The Commonly Used Words topic forms an important part of the English section in NDA and CDS examinations, as it directly evaluates a candidate’s command over everyday English vocabulary. Unlike advanced or rare words, this topic focuses on frequently used words that are often confused due to similar spelling, pronunciation, or meaning.
The English Live Class 1 for NDA & CDS 1 2026 was structured to help aspirants identify, differentiate, and correctly use such words while solving multiple choice questions (MCQs) asked in defence exams.
Objective of the Live Class
The main goals of this class were to:
- Introduce the concept of commonly used yet confusing words
- Build clarity between homonyms and similar-looking words
- Train students to select the most appropriate word based on context
- Strengthen vocabulary usage rather than rote memorisation
- Prepare candidates for exam-oriented MCQs
This class laid the foundation for accurate word usage in later advanced vocabulary topics.
Understanding Commonly Used Words in Defence Exams
In NDA and CDS exams, questions from this topic generally test:
- Words with similar spelling but different meanings
- Words with similar pronunciation but different usage
- Words that look or sound correct but do not fit the context
- Subtle differences in meaning that affect sentence sense
These questions assess not just vocabulary knowledge, but also reading comprehension and contextual understanding.
Focus on Homonyms and Confusing Words
A. Homonyms
Homonyms are words that:
- Sound alike or look alike
- Have different meanings
Students were trained to:
- Identify the correct meaning from the sentence
- Avoid choosing words merely because they sound familiar
B. Confusing Word Pairs
Special attention was given to commonly confused word pairs frequently asked in NDA & CDS, such as:
- Words with similar spelling
- Words with overlapping meanings
- Words incorrectly used in daily speech
The class emphasised meaning-based elimination rather than guesswork.
Importance of Contextual Understanding
One of the key lessons of the class was that no word should be chosen in isolation.
Students were trained to:
- Read the entire sentence carefully
- Understand the tone and intent
- Match the word’s meaning with sentence logic
This approach significantly improves accuracy in defence exam MCQs.
Role of Reading Skills in Solving These Questions
Strong reading skills help aspirants to:
- Recognise subtle meaning differences
- Understand implied context
- Avoid traps created by similar-looking options
- Improve speed without sacrificing accuracy
Regular reading habits were strongly encouraged as a long-term strategy.
Common Mistakes Highlighted in Class
- Choosing words based on sound similarity
- Ignoring sentence context
- Confusing everyday spoken English with correct written usage
- Rushing through vocabulary questions
- Over-reliance on memory without meaning clarity
Addressing these mistakes was a core part of the teaching process.
Exam Strategy for Commonly Used Words
✔ Always read the full sentence before choosing
✔ Identify what meaning the sentence demands
✔ Eliminate options that do not fit logically
✔ Be cautious of words that “sound right”
✔ Revise confusing word pairs regularly
These strategies help convert vocabulary into scoring strength.
Conclusion
The Commonly Used Words Live Class 1 for NDA & CDS 1 2026 provided aspirants with a solid foundation in handling homonyms and confusing words through exam-level MCQs. By focusing on meaning, context, and correct usage, the class trained students to approach such questions with clarity and confidence.
Mastery of this topic not only improves performance in vocabulary-based questions but also enhances overall English comprehension, which is vital for success in NDA and CDS examinations.
