English Language
Core ideas
English Language tests reading, writing, and language use. For comprehension, identify the writer's purpose, tone, and viewpoint; distinguish fact from opinion; and explain effects of word choice. Summary demands selecting the main points, not examples, and rewriting them in your own words within the word limit. Grammar and punctuation questions target subject–verb agreement, tense consistency, pronoun reference, sentence fragments, comma splices, and apostrophes. Composition requires a clear plan, paragraphs with topic sentences, varied sentence lengths, and a consistent register.
Traps
Do not lift long phrases in summary tasks; paraphrase. Do not answer a 'how' question with a 'what'. Watch for apostrophes: 'its' versus 'it's', and 'their' versus 'there'. In directed writing, match the audience and format (letter, speech, report). Avoid comma splices and run-on sentences. If asked for two reasons, give two distinct reasons, not one reason twice.
Worked example
Question: 'Explain how the writer creates a sense of danger.' Weak answer: 'The writer says it was dangerous.' Strong answer: 'The writer uses the verb 'lurched' and the short sentence 'No way back.' The violent verb suggests sudden loss of control, while the abrupt sentence creates tension and leaves the reader uncertain.'
Rule of thumb
Use PEE: make a Point, give Evidence (a short quotation), and Explain the effect on the reader. For summary, write one sentence per main point and check every sentence against the word limit.