English Language
What this domain tests
English Language assesses reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure through RC, error detection, sentence correction, cloze tests, para jumbles, fillers and synonym or antonym questions. RC passages are often banking, economy or social-theme based.
Core rules and concepts
- RC: separate main idea from details; answer inference questions only from what the passage supports, not from outside knowledge.
- Subject-verb agreement: one of + plural noun + singular verb; each, every, either and neither take singular verbs.
- Parallelism: items in a list must share grammatical form.
- Modifiers: a participial phrase at the start modifies the subject of the main clause.
- Para jumbles: find the opening sentence, often broad and pronoun-free, then use pronouns, connectors and chronology.
Worked example
Find the error: One of the reason for the delay is the shortage of staff. Reasoning: The phrase one of the is followed by a plural noun: one of the reasons. The verb is correctly agrees with one. Correct sentence: One of the reasons for the delay is the shortage of staff. The error is reason.
Traps
- Choosing an option that is true in real life but not stated in the passage.
- Overcorrecting grammar: a sentence can be long yet correct.
- Ignoring context in vocabulary questions; critical can mean important or disapproving.
- In para jumbles, forcing a sentence with a pronoun as the opener.
- In cloze, choosing a word that fits meaning but not collocation, such as make a decision rather than do a decision.
Key points
Anchor every answer to the passage or to a recognised grammar rule, not to sound alone.