The Matching List topic is an important part of the English section in NDA and CDS examinations, especially under vocabulary-based questions. This topic tests a candidate’s awareness of foreign words that have been borrowed into English, their correct meanings, and their appropriate contextual usage.
The NDA & CDS 1 2026 English Live Class 1 on Matching List was conducted to introduce aspirants to the concept, patterns, and common word groups frequently asked in defence exams.
This article explains the focus areas of the class, the nature of MCQs practised, and the importance of mastering foreign-origin vocabulary for upcoming examinations.
Objective of the Live Class
The main objective of Live Class 1 was to help aspirants:
- Understand the concept of Matching List questions
- Identify commonly used foreign words in English
- Learn the correct meanings of borrowed words
- Avoid confusion between similar-sounding foreign terms
- Improve accuracy in vocabulary-based MCQs
The session focused on recognition and recall supported by context.
Understanding Matching List Questions in NDA & CDS
In Matching List questions, candidates are usually given:
- List I: Foreign words borrowed into English
- List II: Meanings or explanations of those words
Candidates must correctly match each word with its meaning, often selecting the correct combination from the given options.
These questions test memory, vocabulary clarity, and awareness of word origins.
Types of MCQs Covered in Live Class 1
A. Latin-Origin Words Matching MCQs
Students practised words borrowed from Latin, such as:
- bona fide
- status quo
- ad hoc
- de facto
Focus was on exact meaning, not approximate understanding.
B. French-Origin Words Matching MCQs
The class covered commonly used French words in English, including:
- genre
- rendezvous
- déjà vu
- fiancé / fiancée
Students learned to differentiate between literal and contextual meanings.
C. Indian & Asian-Origin Words Matching MCQs
Several MCQs included words borrowed from Indian and Asian languages, such as:
- guru
- yoga
- bungalow
- veranda
These questions tested cultural vocabulary awareness.
D. Confusing Foreign Words Matching MCQs
The class addressed common confusion between:
- per se vs ipso facto
- prima facie vs a priori
- début vs debutante
Students were trained to avoid partial or misleading matches.
Vocabulary Skills Developed Through the Class
Live Class 1 strengthened:
- Awareness of foreign-origin vocabulary
- Precision in meaning recall
- Ability to eliminate incorrect pairings
- Confidence in handling list-based questions
Students were advised to focus on meaning accuracy, not guesswork.
Strategies Taught for Solving Matching List MCQs
✔ Learn words in thematic groups
Latin, French, Indian-origin words should be studied separately.
✔ Focus on exact meaning
Near meaning is often incorrect in UPSC exams.
✔ Use elimination method
Matching even two pairs correctly helps eliminate wrong options.
✔ Avoid phonetic guessing
Sound similarity does not guarantee meaning similarity.
✔ Revise regularly
Memory-based questions require repetition.
Conclusion
The Matching List Live Class 1 for NDA & CDS 1 2026 provided aspirants with a structured introduction to foreign words borrowed into English, their meanings, and exam-oriented application. Through targeted MCQs and explanation of word origins, students gained confidence in handling Matching List questions accurately.
With consistent revision and focused practice, the Matching List topic can become a quick and high-scoring section in the English paper of NDA and CDS examinations.
