Language Structures and Vocabulary (Grammar and Lexis)
What this domain tests
This domain checks control of core grammar and vocabulary in context: tenses and aspect, articles, prepositions, comparatives, conditionals, modals, word formation, collocation and confusable words. Questions are usually gap-fills or sentence transformations where only one option fits grammatically and semantically.
Concepts to master
- Tense and aspect: present simple vs. continuous, present perfect vs. past simple, and time markers (since, for, ago, already, yet).
- Articles: a/an for first mention, the for shared/known reference, zero article for general plurals and abstract nouns.
- Prepositions in fixed phrases (depend on, interested in, good at, arrive at/in).
- Modals and their meanings: obligation (must, have to), permission (may, can), deduction (must be, can't be, might be).
- Collocation and word families: which noun goes with which verb (make a decision, take a break) and correct derivations (success → successful → successfully).
Traps to watch
- Two options that are both grammatical but only one is idiomatic.
- False friends and near-synonyms with different register or collocation.
- Missing the time expression, which decides the tense.
- Irregular forms (child/children, good/better, lie/lay).
Rule of thumb
Read the whole sentence before choosing; the surrounding words usually contain the clue (a time marker, a preposition, a subject). Eliminate options that break grammar first, then choose between the rest by meaning and collocation.
Worked example: She ___ in this office since 2019. Options: works / worked / has worked / is working. Since 2019 signals a situation continuing to now, so the present perfect has worked is correct.