Mastering the English Skills: SAT and GMAT

By Azhar ul Haque Sario

Hey there, future English master!  Ever feel like grammar rules are a confusing jungle and reading comprehension is a mystery wrapped in an enigma?  Don't worry, I've got you covered.  "Mastering the English Skills: SAT and GMAT" is your one-stop guide to conquering the English language sections of these tricky exams.

 

This book dives deep into everything from the nitty-gritty of grammar (think subject-verb agreement and those pesky commas) to the broader strokes of reading comprehension (like deciphering an author's tone and spotting sneaky logical fallacies). We'll break down sentence structure, punctuation, and word choice, then move on to tackling main ideas, inferences, and text organization.  Think of it as your personal trainer for your brain, getting you in top shape for those critical reading and reasoning challenges.

 

But here's the kicker: this isn't just for SAT and GMAT hopefuls.  If you're prepping for a civil service exam or any test that demands strong English skills, this book is your secret weapon. It's packed with targeted exercises and strategies to help you analyze complex texts, build rock-solid arguments, and express yourself with clarity and precision.  Basically, it's your all-access pass to mastering the English language, no matter what challenge you're facing.

 

What makes this book different?  Well, it's not just another dry textbook. I've injected it with a healthy dose of personality and real-world examples to make learning actually enjoyable (gasp!).  Plus, it's designed to be super user-friendly, whether you're a grammar novice or a seasoned pro.  Think clear explanations, practical tips, and a focus on building lasting skills, not just memorizing rules.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Royal Co.
• Release date: Dec 8, 2024
• ISBN: 9783384621597

Book preview

Mastering the English Skills: SAT and GMAT

Azhar ul Haque Sario

Copyright

Copyright © 2024 by Azhar ul Haque Sario

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

First Printing, 2024

[e-mail]

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8629-830X

Disclaimer: This book is free from AI use. The cover was designed in Microsoft Publisher

Contents

Copyright

Part 1: Foundations

Chapter 1: Grammar Fundamentals

Parts of Speech

Subject-Verb Agreement

Pronoun Usage

Verb Tenses

Chapter 2: Sentence Structure

Phrases and Clauses

Sentence Types

Common Sentence Errors

Parallelism

Chapter 3: Punctuation

Commas

Semicolons and Colons

Apostrophes

Other Punctuation Marks

Chapter 4:  Word Choice and Style

Diction

Conciseness

Tone and Style

Idioms and Figurative Language

Part 2: Reading Comprehension

Chapter 5:  Main Idea and Supporting Details

Identifying the Main Idea

Finding Supporting Evidence

Summarization

Fact vs. Opinion

Chapter 6:  Inference and Drawing Conclusions

Making Inferences

Understanding Implied Meaning

Drawing Conclusions

Predictions and Extrapolation

Chapter 7:  Text Structure and Organization

Common Organizational Patterns

Analyzing Text Features

Transition Words and Phrases

Author's Purpose and Tone

Chapter 8:  Analyzing Arguments and Rhetoric

Identifying Claims and Evidence

Rhetorical Devices

Evaluating Arguments

Bias and Perspective

Part 3:  Critical Reasoning

Chapter 9:  Argument Structure and Logic

Premises and Conclusions

Types of Reasoning

Logical Fallacies

Diagramming Arguments

Chapter 10:  Assumptions and Inferences

Identifying Assumptions

Evaluating Assumptions

Strengthening Arguments

Weakening Arguments

Chapter 11:  Evaluating Evidence

Types of Evidence

Relevance and Sufficiency

Credibility and Bias

Causation vs. Correlation

Chapter 12:  Analyzing Explanations and Plans

Explanatory Hypotheses

Identifying Flaws in Explanations

Evaluating Proposed Plans

Strengthening and Weakening Plans

Part 4: GMAT-Specific Skills

Chapter 13:  Sentence Correction

Grammar and Usage

Style and Concision

Logical Predication

Common GMAT Sentence Correction Errors

Chapter 14:  Integrated Reasoning

Question Types

Data Interpretation

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Time Management Strategies

About Author

Part 1: Foundations

Chapter 1: Grammar Fundamentals

Parts of Speech

Unleashing the Magic of Words: A Whimsical Exploration of Nouns, Verbs, and Adjectives

Imagine language as a vibrant tapestry, woven with threads of meaning and expression. Within this intricate tapestry, nouns, verbs, and adjectives emerge as the master weavers, shaping our thoughts and painting vivid pictures in our minds.

Nouns: The Architects of Reality

Nouns are the building blocks of language, the labels we bestow upon the world around us and the abstract realms within. They are the very essence of naming, capturing the essence of people, places, things, and ideas.

Think of nouns as celestial bodies, each with its own gravitational pull.

Proper nouns are like radiant stars, shining brightly with their unique identities – Shakespeare, Paris, the Great Wall of China.

Common nouns are like constellations, grouping together objects with shared characteristics – chair, river, happiness.

Concrete nouns are tangible, like planets we can touch and feel – rain, coffee, laughter.

Abstract nouns are elusive, like black holes that defy easy comprehension – freedom, justice, time.

Nouns are the stars that illuminate our sentences, giving them substance and meaning.

Verbs: The Pulsating Heartbeat of Action

Verbs infuse language with dynamism, propelling our sentences forward with bursts of energy. They are the catalysts of action, the describers of states of being, and the chroniclers of events.

Imagine verbs as a symphony orchestra, each instrument contributing to the overall melody.

Action verbs are the percussion section, driving the rhythm with their forceful beats – leap, sing, discover.

Linking verbs are the strings, weaving together the subject and its complements in harmonious chords – is, become, appear.

Helping verbs are the woodwinds, adding depth and nuance to the composition – will, have, should.

Verbs are the lifeblood of our sentences, giving them pulse and purpose.

Adjectives: The Painters of Vivid Detail

Adjectives are the artists of language, adding splashes of color and texture to our nouns. They are the enhancers of meaning, the clarifiers of qualities, and the delimiters of scope.

Think of adjectives as a painter's palette, brimming with hues and shades.

Descriptive adjectives are the vibrant colors, bringing our nouns to life with their evocative power – radiant, ancient, joyous.

Limiting adjectives are the subtle shades, refining the scope and quantity of our nouns – few, several, this, that.

Possessive adjectives are the personal stamps, marking ownership and belonging – my, your, her, their.

Adjectives are the brushstrokes that transform our sentences into masterpieces of expression.

The Symphony of Language

Nouns, verbs, and adjectives work in concert, creating a symphony of meaning that resonates with our thoughts and emotions. They are the fundamental elements of storytelling, the tools with which we craft narratives, convey information, and express our unique perspectives.

By understanding the roles and interplay of these essential parts of speech, we unlock the true potential of language, transforming ourselves into masterful communicators and creators of captivating narratives.

Adverbs: The Action-Packed Modifiers!

Imagine you're watching an action movie. The hero leaps daringly across rooftops, fights fiercely against the villains, and escapes narrowly from explosions. Those words – daringly, fiercely, and narrowly – are adverbs! They add excitement and detail to the action verbs, like adding special effects to a movie scene.

Adverbs are like the spice rack of language. They can make things sweeter, spicier, or more intense! Think of how you'd describe your favorite food – incredibly delicious, mouthwateringly good, absolutely divine!  See? Adverbs make your words pop!

Pronouns: The Masters of Disguise!

Ever played a game of hide-and-seek? Pronouns are the masters of disguise in the grammar world! They can replace nouns, making sentences shorter and snappier. Imagine having to say Taylor Swift went to the store, and Taylor Swift bought a new guitar – that's a mouthful!  Instead, we use the pronoun she: Taylor Swift went to the store, and she bought a new guitar.  Much smoother, right?

Pronouns are like those quick-change artists in a magic show. One minute they're he, the next minute they're she, then it, then they! They keep things moving and prevent sentences from getting repetitive.

Prepositions: The Navigators of Location!

Think of prepositions as the GPS system of a sentence. They tell you where things are and where they're going! The treasure is hidden 'under' the old oak tree, 'beside' the babbling brook.  See? Prepositions guide you through the sentence, like a treasure map!

Prepositions can also tell you when something happens.  Your surprise party is at 7 o'clock, on Saturday night!  Don't be late!

Let's Get Creative!

Draw a comic strip! Create a story with characters using adverbs, pronouns, and prepositions in their dialogue.

Write a song! Compose a catchy tune about the adventures of Adverb Man, Pronoun Girl, and Preposition Pete!

Invent a board game! Design a game where players have to use adverbs, pronouns, and prepositions correctly to move around the board.

The possibilities are endless! So go forth, grammar explorers, and have fun with these amazing parts of speech!

          Conjunctions: The Linguistic Bridge Builders

Imagine language as a vast network of islands, each one a word or phrase. Conjunctions are the magnificent bridges that connect these islands, allowing for the smooth flow of ideas and creating a cohesive landscape of meaning. They are the architects of relationships, the masterminds behind complex sentences, and the weavers of intricate narratives.

Types of Conjunctions: A Tapestry of Connections

Coordinating Conjunctions: These are the egalitarian conjunctions, connecting words, phrases, or clauses of equal standing. Think of them as the and in a power couple, the glue that holds together a dynamic duo.

Example: The sun shone brightly, and the birds sang merrily.

Subordinating Conjunctions: These conjunctions introduce subordinate clauses, which are like supporting actors in a sentence, providing context and depth to the main clause. They are the storytellers, revealing the why and how behind the action.

Example: Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.

Correlative Conjunctions: These conjunctions come in pairs, like two sides of a coin, connecting elements of equal rank. They are the balancers, ensuring harmony and symmetry in the sentence.

Example: Neither the rain nor the cold could dampen their spirits.

Interjections: The Emotional Fireworks

Interjections are the bursts of color in the linguistic landscape, the sudden explosions of emotion that punctuate our speech. They are the raw, unfiltered expressions of our inner selves, adding a touch of drama and authenticity to our communication.

Characteristics of Interjections:

Emotional Intensity: Interjections are like little emotional bombs, packed with feelings of joy, surprise, anger, or excitement.

Grammatical Independence: They are the rebels of the grammar world, standing apart from the sentence structure and answering to no one.

Exclamatory Nature: Interjections are often accompanied by an exclamation mark, like a megaphone amplifying their emotional impact.

Common Interjections: A Symphony of Emotions

Joy: Woohoo!, Yay!, Hooray!

Surprise: Whoa!, Gosh!, Yikes!

Pain: Ouch!, Ow!, Yowzah!

Disgust: Ugh!, Eww!, Blech!

Conjunctions and Interjections in Literature: The Literary Dance

In the hands of skilled writers, conjunctions and interjections become powerful tools for crafting unforgettable narratives. Conjunctions create rhythm and flow, while interjections inject emotion and personality into the characters.

Imagine a scene where a character is struggling with a difficult decision. The use of conjunctions like but and yet can highlight their internal conflict, while interjections like Alas! or Oh dear! can reveal their emotional turmoil.

Conclusion: The Dynamic Duo of Language

Conjunctions and interjections, though seemingly different, are both essential ingredients in the recipe of language. They add depth, complexity, and emotional flavor to our communication, making it richer, more engaging, and more human. So, the next time you write or speak, remember the power of these linguistic tools and use them to paint a vivid tapestry of words.

Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-Verb Agreement: Taming the Grammar Gremlins (2024)

Forget dry grammar textbooks! Let's embark on a vibrant adventure through the whimsical world of subject-verb agreement. Think of it as a grand ball where every subject must dance in perfect harmony with its verb partner. If they don't, the whole grammatical floor collapses! 🕺💃

The Basic Waltz:

At its heart, subject-verb agreement is a simple dance move:

Singular subjects waltz with singular verbs. (The cat purrs.)

Plural subjects tango with plural verbs. (The cats purr.)

Easy, right? But hold on! Just when you think you've mastered the steps, some mischievous grammar gremlins throw in a few twists and turns. 😈

Tripping Over Grammar Gremlins:

Sneaky Interlopers: Sometimes, pesky phrases or clauses sneak between the subject and verb, trying to confuse you. Don't fall for their tricks! Focus on the true subject, like a hawk eyeing its prey. 🦅

The bouquet of flowers, despite its thorns, smells divine. (Ignore despite its thorns – the subject is bouquet.)

The Lone Wolf Pronouns:  Indefinite pronouns like everyone, somebody, and nobody are forever alone. They always waltz solo with singular verbs.

Everyone wants a slice of that delicious cake. (Even if it's a HUGE cake!)

Shape-Shifting Collectives:  Collective nouns like family, team, and jury are masters of disguise. Sometimes they act as a single unit, sometimes as a bunch of individuals.

The jury is ready to deliver the verdict. (One unit, one decision.)

The jury are arguing amongst themselves. (Lots of opinions flying around!)

Double Trouble:  When two subjects join forces with and, they usually bring along a plural verb.

Rain and sunshine make a rainbow. (A colorful collaboration!)

But watch out for or and nor! These sneaky conjunctions make the verb agree with the closest subject.

Neither the cat nor the dogs want to go outside in the rain. (Poor kitty!)

Upside-Down World: In inverted sentences, the verb shows up before the subject, trying to throw you off balance. Don't be fooled!

There are cookies in the jar! (The real star of the sentence is cookies.)

The None Conundrum:  None can be a tricky customer. It can be singular or plural, depending on its mood.

None of the milk is left. (Sad, empty carton.)

None of the students are excited for the test. (Collective groan.)

The Inclusive They:  They isn't just for plural groups anymore! We use singular they when we don't know someone's gender or when it's irrelevant.

Every artist should bring their own supplies. (Inclusivity rocks!)

Mastering the Dance Floor:

Want to become a subject-verb agreement superstar? Here's your cheat sheet:

Hunt down the true subject.

Ignore those pesky phrase intruders.

Beware of pronoun lone wolves and shape-shifting collectives.

Don't let or, nor, or inverted sentences trip you up.

Decipher the none mystery.

Embrace the inclusive they.

With a little practice, you'll be waltzing through sentences with grace and confidence. No more grammatical faux pas for you! You'll be the envy of the grammar ball, leaving those pesky gremlins in the dust. ✨

Let's dive into the wild world of subject-verb agreement, where singular subjects tango with singular verbs and plural