English Language — Quick Reference

Topic map and typical weightage (Prelims)

Topic	Questions	Key technique

|---|---|---|

Reading Comprehension	7-10	Question-first for facts; full read for inference
Cloze Test	5	Read full passage before filling any blank
Error Detection	5	Find the TRUE subject, not nearest noun
Sentence Rearrangement	5	Find the anchor sentence, chain via linking words
Fill in the Blanks	5	Check grammar AND tone/context fit
Phrase Replacement	5	Test standard collocation, not just grammar

RC strategy

1. Skim question stems first (not options) — know what to look for
2. Read the FULL passage once — mandatory for inference/tone questions
3. Factual questions → go directly to noted location
4. Vocabulary-in-context → re-substitute option into the sentence,
   don't rely on memorized dictionary meaning alone

Common grammar traps

Subject-verb agreement:
  "The list of items IS..." (subject = "list", singular — ignore
    the nearby plural noun in the prepositional phrase)
  "Each of the students HAS..." ("each" = singular)

Prepositions:
  different FROM (not "than")
  comply WITH (not "to")
  arrive AT

Para jumble method

1. Find the ANCHOR — introduces topic, no backward-referencing
   words ("however," "this," "such")
2. Chain remaining sentences using linking words
3. "First/last sentence given" variant = EASIER, not harder —
   two anchors already fixed

Common collocations (phrase replacement)

make a decision (NOT "take a decision")
pay attention (NOT "give attention")
raise a concern

Double-blank fill-in

Check the RELATIONSHIP between the two words, not just each
independently — a mismatched pair that each "fits" locally
is the specific trap.

Prelims vs. Mains

	Prelims	Mains

|---|---|---|

RC style	Concrete, narrative	Abstract, policy-themed, denser
Error task	Spot the wrong part	Select BEST replacement (sentence improvement)
Time pressure	Standard	Stricter per question

Time budgets (starting framework)

RC passage: 10-12 min
Cloze: 5-6 min
Error detection: 3-4 min (fastest once patterns internalized)
Para jumbles: 5-6 min
Phrase/fill-in: 4-5 min

Daily practice habit

1 editorial-style passage (business/economy) daily
+ 3-sentence summary
+ log unfamiliar words WITH context sentence
+ personalized grammar error log (not generic revision)