Mongolian Language and Literature
Core concepts
This section tests grammar, orthography, text comprehension, and literary knowledge. Understand Mongolian spelling rules, including vowel harmony, suffix attachment, and the distinction between similar-sounding forms. Know parts of speech, sentence structure, and punctuation conventions (commas in lists and subordinate clauses). For comprehension, practice identifying main ideas, author intent, and the function of rhetorical devices such as metaphor, simile, and personification. Familiarize yourself with major works of Mongolian literature, their authors, genres, and historical periods, and be able to summarize plots and themes.
Traps
- Confusing homophones that differ only by a suffix or vowel.
- Misplacing commas in complex sentences with subordinate clauses.
- Selecting an answer that is true in general but not supported by the passage.
- Mixing up authors, works, and literary periods.
- Over-reading tone: distinguish the author's stated view from your inference.
Rule of thumb
For comprehension questions, locate the sentence in the text that supports your choice. If you cannot point to it, the answer is probably wrong.
Worked example
When asked which device appears in a line comparing a river to a silver ribbon, identify the explicit comparison using "like" or "as" as a simile; if the object is described as if it were the thing itself, it is a metaphor.