English (Language Proficiency and Reading Comprehension)
Core concepts
This section has two halves. Language proficiency tests grammar (subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, pronoun-antecedent agreement, modifier placement, parallelism, prepositions, idioms), vocabulary in context (synonyms, antonyms, roots and prefixes), and sentence structure. Reading comprehension tests main idea, supporting detail, inference, author's purpose and tone, transitions, and organization. Passages are short, so every sentence carries weight.
Traps
- A phrase between subject and verb changes nothing: "The box of tools is heavy," not "are."
- Indefinite pronouns (each, everyone, neither, either) are singular.
- Misplaced "only" and dangling participles alter meaning; place modifiers next to what they describe.
- Inference answers that are true in real life but not supported by the passage are wrong.
- In EXCEPT and NOT questions, three choices fit and one does not; you are hunting for the odd one out.
- Extreme words such as always, never, and all are usually wrong in tone and inference items.
Worked example
"Each of the students (has/have) submitted the form." The subject is "Each," which is singular, so the verb is "has." Cross out the prepositional phrase "of the students" before deciding.
Rule of thumb
For reading questions, return to the passage and underline the exact line that supports your choice. If you cannot point to it, the choice is probably an inference too far.