NTS NAT-IM Verbal (English) Syllabus

Verbal (English) syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Verbal (English) in NTS NAT-IM, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Sentence Completion

   4 topics

   • Single-Blank Sentences
   • Double-Blank Sentences
   • Contextual Clues
   • Logical Connectors and Transition Words
2. 2

   Synonyms

   3 topics

   • Vocabulary in Context
   • Word Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes
   • Shades of Meaning
3. 3

   Antonyms

   3 topics

   • Opposite Word Pairs
   • Degree and Intensity of Words
   • Eliminating Distractors
4. 4

   Analogies

   3 topics

   • Identifying Word Relationships
   • Common Analogy Types
   • Bridge Sentence Technique
5. 5

   Reading Comprehension

   5 topics

   • Main Idea and Theme
   • Supporting Details
   • Inference and Implied Meaning
   • Author's Tone and Purpose
   • Vocabulary from Passage
6. 6

   Grammar and Usage

   4 topics

   • Subject-Verb Agreement
   • Tenses and Verb Forms
   • Prepositions and Articles
   • Pronoun and Modifier Usage

Verbal (English) flashcards for NTS NAT-IM

18 of 50 cards from the Verbal (English) deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. In a single-blank sentence completion, what should you do BEFORE looking at the answer choices?

   Predict your own word that fits the blank based on the sentence's logic and tone, then match it to the closest option.

2. What is a single-blank sentence completion item?

   A sentence with one missing word where you must choose the option that best fits the meaning and grammar of the sentence.

3. In double-blank sentences, why must BOTH blanks be tested?

   An option is correct only if it fits both blanks; if either word fails, the whole choice is wrong, even if the other word seems perfect.

4. What strategy helps eliminate options quickly in double-blank questions?

   Solve the easier blank first using context clues, eliminate options that fail that blank, then test the remaining options on the second blank.

5. What are contextual clues in verbal reasoning?

   Hints within the surrounding words or sentence that reveal the meaning of an unknown word or the word needed for a blank.

6. Name the four main types of context clues.

   Definition/restatement clues, synonym clues, antonym/contrast clues, and example/inference clues.

7. What is a definition (restatement) context clue?

   The sentence directly explains the unknown word's meaning, often set off by commas, dashes, or 'that is/in other words'.

8. What is a contrast (antonym) context clue?

   A signal word like 'but, however, unlike, although' shows the blank or unknown word means the OPPOSITE of a nearby word.

9. What is an example context clue?

   Examples introduced by 'such as, like, including, for instance' illustrate and reveal the meaning of the target word.

10. What do logical connectors / transition words do in sentence completion?

    They signal the relationship between ideas (continuation, contrast, cause-effect), telling you whether the blank agrees with or opposes the surrounding context.

11. List common CONTRAST/opposition transition words.

    But, however, although, though, yet, whereas, while, unlike, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the contrary, in contrast, conversely, despite, in spite of.

12. List common CONTINUATION/addition transition words.

    And, also, moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides, likewise, similarly, as well as, not only...but also.

13. List common CAUSE-AND-EFFECT transition words.

    Because, since, therefore, thus, hence, consequently, as a result, so, due to, owing to, accordingly.

14. List common EXAMPLE/illustration transition words.

    For example, for instance, such as, namely, to illustrate, in particular, like, including.

15. How does the word 'although' affect the expected answer in a blank?

    It sets up a contrast, so the blank should oppose or contradict the idea in the other clause.

16. What does 'vocabulary in context' require you to do?

    Determine a word's intended meaning based on how it is used in the sentence, not just its most common dictionary definition.

17. Why can a familiar word be a trap in vocabulary-in-context questions?

    Many words have multiple meanings (secondary or figurative senses); the test often uses a less common meaning that fits the specific context.

18. What is a word root?

    The core part of a word that carries its basic meaning, to which prefixes and suffixes can be attached.

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