English (Grammar, Vocabulary and Comprehension)
The English section of BSTC tests functional grammar rather than literary criticism: subject–verb agreement, articles, prepositions, tenses, voice, narration, vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions, idioms) and a short comprehension passage. Most items are single-sentence corrections, so the candidate must identify the exact rule being tested.
Core rules
- Subject–verb agreement: with either/or and neither/nor, the verb agrees with the nearer subject; each, every, everyone, nobody are singular.
- Articles: a/an depends on sound (an hour, a university); "the" is used for unique things, superlatives, rivers, ranges and newspapers.
- Tenses: present perfect with since/for; past perfect for the earlier of two past actions; time clauses after when/if take the present, not future.
- Prepositions: in (months, years, cities), on (days, dates), at (clock time, points); "since" for a point of time, "for" for duration.
- Voice and narration: change tense and pronouns systematically; universal truths keep the present tense in reported speech.
Worked example
"Neither the principal nor the teachers ___ present." Apply the proximity rule: the verb follows the nearer subject, "teachers", which is plural, so the answer is were. If the sentence were "Neither the teachers nor the principal ___", the answer would be was. The same logic governs "Either the boys or the girl is" and "Not only the students but also the teacher was".
Traps that cost marks
Do not use "has" with "one of the boys" - the subject is "one". Do not confuse its/it's and affect/effect. In comprehension, answer strictly from the passage, even if general knowledge suggests otherwise. In narration, do not shift the tense of a universal truth.