Is 120 rules of grammar enough for competitive exams?

Are you preparing for any competitive exam in India, like CDS, Banking, Railway, SSC or UPSC? If yes, then you might have an idea how important English is to score well. However, when you prepare with countless books and resources, you may have come across study materials for English, such as 120 grammar rules. But do you know what that is? If not, then this blog will help you to understand this concept better. You will also find the answer to “Is 120 Rules of Grammar Enough for Competitive Exams?”

Learning 120 grammatical rules is crucial while preparing for competitive tests. You should also use other essential materials, like competitive exam English books, general English books, and objective general English guides.

Now, let’s check out why mastering the 120 rules of grammar is crucial for competitive exam preparation. You may improve your vocabulary utilization, applied grammar, understanding, and grammar accuracy by using the 120 rules of grammar. 

Here’s how-

Comprehension: Reading passages and interpreting them more quickly are examples of comprehension.

Grammar Accuracy: Recognizing mistakes and fixing sentences

Applied Grammar: Fill-in-the-blanks, cloze tests, and parajumbles are examples of applied grammar.

Use of Vocabulary: One-word substitutes, synonyms, antonyms, and idioms.

Which Common Topics Are Addressed by the 120 Rules of Grammar?

Learning 120 rules of grammar is essential as it improves your understanding of tenses, articles, subject-verb agreement, pronouns, and prepositions as modifiers. Well, learning and memorizing the rules is important, but applying them while solving MCQS is the purpose.

So, the answer to the question- Is 120 rules of grammar enough for competitive exams? NO!  They are useful, but not enough to achieve success and score well. 

Here are the 3 major reasons why the 120 rules of grammar are not enough-

Changing Patterns: The format and level of questions in competitive exams like the SSC and banking frequently vary.

No Vocabulary Covered: Since learning 120 rules of grammar does not include synonyms, idioms, or phrases, it doesn't improve your vocabulary.

Combined Practice Required: To improve grammar, a candidate must study 120 rules and combine them with a standard English book. 

Understand 120 Grammar Rules in Action

Read More: Last-Minute Tips to Score High in the General English Section of Govt Exams

Why Can't You Ensure Success with Just the 120 Rules of Grammar?

Speed Reading:  Regardless of the number of grammar rules you learn, you need to strengthen your speed reading skills to solve comprehension passages while working on vocabulary and inference.

Vocabulary: Most competitive exams test candidates' knowledge about antonyms, synonyms, idioms, and one-word alternatives. Thus, to improve, you can't rely on 120 grammar rules only. This is where you need to practice using a general English book.

Identity Mistakes and Correct Sentences: 120 rules of grammar will work well if you apply them at the right time instead of just memorizing them. It is important to prepare with other resources to solve those tricky MCQs to identify mistakes, and correct sentences.

Evolving Question Patterns:  In the past years, banks and SSCs exams included cloze tests, para jumble, and questions with word usage. This requires students to work on their critical reasoning skills while having good knowledge of grammar.

How to Create a Practical Strategy to Prepare for English?

To prepare English well for competitive exams, students need to create and follow a practical strategy, such as -

Learn 120 Rules of Grammar

• Prepare with any good English book for competitive exams

• Create short notes for quick revision.

Solve Questions

• Solve the objective questions for the general English book

• Pay attention to the cloze test for spotting errors and sentence correction.

PYQs and Mock Test

• Analyse exam patterns by referring to previous year question papers

• Attempt at least 1-2 mock tests online every week.

Focus on Vocabulary

• Try learning 10 new words every day with these meanings, antonyms, and synonyms.

• Create notes for the vocabulary.

Boost Comprehension Skills

• Read newspapers regularly, such as the Indian Express or The Hindu

• Summarize the editorial from newspapers in 2-3 sentences.

A Sample Weekly Plan for English Preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Are the 120 rules of grammar enough for competitive exams like banking or SSC CGL?

No, they are just a foundation. If you want to achieve success with a good score in English, you also need to prepare comprehension, vocabulary, and question practice from a reliable English book designed for competitive exams.

2. Do I need to buy an objective general  English book, as well?

Yes, even if you have learnt and memorized 120 rules of grammar, you need to practice with an objective general English book.

3. Which book is the best for general English for beginners?

For basics, you can buy Wren & Martin books. While for exams, you can buy SP Bakshi's Objective General English.

4. How many hours should I study English?

Try to study for around 2 hours daily and involve grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.

5. How long would it take to learn 120 rules of grammar?

In just three to four weeks, you can acquire 120 grammar rules if you study and practice regularly.

6. Even if I am good with grammar, do I still need to concentrate on vocabulary?

No, vocabulary receives a score of 20–30% on competitive tests like the SSC, CDS, and banking.

7. Why should I analyse the question papers from the past year?

To examine question patterns, it is crucial to analyse the question papers from the past year.

8. Can I skip the mock tests?

The most effective way to experience actual exams and enhance speed, accuracy, and time management is to take online mock tests.

9. Which mistakes should I avoid during English preparation for competitive exams?

• Neglecting vocabulary

• Learning and memorising grammar rules without practice

• Not practicing comprehension

• Skipping review and analysis after taking mock tests.

Final Words

The 120 rules of grammar act as a foundation for English preparation for competitive exams, but they are not enough to achieve success. There are many key factors that decide your success in English, such as the cloze test, error detection, and sentence improvement. 

Thus, it is important to consider other good quality study resources as well, along with the 120 rules of grammar. Candidates can create the right balance by combining an objective general English book, an English book specifically designed for the complete exam, and, most importantly, a general English guide. Practicing MCQs and comprehension passages consistently, utilizing all these resources, increases the chances of scoring high in the final exams.