English: Accuracy, Comprehension and Communication
What is tested
The paper usually splits into grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension, composition, and basic communication theory. Grammar carries the most predictable marks: subject–verb agreement, tense sequence, articles, prepositions, conditionals, reported speech, active/passive, and modifier placement.
High-yield rules
- Agreement: the verb agrees with the head noun, not the nearest noun. The number of applicants is rising but A number of applicants are waiting. Collective nouns take a singular verb when acting as one unit.
- Quantity words: fewer for countable nouns, less for uncountable.
- Modifiers: a participial phrase must attach to the noun it describes. Walking down the road, I saw a snake is correct; Walking down the road, a snake was seen by me dangles.
- Tense sequence: keep the sequence consistent unless the meaning requires a shift; after if in a real condition use the present, not will.
Comprehension and composition
Distinguish literal questions (answer stated in the passage) from inferential ones (answer implied). Skimming gives gist; scanning locates detail. For composition, reward unity (one controlling idea), coherence (logical order) and cohesion (linking devices).
Communication theory
Know sender, message, channel, receiver, feedback and noise, and the standard barrier types: physical, semantic, psychological, organisational. Questions frequently ask which barrier a scenario illustrates.
Worked example
Stem: Choose the correct form - "The number of students who ___ the scholarship ___ increasing." Answer: receive (plural, agreeing with who = students) and is (singular, agreeing with number).
Rule of thumb: underline the head noun and the true subject before selecting a verb form; never trust the nearest noun.