Do well in MAT (Miller Analogies Test) exams in 2013
This is my 9th part of blog on MAT sample questions. In this part of my blog you Strategies for Writing the MAT.
What is MAT?
The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is a test of verbal skills (vocabulary and comprehension) and analytical thinking which the test makers have designed to be a predictor of success in graduate school and professional life.
Analogies demonstrate relationships between terms. The analogies used in the MAT are expressed in the form of equations. The analogies in the MAT are written as follows:
"A : B :: C : D." This can be interpreted as "A has the same relationship to B that C has to D." Alternately is can be interpreted as "A has the same relationship to C as B has to D." Both interpretations can be used to solve an equation, but sometimes only one interpretation will prove useful. The first term in an equation is never related to the final term in the equation. That is, A is never related to D. In any equation, there is only one valid solution.
In each MAT question, one term is missing from the analogy equation. The candidate is given a choice of four possible answers to complete the equation. Although most terms in an analogy are in the form of words; numbers and symbols may also be used in these equations. The missing term may occur anywhere in the equation.
Boots : (a. b. c. d.) :: Gloves : Hands
(a. b. c. d.) : Feet :: Gloves : Hands
Boots : Feet :: (a. b. c. d.) : Hands
Boots : Feet :: Gloves : (a. b. c. d.)
The correct equation is "Boots : Feet :: Gloves : Hands" because boots are worn on the feet and gloves are worn on the hands. This equations could also have been expressed as "Boots : Gloves :: Feet : Hands."
Free Tips to pass MAT exams
Tip 1-Time management
You should not spend too much time on any one problem. As there are 120 questions on the 60 minute test, the candidate has 30 seconds to answer each question. If you spends too much time puzzling over the questions, he or she will run out of time and be unable to finish the test. This will lower your score. For this reason, if an answer does not come quickly, the candidate is advised to move on to the next question. You may go back and answer the more difficult questions after completing the easier questions. Sometimes an equation that is confusing on first reading becomes clearer on the second.
Tip 2- Answer all
Your score is a result of the number of correct answers. Wrong answers are not penalized. Therefore, all questions should be answered. If you are unsure about the correct answer, he or she should eliminate all obviously incorrect options and then guess from among the remaining options.
Tip 3-Answer in correct spaces
If you are writing the paper-and-pencil form of the test, he or she should take care to ensure that all answers are placed in the correct spaces in the answer booklet. If the candidate has the answer correct, but it is not entered in the corresponding space in the answer booklet, it will be marked wrong and lower the overall score. This can be a problem if the candidate skips a question and leaves a space. The test is score electronically. The candidate should be sure to fill in the answer circles completely to ensure that the test will be scored correctly.
Tip 4- Recheck answers
In the computer-based form of the test, the selected answer is displayed on the computer screen. The candidate should ensure that this is indeed his or her desired answer before moving on to the next question. The candidate may review his or her answers at the end of the test if there is sufficient time
Tip 5- Read all choices before answering
You should not select an answer without first reading all of the possible choices. One option may appear at first glance to complete the equation, but a better answer may be present among the other options. The option that best completes the equation should be chosen. There is only one valid option for every equation.
Tip 6-All possible meaning of a word
A word may have more than one meaning. The candidate should consider all possible meanings of a word. The word digit, for example, may mean a finger or toe, or a number. In addition, a word may be one part of speech in one context and another part of speech in another context. For example, the word table can be a noun or a verb.
Tip 7- Rearrange the terms
If you are confused by an equation, the equation may be clarified by rearranging the terms. If the candidate is reading the equation as "A has the same relationship to B as C has to D" it may help to read it as "A has the same relationship to C as B has to D." The equation will make sense when it is read either way. The correct answer will be the same part of speech as its corresponding term.
Tip 8- use eliminating formula
If the candidate is unsure about the correct response, he or she can narrow the possibilities by eliminating those that definitely do not complete the equation and guessing from the remaining options. The more options that can be eliminated, the higher the chances of guessing the correct answer.
