How to deal with Lengthy Word Problems in Quantitative Aptitude?
Does your mind go blank the moment you see lengthy word problems in the exam?And then it becomes difficult to solve even the questions that you could easily solve during the practice?
Let me tell you - lengthy word problem is a deliberate elimination trick used by examiners.
And, the truth is — this problem doesn’t go away only with hard work and practice.
So even if you are a sincere and hardworking student, don’t assume you are safe from falling into this trap.
In the exam, anyone can get stuck if they don’t take active steps to handle these questions smartly.
Today, let's see some practical tips that'll help all the students in dealing with this problem. The solutions will take a little effort from you, but I promise - if you follow them consistently, you'll be able to get over this problem once and for all.
So, disconnect yourself from all the distractions for next few minutes and get fully focused.
1. Do not read lengthy questions top to bottom.
Trying to read such questions completely in the first go can itself cause a fall in your blood pressure.
The better way is - Quickly try to figure out what is the question actually asking. You'll usually find this either at the beginning or right at the end of the question.
Now, once you know what the question wants from you, go back and read the question properly - this time with clarity and purpose.
You’ll panic less and understand the data much faster.
2. Cut out the distracting & irrelevant information
Examiners purposely insert extra details in such questions to confuse you.
They want to see whether you panic or not.
The moment you panic, even the simplest questions will become difficult for you.
So, learn to identify the noise and ignore it.
But, this habit has to be built during the practice, at home.
If you watch the QA Videos from CareerRide, you'll see - how easily this can be mastered.
4. Convert the story into numbers and equations.
This is Quantitative Aptitude - not literature. Everything here boils down to numbers.
So, keep converting the sentences into numbers and equations, as you read them.
For e.g. A shop keeper sells 2 Pens and 3 Erasers for Rs 90/-
Immediately convert this into : 2P + 3E = 90
This turns long sentences into short, meaningful, manageable data.
But remember — this habit must be practiced at home.
It doesn’t happen suddenly in the exam hall.
5. Draw Quick Diagrams
This trick is especially powerful for problems on chapters like Trains, Boats & Streams, Time and Distance, Pipes & Cisterns, Heights & Distance, Area, Volume & Surface Area etc.
The visual representation of the question gives you an immediate clarity.
In fact, a 10-second drawing can reduce the cognitive load on your mind by 50%.
Rather than carrying everything in head, bring it on paper - You’ll instantly see the difference in clarity and accuracy.
All of these techniques have been taught very clearly and easily in the QA Playlist from CareerRide.
If you learn from those videos, you’ll automatically pick up these habits — whether you consciously try or not.
We’ve also recently added videos on our YouTube Channel, CareerRide, to help you deal with other common challenges students face during QA preparation.
You can watch them before starting the first chapter — it will help you get the maximum benefit from your preparation time!
