How can I score more in English in SSC CGL tier 1?

Staff Selection Commission is one of the reputed exams conducted to recruit the graduates in several posts of central government offices across the country. It is essential to know the syllabus as well as the pattern of the SSC CGL exam 2018 by the aspirants. This article would provide the tips on how to score more in English SSC CGL Tier 1 exam as well the best books to refer.

SSC CGL Tier I English Section Syllabus:

It is critical to know what kind of questions will be asked in the English section in SSC CGL Tier I exam.

Exam Pattern of English Section:

As per the previous question papers, we have come up with the exam format for English here.

1. Spotting Errors – 3 – 4 Questions (6 to 8 Marks)
2. Reading Comprehension/Cloze Test – 5 Questions (10 Marks)
3. Synonyms/Antonyms – 3 Questions (6 Marks)
4. Idioms/Phrases – 3 Questions (6 Marks)
5. One Word Substitution – 2 – 3 Questions (4 – 6 Marks)
6. Spelling Mistakes – 2 Questions (4 Marks)
7. Sentence Correction – 3 – 4 Questions (6 – 8 Marks)
8. Active Passive/Direct Indirect – 2 Questions (4 Marks)
9. Para Jumbles – 2 Questions (4 Marks)

Tips to Score More in English Section:

Prepare a strategy to score better marks in this section. The test of English is a scoring section. We will see the tips below:

1. Allocate 2 hours to English on a daily basis for preparation. Make a good study plan as per the latest SSC CGL Syllabus and follow it religiously.
2. To solve questions in Spotting Errors, you must read the complete sentence carefully. The error can be found in most cases. While reading, check the subject-verb agreement. If you find the questions a little difficult, you must read the question again carefully to spot the error.
3. It is recommended to learn at least 30 new words on a daily basis. Make a note of the meaning and also check the usage. Go through the  previous year ssc cgl question papers to cover most frequently asked questions relating to Antonyms/Synonyms.
4. You must refer to the previous year question papers to learn idioms/phrases & One Word Substitution.
5. To solve spelling mistakes, sentence corrections, all you need to be good at is the basics of English – grammar rules. Go through the rules of English to brush up your grammar. Always look at every choice, eliminate all the choices that contain the error. Identify the sentence that has less or no grammatical errors.
6. Fill in the Blanks must be done carefully by reading the questions and options too carefully. Use the method of elimination and narrow down your choices. After choosing the closer option, read the sentence if it makes sense and choose that one.
7. In Cloze Tests, you are provided with the passage, all sentences are logically related to each other. That particular logic provides an idea about the appropriate word for the blank space. Sometimes, it is easy to pick the right option and when it is difficult, eliminate all the improbable options and try with the closer option and check. You must find a logical relation between all the provided options.
8. Reading Comprehension is all about reading the passage and answer the questions, the options will be very close to each other. You can only develop the skill of answering quickly with accuracy is by practicing more and more reading passages.
9. Go through previous year question papers and solve them. Practice more and more SSC CGL mock tests for better accuracy.
10. Analyze the results of your mock tests and prepare an action plan to lessen your mistakes and improve your accuracy.
11. List down important topics and ensure to study those topics without fails. Practice questions from previous year too.
12. Watch the talk shows, fact-based shows, listen to the news to pick up the vocabulary. By doing so, you can improve your vocabulary. Sometimes, situationally, you may understand the meaning of a word. Check the dictionary to tally the same, you can remember the meaning as well as the by doing so.

Recommended books to refer:

1. How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension – By Arun Sharma
2. Objective General English by S P Bakshi by Arihant
3. Wren & Martin – High School English Grammar and Composition

How to Prepare for SSC CGL 2017?

SSC CGL is a reputed examination conducted by Staff Selection Committee of India. It is a Combined Graduate level Examination to recruit various group B level gazetted as well as non gazetted officers to serve the duties in different central government offices. It is conducted once in year throughout the country. A lot of graduates appear but only a few make it, it needs serious preparation. The competition level is very high. So, only serious preparation and dedication can only give success.

Important Dates:

• SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam - 19 June 2017 to 2 July 2017
• Release of E-Admit Card for SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam - 2nd week of June 2017
• SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam - 19 June 2017 to 2 July 2017
• SSC CGL Tier-1 Exam Result - 1st week of August 2017
• Release of E-Admit Card for SSC CGL Tier-2 Exam - End of August 2017
• SSC CGL Tier-2 Exam – 5 to 8 Sept. 2017
• SSC CGL Tier-2 Exam Result - End of Sept. 2017
• SSC CGL Tier-3 Exam - 12 Nov. 2017
• Computer Skill Test / Skill Test - Dec. 2017

Levels of SSC CGL Exam:

There are 3 levels in this exam. Level or Tier I, II are online & III all is a written exam.

Level I tests the basic knowledge and reasoning ability to screen the candidate for level or tier II examination. Tier II examination has a minimum cut off which varies every year depending on various factors like number of candidates, difficulty level of examination etc. Tier II exam is conducted to test English, quantitative aptitude of the candidate. After clearing these levels, candidate has to appear for Tier III which is descriptive paper of 100 marks. Tier III paper consists of essay writing, letter and report writing. The marks obtained in 3 levels are considered for preparation of the final merit list.

After the successful completion of the written exams, the candidate has to appear for computer proficiency test or skill test. As per the position, the level of proficiency in skill test is conducted.

Preparation tips for SSC CGL 2017:

• This is a combined graduate level examination, and there are 3 levels, therefore your preparation strategy should be according to the 3 levels. Tier I marks are important for cracking the SSC CGL exam. The sections of Tier I & II overlap, so plan in such a way that there is more time allotted for preparation of these sections. Prepare well in these sections are English, Quantitative aptitude, comprehension for Tier I & II.
• Make yourself aware with the SSC CGL syllabus and pattern. Prepare a schedule according to the syllabus. It is very important to stick to a schedule because that is the only way to complete the syllabus according to the exam pattern.
• You should identify easy and difficult topics and prepare a study plan accordingly so that the difficult topics are not only covered but you are thorough with it.
• Make a planned study hour, stick to the schedule without fail. Remember, always there will few posts and more applicants, hence the competition is definitely cut throat. Therefore your preparation must be candid.
• If you are preparing for Tier I, then you must dedicate more time for Quantitative aptitude and English comprehension as this is a common section for both Tier I & II.
• There are numerous sites that conduct mock tests online, try to take mock tests as and when you can. SSC CGL test series help a lot.
• Revise the areas where you have a challenge and be prepared by the time of examination.
• Stay updated with all the latest current affairs and GK Today.

A good preparation and mock tests always helps. All the best for the upcoming SSC CGL 2017 exam. Hope you would crack it.