Language (English and Punjabi/Hindi) and Basic Computer Knowledge
What is tested
This domain combines English, Punjabi/Hindi and basic computer literacy. English questions test grammar (articles, prepositions, subject-verb agreement, tenses), vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution, idioms), spelling, sentence correction and comprehension. Punjabi/Hindi questions test Gurmukhi/Devanagari reading, matras, vocabulary, grammar and translation. Computer questions cover hardware, software, memory, shortcuts, MS Office, internet and cyber-safety basics.
Core rules
- A verb agrees with its subject, not with a phrase in between; with "one of + plural noun", the verb is singular.
- With "neither...nor" and "either...or", the verb agrees with the nearer subject.
- Learn common Punjabi matras: bindi, tippi and addak (ੱ) change pronunciation and meaning.
- Computer: 1 byte = 8 bits, 1 KB = 1024 bytes, 1 MB = 1024 KB; Ctrl+Z undo, Ctrl+X cut, Ctrl+C copy, Ctrl+V paste.
- Input devices include keyboard, mouse, scanner; output devices include monitor, printer, speaker.
Worked example
Fill in: "Neither the principal nor the teachers ___ present." The conjunction "neither...nor" makes the verb agree with the nearer subject, "teachers", which is plural. So the correct form is "were" (past) or "are" (present), not "was". If the sentence were "Neither the teachers nor the principal ___", the singular "was/is" would be correct.
Traps
- Writing "its" for "it's" and "your" for "you're".
- Ignoring the addak (ੱ) in Punjabi, which doubles a consonant.
- Confusing KB (1024 bytes) with kb (kilobit).
- Choosing a synonym that fits a different context.