Guide on how to prepare GK for competitive exams

By Showick Thorpe

During a student interaction at an institution a few months ago, I asked participants to write down three parameters to describe what they think when it comes to preparing of General Knowledge or G.K. The three most common responses were:

(i) Vastness and spread multi-dimensionally;

(ii) Dynamically evolving, and

(iii) Difficult to Organize Information.

There were many more responses, but I could classify most of others to the three parameters given above. Well, it did amuse me to find how students perceived G.K., but what made it startling was the fact this group included students who were also preparing for competitive examinations.

Let’s see how we can make preparation of G.K. for competitive examination easy, structured and fruitful.

 Now, if you look at all these points together, you realize that these all talk about one continuous process. i.e.

Since, whatever we treat at general knowledge content, it keeps on growing day-by-day. The overall size of the GK-domain thus becomes vast, and therefore, organizing all the ever-evolving, ever-changing, ever-growing information becomes difficult. It is important for students to tactically plan their journey and also use tools that help them do well in G.K. section of the test.

Step 1: Understanding the dimensions of the syllabus. Generally, the examination authorities notify detailed syllabus and from there one can understand if the G.K. section will be biased for a particular subject or topic. For instance, IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection) notifies that the GK section of its CWE (Common Written Examination) for clerical or officer cadres, will have specific coverage of banking specific information.

If such information is not provided, students are advised to go through the previous original papers of the said examination (if these are available) to see what pattern the GK section will have. Accordingly, students must plan out their preparation strategies. It is better to invest more resources, time and effort, to prepare for topics which have more coverage in the paper.

Step 2: Using information or knowledge organizers.  There are many organizers such as compare-contrast graphs, sequential thinking model, spider maps etc which help us in remembering key concepts and sub-themes better.  Let’s take a look at some of them:

a)  Compare and Contrast Organizer: It compels students not only to consider similarities but also encourages critical thinking about crucial differences. An analysis of commonalities shared and differences evident in an event or topic is a good launching point for participation on class discussions for better understanding of concepts.

b)  Sequential Thinking Organizer: These graphic organizers are helpful in coordinating a wide array of topics. These will also help you analyse how a particular concept unfolds into many sub-concepts, inclusive as well as far-reaching. These also help understand relationship with directly/indirectly connected concepts.

c) Spider Maps as information organizers: Spider maps begin with central concept then branch out. Maps can be then expanded further, by providing examples and/or evidences to support each element of model. Pros and cons for each of element can be provided to continue the branching-out process. Once students become more comfortable and confident using graphic organizers, spider maps can be employed. Spider map analysis of advantages and disadvantages of each elements helps build conceptual understanding of the issues. Promotes active learning and allows students to visualise the relationship between the concepts and the focus question. It becomes a visual aid, making it easier to remember, memorize and recall.

Step 3: Depending on G.K. books. I may not recommend specific books or resources, but these are essential for your study programme. You have to make a strategic decision yourself. I will recommend you to look at the structure of the G.K. books before you start using it. Within its structure is encoded the teaching methodology by the author. You have to work with a teaching methodology that syncs well with your learning methodology.

I am sure that my views, both of dissecting the syllabus of the test and that of using information organizers, will be useful for students preparing for competition examinations.

All the best!

About the author:

Showick Thorpe is a renowned author of several competitive examination titles. His General Knowledge titles The Pearson General Knowledge Manual and The Pearson Concise General Knowledge Manual are best-sellers.

Showick Thorpe