The One Word Substitution (OWS) topic remains one of the highest-scoring segments in the English syllabus for NDA, CDS & AFCAT exams. It tests a candidate’s ability to express long definitions or phrases using a single, precise word—an essential component of both linguistic clarity and officer-level communication.
Following the foundational concepts discussed in the previous session, English Live Class 2 focused on higher-level MCQs, root-based learning, and phrases frequently seen in UPSC and AFCAT exam papers.
This article summarises the essential learning from Class 2, showcasing the types of MCQs practiced along with their exam relevance.
Directions: In the following questions, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence.
Q) One who has become dependent on something or drugs is
a) Addict
b) Derelict
c) Edict
d) Adamant
Ans. (a)
Q) One who pretends to be what he is not
a) turncoat
b) liar
c) actor
d) hypocrite
Ans. (d)
Q) Murder of a man
a) Homicide
b) Genocide
c) Fratricide
d) Regicide
Ans. (a)
Q) Trouble and annoy continually
a) harass
b) punish
c) oppress
d) complaint
Ans. (a)
Q) A child born after the death of father
a) premature
b) paternal
c) posthumous
d) post dated
Ans. (c)
For more questions, check out NDA-CDS-AFCAT 1 2026 Exam English Live – One Word Substitution – Class 2
Objective of the Live Class 2: Enhancing Precision & Vocabulary Depth
The class emphasised:
✔ Strengthening meaning-based vocabulary
✔ Solving moderate-to-difficult MCQs seen in CDS & AFCAT
✔ Understanding differences between confusing substitutes
✔ Learning etymology (Latin/Greek roots) to simplify learning
✔ Improving accuracy in choosing the most appropriate one-word substitute
This session transitioned from basic OWS to more technical, abstract, and conceptual substitutions.
How MCQ Practice Improved Accuracy & Confidence
Through solving exam-pattern MCQs, students were able to:
✔ Distinguish between subtly different word meanings
✔ Improve recognition of Latin/Greek roots
✔ Strengthen vocabulary recall under exam pressure
✔ Eliminate incorrect options confidently
✔ Develop a strategy to answer OWS questions in under 5 seconds
Each MCQ included explanation of the meaning, root words, synonyms, antonyms, and usage in a sentence.
Importance of One Word Substitution in NDA, CDS & AFCAT Exams
Why OWS matters:
✔ High scoring because answers are direct
✔ Tests vocabulary depth, precision & comprehension
✔ Frequent in AFCAT and may be asked in NDA & CDS exams
✔ Helps improve communication and descriptive writing skills
✔ Useful not only for exams but also for SSB interview articulation
Final Takeaways from One Word Substitution – Live Class 2
By the end of the session, aspirants were able to:
✔ Tackle high-level OWS questions
✔ Understand root-based vocabulary
✔ Apply logic to eliminate wrong options
✔ Recognise exam-specific word patterns
✔ Improve accuracy and speed for this easy-scoring topic
OWS continues to be a must-master topic for defence vocabulary preparation, and this class ensured students gained the tools needed to handle even the trickiest substitutions confidently.
