A little last-minute revision can drastically improve your score. With the right strategy, even a few hours of focused study can make a big difference in confidence and accuracy. English is often a scoring section in many government exams, provided the basics are clear and revision is focused. This section checks your vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and sometimes writing skills. With limited time before the test, revise smartly: focus on high-frequency words, important grammar rules, and test-taking strategies.
This blog offers creative last-minute tips to help students boost their marks in the General English section.
Understand the English Section
Begin by knowing what types of questions to expect. The General English section generally includes synonyms, antonyms, fill-in-the-blanks, error spotting, para-jumbles, sentence completion, and reading comprehension. It may also have one-word substitutions, idioms and phrases, or questions on tenses and voice. Some e xams include a brief essay or letter task. It helps to recall examples and follow instructions to avoid missing easy points. Understanding this pattern helps you focus your revision on the right topics.
Key Revision Strategies
Vocabulary
Go over well-known words and their meanings. Make brief lists of same and opposite words for key terms. Use flashcards or a small word book to go back over often-used words fast. Think up easy sentences in your mind with new words to help stick them in your memory. If you have time, look over news titles or a word list from a General English book to see words used in real spots. Keep your quick word list close and look at it right before the test for one last check.
Grammar
Brush up on some grammar: tenses, subject-verb agreement, articles, and prepositions. Reread abbreviated versions of these rules in any short guide. Doing one or two error-spotting questions or sentence-correction questions can help to ingrain these rules. For instance, have a good feeling for switches between active/passive voice and direct/indirect speech, since these do tend to come up. A quick grammar checklist may aid you in keeping away from a number of their most frequent grammar mistakes while writing your answers.
Reading Comprehension
Practice rapid reading for comprehension passages. First read the questions, then skim the passage to find answers. Focus on keywords from the questions and match them in the passage. This saves time and directs your attention to relevant parts of the text. If the passage topic is unfamiliar, break it into smaller parts or underline tricky words to aid understanding.
Descriptive Writing
If your exam includes an essay or letter, use a simple structure. Spend a few minutes planning: outline your introduction, main points, and conclusion before writing. Stick to clear language and stay on topic: a focused answer is more effective than a lengthy one. For letter writing, maintain a respectful tone and follow the format (opening greeting, body, closing). To practice this, many students prefer a Descriptive English book that gives models of essays and letters.
Quick Revision Checklist
Use this short list of topics and tips to organize your study. Concentrate on the points below on which you have the least confidence:
|
Topic |
Last-Minute Tip |
|
Vocabulary |
Go through a few important synonyms and antonyms. Use flashcards or a quick word list for fast recall. |
|
Grammar Rules |
Revise the basics like tenses, subject–verb agreement, and voice. Try 2–3 quick practice questions to refresh. |
|
Error Spotting |
Attempt a couple of error-correction questions. This will remind you of the common grammar mistakes to watch out for. |
|
Reading Comprehension |
First read the questions, then skim the passage for keywords. This saves time and helps you find answers quickly. |
|
Descriptive Writing |
Before writing an essay or letter, note down your main points in short bullets. Stick to them while writing to stay on track. |
Exam Day Tips and Strategy
On exam day, time management is crucial. Answer the easy questions first to secure quick marks, then return to harder ones. Do not get stuck on a single question; if you’re unsure, mark it and move on. A helpful strategy is to rely on your preparation from Objective General English practice, since these questions appear often.
A good trick is to glance through one or two Government Exam books or mock tests right before the exam to refresh your memory of common patterns. Finally, make sure you rest well and keep a calm mind before the paper.
Read More: What is the objective English for NDA?
Key Takeaways
Focus on what you know. Use a vocabulary list to give yourself quick refreshers and look over grammar rules, practicing doing real reading questions well. Use the paper management techniques you practiced leading up to the exam and remain calm. Learn these 5 Last-Minute Tips to score high in the general English section. Keep your notes or summary close by, and take a peek right before the exam to give yourself a boost of confidence.
Final Thoughts
Keep practicing: If you have a sample paper from a previous year or an online mock test, try answering a few questions now to gain confidence. Even a short quiz on your least favorite subject can bolster memory. Since past exams often cycle through vocabulary or grammar rules, this final exercise can help identify exactly what you need to revisit.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best way to revise General English at the last minute?
Focus on grammar rules, revise key vocabulary, and solve a few mock test questions to refresh concepts.
Q2. How much time should I spend on the English section during the exam?
Usually 20–25 minutes is enough. Attempt easy questions first and return to difficult ones later.
Q3. Which books should I use for practice?
Use a General English book for basics, a descriptive English book for essays and letters, and objective general English for practice exercises. Standard government exam books are also helpful.
Q4. What mistakes should I avoid in the English section?
Don’t guess blindly, avoid spending too long on one question, follow instructions carefully, and always structure essays or letters clearly.
