The National Defence Academy (NDA) and Combined Defence Services (CDS) exams are among the most prestigious examinations for aspirants aiming to join the Indian Armed Forces. The English section of these exams is designed to test the candidates’ proficiency in language, comprehension, and reasoning skills. One of the crucial topics in this section is Correlating Sentences. This article explores the importance of mastering the Correlating Sentences topic for the NDA & CDS 2 2024 exams and highlights the skills needed to excel in this area.
Understanding Correlating Sentences
Correlating Sentences involves understanding and identifying the logical relationship between two sentences. This can include recognizing cause and effect, sequence of events, comparison, contrast, or any other logical connection that ties the sentences together. The ability to correlate sentences is a critical skill in comprehending complex texts and constructing coherent arguments.
Directions: Given below are pairs of sentences (S1, S2). Select the co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
Q) S1: The people of colonial America would be horrified at what is considered to be acceptable language on TV today.
S2: Many older people today are aghast when they hear the words to some rap music songs.
(a) The second sentence provides an example of what is stated in the first.
(b) The second sentence provides a comparison with the idea stated in the first.
(c) The second sentence states an effect and the first sentence states a cause.
(d) The second sentence provides a solution to the problem stated in the first.
Ans. (b)
Q) S1: Aerobic exercises done vigorously for 15 or more minutes at a time increase the heart rate.
S2: A carefully followed aerobic exercise program can strengthen the heart.
(a)The second sentence explains the first.
(b)The second sentence contradicts the first.
(c)The second sentence states an effect or outcome.
(d)The second sentence states a cause.
Ans. (c)
Q) S1: Today, people who type their papers using a word processing program on a computer scoff at those who still use typewriters.
S2: A word processing program allows the typist to make corrections and save them, whereas one must re-type a whole page to correct a mistake if using a typewriter.
(a)The second sentence provides a contrast to the first sentence.
(b)The second sentence provides a comparison to the first sentence.
(c)The second sentence states a cause of the effect found in the first sentence.
(d)The second sentence provides more information on the idea of the first sentence.
Ans. (c)
Q) S1: Sometimes when we don’t get enough sleep we become very short-tempered.
S2: It is important to set a time to go to bed that is realistic.
(a)The first sentence explains the meaning of the second.
(b)The second sentence explains why a lack of sleep affects us.
(c)The second sentence contradicts the first.
(d)The second sentence proposes a solution.
Ans. (d)
Q) S1: Most people collect Star Wars toys for sentimental reasons.
S2: Some people collect them strictly to make money.
What is the relationship between the two sentences?
(a)Cause and effect
(b)Contrast
(c)Repetition
(d)Statement & example
Ans. (b)
For more questions, check out NDA-CDS 2 2024 Exam English Live – Correlating Sentences – Class 2
Importance of Correlating Sentences in NDA & CDS Exams
1. Enhances Comprehension Skills
Understanding the relationship between sentences is fundamental to grasping the overall meaning of a passage. In the NDA and CDS exams, comprehension passages often require candidates to identify how sentences within the passage relate to each other. Mastery of correlating sentences helps in understanding these passages more effectively.
2. Improves Logical Reasoning
Correlating sentences is not just about language proficiency; it also tests the candidate’s logical reasoning ability. Identifying how sentences connect logically enhances critical thinking skills, which are essential not only for the exams but also for problem-solving in real-life scenarios.
3. Supports Error Detection
Many questions in the English section, such as error detection and sentence improvement, require a good understanding of how sentences relate to each other. Recognizing misplaced or logically incorrect sentences can help in identifying and correcting errors.
4. Builds Coherent Writing Skills
Effective communication, both written and verbal, depends on the ability to construct coherent and logically connected sentences. Practicing correlating sentences aids in developing this skill, which is crucial for writing essays, reports, and other documents required in the defence services.
5. Facilitates Sentence Arrangement Questions
Questions that involve arranging jumbled sentences into a coherent paragraph rely heavily on the ability to correlate sentences. Understanding the logical flow and relationship between sentences is key to solving these types of questions accurately.
Skills Needed for Correlating Sentences
- Logical Reasoning:
- Ability to identify logical connections such as cause and effect, comparison, and contrast.
- Recognizing temporal relationships and sequence of events.
- Reading Comprehension:
- Understanding the context and overall meaning of passages.
- Identifying the main ideas and supporting details.
- Grammar and Syntax:
- Knowledge of grammatical structures that indicate relationships between sentences (e.g., conjunctions, transition words).
- Vocabulary:
- Understanding words and phrases that signal relationships (e.g., “therefore,” “however,” “similarly”).
Tips for Mastering Correlating Sentences
- Practice Regularly:
- Regular practice with sample questions and past exam papers can help in familiarizing oneself with the types of correlating sentences questions asked in the exams.
- Read Extensively:
- Reading a variety of texts, including newspapers, academic articles, and literature, can expose candidates to different ways in which sentences are logically connected.
- Analyze Sentence Structures:
- Break down complex sentences to understand how they are constructed and how they relate to each other within a passage.
- Use Logical Connectors:
- Pay attention to logical connectors and transition words that indicate relationships between sentences. Practice using these in your own writing.
- Take Mock Tests:
- Mock tests help in identifying strengths and weaknesses in correlating sentences and provide a real-time exam experience.
Conclusion
The topic of Correlating Sentences is of paramount importance in the English sections of the NDA & CDS 2 2024 exams. It tests a candidate’s ability to understand and identify the logical relationships between sentences, a skill that is essential for effective comprehension, reasoning, and communication. Mastery of this topic not only aids in performing well in the exams but also enhances overall language proficiency and logical thinking abilities. Candidates should focus on regular practice, extensive reading, and analyzing sentence structures to excel in this area and secure their path towards a successful career in the Indian Armed Forces.
