The topic of One Word Substitution (OWS) is one of the most important vocabulary components in the English sections of NDA, CDS & AFCAT exams. It checks a candidate’s ability to replace long phrases with a single, precise word—an important skill for academic writing, effective communication, and military documentation.
In the English Live Class 1, aspirants were introduced to the fundamentals, exam patterns, and most frequently asked MCQs from the One Word Substitution topic. The objective of the session was to build a strong foundation that will help students score full marks from this scoring section.
This article presents a detailed summary of the class, highlighting the types of MCQs covered and their importance for upcoming defence examinations.
Focus of the Live Class: Building Conceptual Clarity in One Word Substitution
The live class aimed at:
✔ Understanding the meaning behind common phrases
✔ Learning how to choose the most accurate substitute
✔ Recognizing subtle differences between similar words
✔ Strengthening vocabulary through roots & patterns
✔ Improving speed and accuracy in solving OWS MCQs
Students were guided to adopt a practical, logic-based approach rather than memorising all substitutions blindly.
How MCQ Practice in Class Strengthened Test Performance
Each MCQ solved in class helped students improve in:
✔ Accuracy: Understanding tricky differences between similar words
✔ Vocabulary: Building meaning memory
✔ Exam readiness: Exposure to real exam patterns
✔ Speed: Ability to answer within 3–5 seconds
Memory techniques such as:
- root analysis
- association
- visual recall
- meaning grouping
were also introduced to support long-term retention.
Importance of One Word Substitution in NDA, CDS & AFCAT Exams
OWS is a high-scoring topic because:
✔ Questions are direct and vocabulary-based
✔ There is always one correct answer
✔ Options are typically simple but require clarity
✔ Minimal time is needed per question
✔ Helps improve overall English proficiency
Final Takeaways from Live Class 1
By the end of the session, students were able to:
✔ Understand meaning-based substitutions
✔ Solve OWS MCQs confidently
✔ Recognise common roots and language patterns
✔ Improve vocabulary through practice and logic
✔ Apply efficient strategies to score full marks in exam questions
The session established a strong base for further vocabulary enhancement in the upcoming classes.
