Language and Communication Skills
Scope
The language paper tests reading comprehension of scientific and public health texts, precise vocabulary, grammar and control of written expression. It rewards the answer supported by the passage, not the answer that happens to be true.
Core rules
- Question types: main idea, specific detail, inference, vocabulary in context, author's purpose and tone. Locate the sentence justifying your choice before selecting.
- Inference: a valid inference is compelled by the text; speculation goes beyond it.
- Cohesion: signposts such as however, therefore, although and moreover signal contrast, consequence and addition, and often carry the answer.
- Grammar: match subject and verb across interrupting phrases, keep tense consistent, place modifiers next to what they modify, and check pronoun antecedents.
- Scientific register: prefer measured claims - was associated with, suggests, in this sample - and avoid absolute words unless the evidence is absolute.
- Plain-language communication: short sentences, one idea each, defined jargon and active voice where clarity matters, as in patient information leaflets.
Worked example with reasoning
Passage sentence: "Smoking was associated with higher asthma rates among adolescents, although the design could not establish causality." A question asks whether the author claims that smoking causes asthma. The answer is no: associated with states a statistical relationship, and the clause explicitly limits causal inference. An option saying the author proves causation is wrong even though the statement is medically plausible.
Traps that cost marks
- Choosing an option that is generally true but unsupported by the text.
- Overlooking EXCEPT and NOT in the stem.
- Being drawn to extreme wording (always, never, proves).
- Answering from personal knowledge when the passage says otherwise.
- Misreading a double negative in a conclusion.
Transfer tip
Underline the evidence sentence, then match it word by word to each option; correct answers usually paraphrase rather than copy.