English Language Proficiency
What this domain tests
This section tests grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, error spotting, sentence improvement, idioms, articles, prepositions, subject-verb agreement, tenses, voice and direct-indirect speech.
Core rules
- A singular subject takes a singular verb; ignore parenthetical phrases.
- 'One of the' is followed by a plural noun and a singular verb.
- Use 'since' with a point of time and 'for' with a duration.
- 'Few' means hardly any; 'a few' means some.
- In reported speech, shift tense and pronouns according to the reporting verb.
Worked example
Choose the correct verb: 'One of the boys ___ absent.' Reasoning: the true subject is 'one', which is singular; 'of the boys' is a prepositional phrase. Therefore the verb is 'is'. The plural 'boys' does not control the verb.
Traps that cost marks
Do not be misled by words between subject and verb; do not use 'less' for countable nouns; and do not confuse 'affect' (verb) with 'effect' (noun). In comprehension, answer from the passage, not from general knowledge.