NTS GAT-General Verbal Reasoning (English) Syllabus

Name the eight parts of speech in English.

Noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, and interjection.

What is the function of an adjective versus an adverb?

An adjective modifies a noun or pronoun (a quick runner). An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb (runs quickly).

What is a conjunction? Name the coordinating conjunctions.

A conjunction joins words, phrases, or clauses. Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS): For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

What is a preposition? Give three examples.

A preposition shows the relationship of a noun/pronoun to another word, usually in time or place. Examples: in, on, at, under, between.

State the basic rule of subject-verb agreement.

A singular subject takes a singular verb; a plural subject takes a plural verb. Example: 'He runs' / 'They run.'

In subject-verb agreement, how are subjects joined by 'and' versus 'or/nor' treated?

Subjects joined by 'and' usually take a plural verb. With 'or/nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject. Example: 'Neither the boys nor the girl is here.'

Do indefinite pronouns like 'each', 'everyone', and 'neither' take singular or plural verbs?

They take a singular verb. Example: 'Each of the students has a book.'

In 'The team is winning' vs 'The team are arguing', what rule applies?

Collective nouns take a singular verb when acting as a unit, and a plural verb when members act individually.

What are the four types of conditional sentences in English?

Zero (general truths), First (real future possibility), Second (unreal/unlikely present), and Third (unreal past).

Give the structure of the First Conditional with an example.

If + present simple, will + base verb. Example: 'If it rains, I will stay home.'

Give the structure of the Second Conditional with an example.

If + past simple, would + base verb. Example: 'If I had money, I would travel.'

Give the structure of the Third Conditional with an example.

If + past perfect, would have + past participle. Example: 'If I had studied, I would have passed.'

What is sentence correction, and what should you check first?

Sentence correction means identifying and fixing grammatical errors. First check subject-verb agreement, then verb tense, pronoun reference, and parallel structure.

Correct the sentence: 'Neither of the answers are correct.'

'Neither of the answers is correct.' ('Neither' is singular, so it takes a singular verb.)

Correct the sentence: 'He is taller than me.'

'He is taller than I (am).' In formal English, the comparison uses the subject pronoun 'I'.

What is a single-blank sentence completion question and how do you approach it?

A sentence with one missing word; you choose the word that best fits the meaning and tone. Approach: read for context clues and identify whether the missing word agrees or contrasts with the sentence.

What context clue words signal a CONTRAST in a single-blank sentence?

Words like 'but', 'however', 'although', 'despite', 'yet', and 'whereas' signal that the blank contrasts with the rest of the sentence.

What is a double-blank sentence completion question?

A sentence with two missing words; both choices must fit logically and grammatically. Eliminate options where even one word fails the context.

In a double-blank question, what is the best strategy when one word clearly fits but the other does not?

Reject the entire option. Both blanks must be correct; a single wrong word eliminates the whole answer choice.

What is meant by 'logical word choice in context'?

Selecting the word whose meaning, connotation, and tone best fit the surrounding sentence, not just any word that is grammatically possible.

Why can two synonyms have different correct uses in context?

Because of connotation. Example: 'thrifty' (positive) and 'stingy' (negative) both mean careful with money, but tone determines which fits.

What are transition (connector) words and what do they do?

They link ideas and show relationships such as addition, contrast, cause, or sequence between sentences and clauses.

Classify these connectors by function: 'moreover', 'however', 'therefore', 'meanwhile'.

'Moreover' = addition; 'however' = contrast; 'therefore' = cause/result; 'meanwhile' = time/sequence.

Which connectors show cause-and-effect relationships?

Because, since, therefore, thus, consequently, as a result, and hence.

What is the 'main idea' of a passage and how do you identify it?

The main idea is the central point the author makes. Identify it by finding what most sentences support, often stated in the topic sentence or summarized in the conclusion.

What is the difference between the main idea and a supporting detail?

The main idea is the overall central point; supporting details are facts, examples, or reasons that explain or back up the main idea.

What is an inference in reading comprehension?

A conclusion drawn from evidence in the text plus reasoning, rather than something stated directly. It must be supported by the passage, not by outside opinion.

What is a topic sentence and where is it usually located?

A topic sentence states the main point of a paragraph. It is usually the first sentence, though it can appear at the end.

How do you choose the best title for a passage?

Pick a title that captures the overall main idea, not just one detail. It should be broad enough to cover the whole passage but specific enough to reflect its focus.

What are linking devices (cohesive devices) and why are they used?

Linking devices are words like pronouns, conjunctions, and transitions that connect sentences and ideas, creating cohesion so a text flows logically and reads as a unified whole.