers). Hence 2008 isignored from the analysis.

Reasoning: SSC vs SBI

SSC SBI PO

Non verbal reasoning involves usual image-series+paper-folding, mirror reflection test, dice/cubes.

paper-folding, mirror test,dice/cubes= not asked.

2 statement syllogism x at most 2 questions.3 statement syllogism,minimum 5 questions.



Lot of Qs. From Analogy, series, and odd pairs. Hardly.

Barely any question on higher level reasoning.(assumption, inference etc.)

Lots of.

Anyways, let’s start.For the purpose of efficient preparation, I classify reasoningtopics into two categories.

Core topicsMajority of the reasoning is asked from these topics. Often in a setof “5 Questions.”So Cost:Benefit ratio is quite good, if you master these topics.

Chillar(peripheral)

Barely 2-3 questions from each topic.

Observe this chart:



Reasoning approach: Higher Level

Based on the previous papers of SBI, we can see that higher level reasoning is made up



of following topics

1. Fact-assumption-inference-conclusion2. Course of Action3. Cause effect4. Strong/weak argument5. Three Statement Syllogism

While both R.S.Agarwal and BS Sijwali’s books have covered these topics,but problem with both of those books= they merely give you a few solved examsand then give a big list of practice questions.But the basic concepts/ theory /underlying principles are not covered in depth.Then You often face the doubt “why option A is the answer and why not “B”option?” OR “why is this an inference and not an assumption?”So, for SBI PO’s higher level reasoning questions (assumption, inference,strong/weak argument etc), refer to “Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey (BSC

publication)“MK Pandey not only helps you for Higher level reasoning, but also for providessome speed-techniques for usual reasoning topics (such as input output,arrangement, eligibility test, coded inequalities etc.)

Anyways the study approach for Higher level Reasoning (for SBI PO) should be likefollowing:

Higher Reasoning TopicChapter Number

MK Pandey RS Agarwal

1. Statement-Assumption 3 3

3. Inference, conclusion 5 5, 6

2. Strong/ Weak argument 4, 9 2

4. Cause effect 10 8

5. Course of Action 6 4

For example, pickup the topic “Assumptions”.

1. First understand theory from MK Pandey’s Chapter #3, solve all sums given inMK Pandey.

http://www.flipkart.com/modern-approach-verbal-non-reasoning-revised/p/itmdytg8ghhmrq75?pid=9788121905510&affid=mrunalrugm

http://www.flipkart.com/new-approach-reasoning-verbal-non-verbal-8183482740/p/itmdyuqqzarkzrrc?pid=9788183482745&affid=mrunalrugm

http://www.flipkart.com/analytical-reasoning-3rd/p/itmdyv7d6fhkgp8s?pid=9788190458917&affid=mrunalrugm





2. Then move to RS Agarwal’s Chapter #3 for extra practice. (or if you’ve BSSijwali, go to Chapter #23).

To solve the last three categories of questions (Strengthen / Weaken arguments,cause-effect, course of action), you must know what’re the facts, assumptions,inferences and conclusions in the given statements. Therefore, preparation sequenceshould be: assumption topic–>inference–>strengthen / weaken arguments and soon…

3 Statement Syllogism

All cats are dogs…..

To master 3 statement syllogism, first you’ve to master the 2-statement.Understandthe UPUN method explain in these two articles articles:

1. Two Statement Syllogism Click ME

2. Three Statement Syllogism Click ME

Then do all sums given in Chapter 11 of MK Pandey and finally Chapter 1 of RSAgarwal (under Logic portion).

Reasoning Approach: Usual topics

In Decreasing priority order.Chapter Number

MK Pandey RS Agarwal

1. Eligibility Tests 12 18

2. Math Operations 17,18,19 13

3. Sitting Arrangement 20 6 (Puzzle Test)

4. Data Sufficiency 7 17

5. Input Output 13 to 16 7

Eligibility Test

First you’re given a passage with conditions like,

“Applications are invited for xyz post. If candidate has graduation with 50% marks

http://mrunal.org/2013/01/reasoning-syllogism-all-cats-dogs-approach-shortcut-technique-explained-ibps-ssc-csat-cat.html

http://mrunal.org/2013/01/reasoning-statement-syllogism-technique-method-shortcuts-for-ibps-ssc-csat-cat-cmat-gmat.html





and 3 years work experience…. then forward letter to Deputy manager, else ….forward letter to….”

Then five questions are given, each has a unique case like “If Rahul Gandhi has**% in graduation and ** years of work ex and….then what to do?”This is known as “eligibility test”- very commonly asked in BankPO exams.Advantage=If you get the question, it’s a set of 4-5 questions. (helps you clearsectional cutoff).Problem=can be time consuming, if not practiced @home.First understand the techniques and tips given in Chapter 12 of MK Pandey. Thenpractice all the sums given in Chapter 18 of RS Agarwal.

Math Operations+Inequality

They’re usually of three types

Type Example

1. BODMAS+ means x,x means – and..

2. InequalityP@Q means “P is not smaller than Q”P%Q means “P is neither smaller not equal to Q”

3. RelationshipP#Q means P is brother of QP^Q means P is sister of Q

Again, math operation questions are pretty common in BankPO examsProblem= you may get wrong answer or waste lot of time.=need maximumpractice at home.Approach: All theory and all sums of Chapter 17,18,19 of MK Pandey.Then practice all the sums given in Chapter 18 of RS Agarwal.

Sitting arrangement

Can be of following types

1. Circular table2. Rectangular table3. Blood relations (A is mother of B who is sister of C and…)4. Appointment (Arranging lectures from Mon. to Sat., name of professors vs

subjects)5. Complex (Person, building floor, occupation etc.)

Advantage=Minimum 1 set (=5 questions) always asked in BankPO exam.(=helps clearing the sectional cutoffs).



Problem= can be “sitters” (=very time consuming), If not practiced @home.Approach: Understand the techniques explained in Chapter 20 of MK Pandey.Then practice all the sums given in Chapter 6 (Puzzle Test) of RS Agarwal.

Non verbal

Usually five questions.Practice is “must”. Try to solve the question by eliminating the “unfit” casesfirst.Solve all the questions in RS Agarwal==> Non Verbal portion ==>Series,Analogy and Classification.You may ignore mirrors and paper folding, because usually they’re usually notasked in BankPO exams. (However they’re important for SSC-CGL exam).

Data Sufficiency (DS)

It is very easy to make mistakes in these question.Theoretical part must be absolutely clear in your mind.So first clear the theory from Chapter 7 of MK Pandey. Practice all exercises.Then practice all sums given in Chapter 17 of RS Agarwal.

Input Output

Chapter 13 to 16 of MK Pandey then practice Chapter 7 of RS Agarwal.

This ends the core topics. Now, Moving to the peripheral topics (i.e. “Chillar” topics).

Reasoning: Peripheral Topics

Peripheral Topics Chap.# in RS Agarwal

1. Coding Decoding 4

2. Direction Based Tests 8

3. Dictionary (alphabet) arrangement 10

DBT: Direction Based Test

E.g. A man walks 1 km towards East and then he turns to South and walks for 5 kms.Then he………Now how far is he from the starting point?

This is a “no-excuse” topic. Practice all sums given in Chapter 8 of RS Agarwal.

http://mrunal.org/2013/01/studyplan-ssc-cgl-logical-reasoning-general-intelligence-preparation-strategy-approach-roadmap-booklist.html



Coding Decoding

Can be of two types

Words Numbers

Health is written as GSKZDG then North willbe written as

453945 means “decide” then 8978means…

Sometimes you’re given a “matrix table” and you’ve to decode the wordsaccordingly. Do all the sums given in Chapter #4 of RS Agarwal.

Dictionary (Alphabet) tests

Chapter #10 of RS Agarwal.

Misc.

Once ^all of above is done, get an overview of the misc. topics such as sequence,series, odd pair, dice, cubes, clocks, calendars, Venn Diagrams etc. from RSAgarwal’s/BS Sijwali’s book.This concludes the preparation of reasoning section for SBI PO.How to approach GA+Marking+Computer, explained in separate article: click

me (with free study material for computer, IT, economy etc.)

How people dig their own graves in Bank PO/Clerkexams?

1. They underestimate the level of competition.2. They buy the books, magazines, download PDF files from internet and so on. But

they only “gather” material. They never “process” the gathered material.3. They just spend time in day dreaming and facebook, TV, SMS, PC/mobile games,

cricket, loitering around etc.4. They start serious preparation only AFTER receiving the exam call letter.5. During the exam, they think, “ya ya ya the marketing and English section is

“pappu” so I’m going to solve all questions here. And after that, I’ll go tomaths and reasoning section.”

6. They get stuck in lengthy calculations of Data interpretation (because they’venever practiced multiplication and division @home). And often make sillymistakes in calculation =negative marking.

7. They waste lots of minutes in sitting arrangement/eligibility test/non-verbalreasoning type questions.

Ultimately they cannot even cross the sectional cutoffs.( Getting in the final merit listis a far cry.)

http://mrunal.org/2013/02/study-plan-sbi-po-general-awareness-ga-computer-marketing-economy-topicwise-preparation-strategy-free-studymaterial.html



So, How to avoid your grave?

Maximum revision + Maximum practice @home.Mind will always find excuses (my cousin’s wedding, workload @office, I’m notin the mood….) but while you’re making those excuses, someone somewhere isbusy reading books and doing sums.The train of success doesnot show mercy on anyone, no matter how good theexcuse is, this train will not wait for you.So always remember Anil Kapoor from Tezaab: “time hotaa nahi hai, timenikaalnaa padtaa hai”. (There is no time as such, but you’ve to take out time(to study)).”Donot “HATE” reasoning. In fact, Syllogism, sitting arrangement, eligibility testetc. reasoning questions can be solved with maximum accuracy in short time(once you’ve mastered them). So don’t consider them your enemies, make themyour weapons. They’ll be immensely helpful in scoring high marks.When you get the question paper, you don’t have to solve all questions in acontinuous sequence i.e. Reasoning question from 1 to 50. Then English 1 to 50then DI from 1 to 50…Instead, first try to tick minimum 10-15 in each section first, and then comeback and solve remaining questions.

Cutoffs of SBI PO 2011 Exam

Phase 1: sectional cutoffs (2010, 11)



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2011 2010

Phase 1Maxmarks

SC/ST/PWD OBC GEN SC/ST/PWD OBC GEN

EnglishLanguage

50 10 10 13 5 5 10

GeneralAwareness

50 7 7 11 6 6 9

DI 50 10 10 13 4 4 8

Reasoning 50 10 10 13 8 8 12

Descriptive 50 18 18 20 18 18 20

Phase 1: Marks of last candidate

Now the marks scored by last candidate from Phase 1 to GDPI (Phase 2), in eachcategory.

Phase 1(2011) 250

SC/ST/PH 88

OBC 99

GEN 110

Courtesy: Mr.csl80 of pagalguy forum, for providing the cut off data and otheressential inputs regarding this exam.

URL to article: http://mrunal.org/2013/02/studyplan-sbi-po-reasoning-high-level-approach-booklist-strategy-cutoffs-2013.html

Posted By Mrunal On 11/02/2013 @ 20:29 In the category IBPS,Studyplan

http://www.pagalguy.com/u/csl80

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