A person’s proficiency in the English language is not just about the accent or speaking fluency but also about vocabulary skills, proper use of grammar, reading comprehension, and analysis. Twenty percent of the CLAT UG question paper is allotted to the English language section. Therefore, candidates must have a strong command of English to perform well in the exam. Developing these language skills can significantly enhance one’s overall performance and chances of success in the CLAT UG exam.
Let’s look into certain tips and strategies on how students can ace this section:
- Master the Literary Devices – There is no English section in the question paper without at least 3 to 4 questions on the literary device used in the passage. Therefore students must be familiar with common literary devices like metaphors, similes, alliteration, irony, personification, etc., to identify the correct literary device used in the sentences of the passage.
- Understand the Question Carefully—The questions asked in the English language section can be tricky. Sometimes, the questions contain phrases such as “most suitable” or “most effective.” They also ask you to identify a statement that supports the argument or weakens it and even ask you to identify a statement that the author agrees with. Read the question carefully and analyze what they are asking.
- Vocabulary and Cue Card practice – There would be questions that would ask you the synonyms and antonyms of certain words that were used in the passage. But be careful the question might be in such a way that they are asking the synonym for not the general meaning of the word but for how it has been used in a certain sentence in the passage. Understand the whole meaning of the sentence or that paragraph as a whole then you will be able to identify the synonyms or antonyms. Students can also practice by making cue cards or flash cards. It is also advised that they read newspapers daily to improve their vocabulary.
- Choosing The Best Suitable Title – Most of the passages would have the question of choosing the most suitable title for the passage. Read the passage carefully and identify its central theme. Avoid overly specific or too broad titles; the best title should summarize the main idea. Compare all title options and eliminate those that do not capture the essence of the passage.
- Practice Regularly with Mock Tests and Improve Reading Speed & Comprehension – Solve previous years’ CLAT English questions to get familiar with the pattern and Take timed quizzes to improve speed and accuracy. Students should focus on reading quickly without missing key details. Try to summarize paragraphs mentally while reading to grasp the core message efficiently.
These few tips might help you ace the English language section in your CLAT exam. The main point to be noted is that it is not possible to perfect everything in one day. Many students during their initial mock tests might even scoreless marks in English and feel that they are bad at even the basic language subject, please keep such thoughts way as no one has mastered the English language in one day. Be positive keep practicing you will reach your goal.