English Language
What this domain tests
Grammar accuracy and vocabulary control: error spotting, sentence improvement, subject-verb agreement, articles and prepositions, tense and voice, synonyms and antonyms, idioms, one-word substitutions, fill-in-the-blanks and a short reading-comprehension passage. Grammar items are usually decided by one identifiable rule, so name the rule before choosing.
Core rules
- Subject-verb agreement: "one of the + plural noun" takes a singular verb; "each", "every" and "either" are singular.
- Fixed prepositions: discuss (no "about"), married to, capable of, insist on, abide by, deprived of.
- Comparatives: use "than" with a comparative, and never double it ("more better" is wrong).
- Since + point of time, for + duration.
- Idioms carry a fixed meaning; "to bite the bullet" means to face something painful bravely, not to eat anything.
Worked example
Choose the correct verb: "One of the boys ___ absent yesterday." Reasoning: the subject is "one", not "boys". The phrase "of the boys" is a prepositional modifier, so the verb agrees with the singular "one". "Yesterday" requires the past tense. Answer: was. Test: strip the modifier - "One ___ absent yesterday" reads correctly only as "was".
Traps that cost marks
- Making the verb agree with the nearest plural noun instead of the real subject.
- Adding a preposition the verb does not take ("discuss about", "reply back").
- Confusing "affect" (verb) with "effect" (noun), and "principal" with "principle".
- In comprehension, choosing an option that is true in general but not stated in the passage.