The National Defence Academy (NDA) and Combined Defence Services (CDS) exams are two of the most prestigious competitive examinations in India, leading to rewarding careers in the armed forces. A significant portion of these exams is dedicated to testing candidates’ English language proficiency, with a focus on grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary. One essential topic within the English section is Sentence Completion. This article explores the importance of the Sentence Completion topic for the NDA and CDS 2 2024 exams, highlighting the necessity of a thorough understanding of grammar rules, phrasal verbs, and vocabulary to tackle these questions effectively.
Understanding Sentence Completion
Sentence Completion questions require candidates to select the best option to complete a given sentence meaningfully and grammatically. These questions assess a candidate’s ability to understand context, grasp nuances in meaning, and apply grammatical rules.
Directions: Following items have one part of the sentence followed by four alternatives. Complete the sentences by choosing the correct alternative.
Q) If I were a millionaire, I
(a) am capable of helping the poor
(b) could have helped the poor
(c) would help the poor
(d) would have helped the poor
Ans. (c)
Q) It is high time that we
(a) had done something
(b) would do something
(c) have done something
(d) did something
Ans. (d)
Q) The boat
(a) was drown
(b) drowned
(c) was sunk
(d) was drowned
Ans. (c)
Q) You must carry
(a) off on my orders
(b) out on my orders
(c) of on my orders
(d) out my orders
Ans. (d)
Q) If you would have remembered to bring the map,
(a) we would not have lost our way.
(b) we would have lost our way.
(c) remembered we would not have lost our way.
(d) lost our way
Ans. (a)
For more questions, check out NDA-CDS 2 2024 Exam English Live – Sentence Completion – Class 1
Key Components of Sentence Completion:
- Grammar Rules:
- Understanding subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, conjunctions, prepositions, and other grammar fundamentals is crucial.
- Phrasal Verbs:
- Knowledge of common phrasal verbs and their meanings helps in selecting the correct option that fits contextually and grammatically.
- Vocabulary:
- A robust vocabulary is essential for understanding and choosing the word or phrase that best completes the sentence.
Importance of Sentence Completion in NDA & CDS Exams
1. Enhances Grammar Proficiency
Sentence Completion questions are designed to test a candidate’s understanding of grammar. Mastery of grammar rules ensures that candidates can identify and apply the correct grammatical structures, which is critical for sentence completion.
2. Tests Vocabulary Knowledge
A broad vocabulary allows candidates to understand the nuances of different words and choose the one that best fits the sentence. This is particularly important as Sentence Completion questions often include sophisticated or less commonly used words.
3. Assesses Comprehension Skills
Sentence Completion questions require candidates to comprehend the context and meaning of the sentence. This ability to understand and interpret information is essential for success in the comprehension section as well.
4. Improves Sentence Construction
Practicing Sentence Completion enhances a candidate’s ability to construct meaningful and grammatically correct sentences, a skill that is beneficial across all sections of the English paper.
5. Develops Analytical Thinking
These questions encourage analytical thinking, as candidates must evaluate all possible options and choose the one that best completes the sentence logically and coherently.
Common Question Types Involving Sentence Completion
- Contextual Completion:
- Select the word or phrase that completes the sentence based on context.
- Example: “She was so ____ that she forgot to lock the door.” (Options: careless, careful, cautious)
- Grammatical Completion:
- Choose the option that ensures grammatical correctness.
- Example: “Neither of the two candidates ____ qualified.” (Options: is, are, have been)
- Idiomatic Completion:
- Complete the sentence with the correct idiomatic expression or phrasal verb.
- Example: “He decided to ____ the opportunity and start his own business.” (Options: seize, let go, overlook)
Tips for Mastering Sentence Completion
- Regular Practice:
- Regularly practice Sentence Completion questions to become familiar with different types of questions and improve accuracy.
- Strengthen Grammar:
- Review and reinforce grammar rules regularly. Focus on areas such as subject-verb agreement, tense usage, and conjunctions.
- Expand Vocabulary:
- Read widely and use vocabulary-building tools to learn new words and their usage. Focus on synonyms, antonyms, and contextual meanings.
- Learn Phrasal Verbs:
- Study common phrasal verbs and their meanings. Practice using them in sentences to understand their contextual usage.
- Analyze Context:
- Develop the habit of reading sentences carefully to understand the context before selecting an option. This improves comprehension skills.
Conclusion
The topic of Sentence Completion is fundamental to mastering the English section of the NDA and CDS 2 2024 exams. A solid understanding of grammar rules, phrasal verbs, and vocabulary is essential for tackling these questions effectively. By regularly practicing and reinforcing their knowledge in these areas, candidates can enhance their overall performance in the English section, thereby increasing their chances of success in these prestigious examinations.
