IBPS Clerk English Language Syllabus

English Language syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for English Language in IBPS Clerk, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Grammar

   5 topics

   • Tenses
   • Subject-Verb Agreement
   • Articles
   • Prepositions
   • Conjunctions
2. 2

   Vocabulary

   4 topics

   • Synonyms
   • Antonyms
   • Idioms and Phrases
   • One Word Substitution
3. 3

   Comprehension

   3 topics

   • Reading Comprehension
   • Cloze Test
   • Para Jumbles

English Language flashcards for IBPS Clerk

18 of 50 cards from the English Language deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. In Reading Comprehension, what is the difference between an inference question and a factual (direct) question?

   A factual/direct question has its answer stated explicitly in the passage. An inference question requires deducing a logical conclusion that is implied but NOT directly stated. For inference, choose the option that necessarily follows from the text, not extra outside knowledge.

2. What is the recommended strategy to attempt a Reading Comprehension passage efficiently in IBPS Clerk?

   Skim the passage first to grasp the gist, then read the questions, and finally scan back for specific details. Attempt vocabulary, synonym/antonym, and direct fact questions first as they are quicker, leaving tone and inference questions for last.

3. In RC, how do you correctly answer a question asking for the 'tone' of the author?

   Identify the author's attitude from word choice and adjectives. Common tones: critical, analytical, optimistic, pessimistic, satirical, sarcastic, objective, persuasive, and humorous. Match emotional/evaluative words in the passage to the closest tone option.

4. What does it mean when an RC question asks you to choose a statement that 'weakens' or 'strengthens' the author's argument?

   A strengthening statement provides supporting evidence or a premise that makes the argument more convincing. A weakening statement introduces a fact, counter-example, or exception that undermines the conclusion. Pick the option that directly affects the main argument's validity.

5. What is 'Theme Detection' in an English passage, and how does it differ from the central idea?

   The theme is the underlying message, subject, or recurring concept the passage explores (e.g., 'resilience', 'climate change'). The central idea is the single main point or thesis the author conveys about that theme. Theme = topic/subject; central idea = author's main assertion about it.

6. How do you find the central idea of a passage quickly?

   Look at the first and last sentences of the passage and the topic sentence of each paragraph. The central idea is broad enough to cover the whole passage but specific enough to exclude minor details. Avoid options that are too narrow (a single detail) or too broad (beyond passage scope).

7. When choosing the best TITLE for a passage, what rule should you follow?

   The title must capture the central idea, be concise, and represent the entire passage, not just one paragraph or example. Reject titles that are too broad, too narrow, or based on a minor detail.

8. What is 'passage-based vocabulary' and how should the meaning of a highlighted word be determined?

   It tests the meaning of a word AS USED in the passage's context, not its dictionary meaning in isolation. Use surrounding sentences (contextual clues) to pick the synonym/antonym that fits the specific usage, since many words have multiple meanings.

9. Give the synonyms and antonyms commonly tested for the word 'Augment'.

   Augment means to increase or make larger. Synonyms: increase, enlarge, expand, boost, amplify. Antonyms: decrease, reduce, diminish, lessen, curtail.

10. Give the meaning, a synonym, and an antonym of the word 'Ephemeral'.

    Ephemeral means lasting for a very short time. Synonyms: transient, fleeting, short-lived, momentary. Antonyms: permanent, lasting, eternal, enduring.

11. What are the eight Parts of Speech in English grammar?

    Noun, Pronoun, Verb, Adjective, Adverb, Preposition, Conjunction, and Interjection.

12. What are the main types of Nouns? Give an example of each.

    Proper (Delhi), Common (city), Collective (team, herd), Abstract (honesty, beauty), Material/Concrete (gold, water), and Countable vs Uncountable (book/water).

13. What is the difference between an Adjective and an Adverb, and what does each modify?

    An adjective modifies a noun or pronoun (e.g., a 'quick' runner). An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb and often answers how/when/where/to what degree (e.g., runs 'quickly').

14. What are the types of Pronouns? Give one example of each.

    Personal (I, he), Possessive (mine, his), Reflexive (myself), Relative (who, which, that), Demonstrative (this, those), Interrogative (who, what), Indefinite (some, anyone), and Reciprocal (each other).

15. What is the difference between the Past Simple and the Present Perfect tense?

    Past Simple (V2) describes a completed action at a definite past time ('I went yesterday'). Present Perfect (has/have + V3) links a past action to the present, used for unspecified time or actions continuing to now ('I have gone').

16. Form the structure of all four aspects of the Present tense (Simple, Continuous, Perfect, Perfect Continuous).

    Present Simple: subject + V1/V1+s. Present Continuous: is/am/are + V1+ing. Present Perfect: has/have + V3. Present Perfect Continuous: has/have + been + V1+ing.

17. State the basic rule of Subject-Verb Agreement regarding number.

    A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. (e.g., 'The boy runs'; 'The boys run'.) The verb must agree with the subject in number and person.

18. In Subject-Verb Agreement, which verb is used with 'Either...or' / 'Neither...nor' when subjects differ in number?

    The verb agrees with the subject NEAREST to it (proximity rule). E.g., 'Neither the teacher nor the students ARE present'; 'Neither the students nor the teacher IS present.'

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