Key Areas of English Composition for WBCS Prelims:

1. Synonyms & Antonyms:

• Synonyms are words that have the same or similar meanings.

  • Example: Happy – Cheerful, Joyful, Pleased.

• Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings.

  • Example: Happy – Sad, Unhappy, Depressed.

Preparation Tips:

• Build a habit of learning 5 new words daily with their synonyms and antonyms.

• Use flashcards, apps like WordUp or Quizlet, or maintain a personal notebook.

2. Idioms & Phrases:

Idioms and phrases are a significant part of the WBCS English syllabus. These are expressions whose meanings are not directly understandable from the individual words.

Examples:

• Break the ice – To initiate conversation in a social setting.

• A piece of cake – Something very easy.

• Hit the nail on the head – To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.

Tips:

• Learn at least 50-100 common idioms.

• Practice using them in sentences to remember better.

3. Vocabulary & Word Usage:

A strong vocabulary helps in multiple sections such as comprehension, cloze test, and error correction.

Effective Methods to Build Vocabulary:

• Read newspapers (The Hindu, Times of India) daily.

• Note down new words with meanings and use them in sentences.

• Practice through online quizzes.

4. Fill in the Blanks:

These questions test your understanding of grammar and vocabulary. You must choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence.

Types of Fill in the Blanks:

• Single blank

• Double blank

• Context-based blanks

Example:

She is very _______ in her behavior.
Options: (a) polite (b) rash (c) rude (d) aggressive
Correct Answer: polite

5. Error Correction:

These are grammar-based questions where you must spot the error in a sentence.

Common Error Types:

• Subject-Verb Agreement

• Tense Usage

• Articles (a, an, the)

• Prepositions

• Pronouns

• Parallelism

Example:

Incorrect: He go to school daily.
Correct: He goes to school daily.