Language Proficiency (English and Filipino)
What this subtest measures
The Language Proficiency section checks how accurately you control English and Filipino at the sentence level. English items typically test subject–verb agreement, pronoun reference, tense consistency, parallelism, modifier placement, prepositions, and word choice. Filipino items test kasanayan sa wika: paggamit ng angkop na pangngalan, pandiwa, pang-uri, at pang-abay; aspekto ng pandiwa; pokus; tamang gamit ng “ng” at “nang,” “rin/din,” at “raw/daw”; at kahulugan ng salita sa konteksto.
Core rules to apply
- Find the true subject before choosing the verb; phrases between subject and verb do not change number.
- Keep pronouns close to clear antecedents and match them in number and person.
- Make lists parallel: all infinitives, all gerunds, or all nouns.
- In Filipino, match verb aspect to time markers: completed (perpektibo), ongoing (imperpektibo), or contemplated (kontemplatibo).
- Distinguish “ng” (marker, object, or genitive) from “nang” (adverb marker or “when”).
Worked example
“Each of the applicants ___ required to submit a transcript.” The subject is “Each,” which is singular; “of the applicants” is only a prepositional phrase. Choose “is,” not “are.” The same logic applies in Filipino: “Ang bawat mag-aaral ay ___ ng proyekto.” The singular marker “bawat” keeps the subject singular, so use the singular verb form.
Traps that cost marks
- Choosing the verb that sounds right next to the nearest noun.
- Missing faulty parallelism in long lists.
- Treating “fewer” and “less,” “affect” and “effect,” or “bring” and “take” as interchangeable.
- In Filipino, translating English tense mechanically instead of using aspect and focus.
- Ignoring spelling or accent changes that alter meaning, such as “bukas” (tomorrow) versus “bukás” (open).