The English section of competitive exams like NDA, CDS, and AFCAT consistently emphasizes vocabulary skills, particularly through questions on synonyms. Mastering synonyms is essential because it reflects a candidate’s ability to understand and use varied words accurately, a key skill tested in these exams.
Why Synonyms Matter
Synonym-based questions assess your knowledge of words with similar meanings and your ability to select the best fit based on the context provided. This goes beyond rote memorization and into real-world language application, where understanding subtle differences between words is crucial. Success in this section depends on a strong vocabulary, as candidates need to quickly grasp a word’s meaning and choose its closest match from a set of options.
Strategies for Success
- Building Vocabulary: Regular practice with word lists, flashcards, and reading helps improve your synonym skills. Engage with words in different contexts to solidify understanding.
- Contextual Learning: Since synonyms can have slight differences in meaning based on context, practice understanding these nuances by reading comprehensively and solving practice tests.
- MCQ Practice: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) are a common format in these exams. Solving a variety of MCQs helps in recognizing patterns and familiarizing yourself with frequently asked words.
In Synonyms Class 2, I conducted an MCQ session where candidates practiced solving important questions from this topic, helping them sharpen their skills. This active practice is essential for boosting confidence and accuracy on exam day.
Directions: Each of the following questions consists of a word which has four alternatives given below. Select the word nearest in meaning of that word.
Q) Blaze
(a) Shine
(b) Dull
(c) Crawl
(d) Dark
Ans. (a)
Q) Intimidate
(a) Mishap
(b) Misplace
(c) Frighten
(d) Discourage
Ans. (c)
Q) Genesis
(a) Style
(b) Beginning
(c) Movement
(d) Reverie
Ans. (b)
Q) Sporadic
(a) Epidemic
(b) Whirling
(c) Occasional
(d) Stagnant
Ans. (c)
Q) Debilitate
(a) Weaken
(b) Attack
(c) Surmount
(d) Destroy
Ans. (a)
For more questions, check out NDA-CDS-AFCAT 1 2025 Exam English Live – Synonyms – Class 2
Mastering synonyms will undoubtedly strengthen your overall performance in the English section and enhance your communication skills for future endeavors.
