English Language for TNUSRB Constable
The English section covers grammar, vocabulary and a short comprehension passage. Grammar questions test tenses, articles, prepositions, subject-verb agreement, active and passive voice, and direct and reported speech; vocabulary questions test synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution and idioms.
Rules that repeat every year
- One of + plural noun + singular verb: "One of the boys was absent."
- Neither, either, each and every take a singular verb: "Neither of the two boys was present."
- News, mathematics and physics take singular verbs; scissors and trousers take plural.
- Use since with a point of time and for with a duration: "He has lived here since 2015."
- Passive voice = form of be + past participle: "The letter was written by her."
Worked example
"Neither of the two candidates ___ selected." (was / were) "Neither" is the subject and it is singular. The phrase "of the two candidates" is a prepositional phrase and does not change the verb. Remove it and the sentence reads "Neither was selected." Answer: was.
Traps that cost marks
Writing "one of my friend" instead of "one of my friends". Taking idioms literally - "to let the cat out of the bag" means to reveal a secret. Mixing up "affect" (verb) and "effect" (noun). In reported speech, remember that a present tense shifts to past when the reporting verb is in the past. In comprehension, answer only from the passage, not from general knowledge.