Improve your reading to crack CLAT

Pervin Malhotra

Q.I am in Class XI, student of science preparing for my Boards. Unlike many of my friends, I have not prepared for the CLAT. Just studying from some books. Now I believe the test pattern is being changed. I'm very confused. — Amanpreet Sodhi

A.The Consortium of National Law Universities has introduced several changes in the upcoming Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), which is scheduled for May 10, 2020. To help reduce the exams stress, the number of questions has been reduced from 200 to 150 that aspirants will have to solve in two hours.

In the revised comprehension-based pattern, the legal aptitude section has been replaced by the legal reasoning. The legal acumen section will now include questions based on legal reasoning and test your deductive reasoning abilities instead of testing your legal knowledge.

The math or quantitative techniques section will have more focus on analysis. The questions will be based on tables and graphs.

Other sections of the paper will include English language, current affairs and logical reasoning. There is provision for negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer for both the UG and PG exam.

To prepare for CLAT 2020, I suggest you to work on improving your reading and comprehension skills as the new format will focus on reasoning and analysis. You still have time. Work in dead earnest immediately after your Boards or try enrolling for a crash course. The deadline for submitting applications is March 31, 2020.

Restoring furniture also a vocation

Q.Our family has several pieces of ancestral period furniture which some say are priceless. However, not all of them are in good condition. Besides we don’t have sufficient space to store them all. I believe there’s a good market for antique furniture. What does it take to be a furniture restorer? Would it be a good idea? I have just completed my BA (Hons) History.

— Jeevika Randhawa

A.Sure, why not! Furniture restorers/conservators preserve and restore pieces of modern and antique furniture. Those specialising in historic or antique furniture may opt for conservation work to ensure that items retain their original characteristics. Restorers may use new materials to protect and update existing features. Restorers/conservators combine their specialist knowledge with a variety of practical techniques, such as veneering, marquetry, upholstery and polishing.

Ornamental or even functional furniture reflects the tastes of a society, the style, culture and history of the period and above all, timelessness of design, which is why unique pieces sometimes gain an abstract or concrete value. It is due to this 'value' that furniture conservators/ restorers are in demand.

After carefully examining the condition of the piece you'll take a call on the best way to restore or conserve it. To prolong and protect the life of a piece of furniture and artfully restore it to its original glory calls for creativity and careful planning before undertaking any ambitious conservation work. Even a minor mistake can damage a priceless piece.

Your work will also include sourcing materials, maintaining photographic and written records of projects, liaising with clients and colleagues, and providing specialist information.

Besides a genuine interest in the history of furniture, you need a patient and methodical yet creative approach and close attention to detail and a scientific temper to excel in this field. Your Bachelors in History will give you a decent springboard. Keep up-to- date with new preservation techniques and equipment, such as developments in digital imaging.

Furniture restorers are also hired by museums, auction houses, historical or heritage sites or antique dealers. Apart from possessing good communication skills to explain complex issues to clients, be prepared to travel extensively for sourcing and procuring the pieces.

You'll find some very amazing and innovative ideas to refurbish old/damaged pieces online on Pinterest!

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