English Language: Reading, Grammar and Writing
The English paper tests reading comprehension, grammar in context, and controlled writing. Questions rarely ask for isolated definitions; they ask you to use the language accurately and to show that you understand what a text actually says.
Reading
Skim for the main idea before reading the questions. Scan for names, dates and figures. For inference items, choose the option the text supports, not the one that sounds generally true. Track reference words (it, they, this) back to their nouns, and watch contrast markers (however, although, whereas) because they often carry the answer.
Grammar
Revise present perfect versus past simple (since, for, ago, last), conditionals 1–3, passive voice, relative clauses (defining and non-defining), reported speech with backshift, articles, subject–verb agreement, and gerund versus infinitive after verbs such as enjoy, avoid, decide and manage.
Writing
A paragraph needs one topic sentence, two or three supporting sentences with examples, and a closing sentence. Use cohesive devices (first, moreover, therefore, in contrast). For a formal email, open with Dear Sir/Madam, state your purpose in the first line, and close with Yours faithfully.
Worked example
If I had revised, I would have passed. This is the third conditional: an unreal past situation. The if-clause takes had + past participle, and the result takes would have + past participle. If I revised would suggest a real or likely present or future condition, which changes the meaning.
Traps
Using although with but; since for a point in time (since 2010) but for with a period (for three years); confusing used to with be used to; dropping the -s in the third-person singular; and writing an essay without a clear position.