Strategic Preparation for the English Section of SBI PO Exam in 2017

Preparing for the English section of the SBI PO exam in 2017 can be challenging, but with the right approach and attention to detail, you can secure excellent marks. In this article, we will discuss effective strategies and tips to help you master the English section.

Understanding the Importance of English

While many individuals feel that they already know English and don't need to study it, in reality, a focused approach can greatly improve performance. Just as you would allocate time to studying Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning, you should give equal importance to English to achieve a good score. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Review Basic Grammar Rules

One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the importance of basic grammar rules. While you may believe you know them, it's crucial to revisit these fundamentals to avoid errors that can cost you valuable marks. Books such as Arihant are highly recommended for a comprehensive review. Regular practice and understanding these rules will solidify your foundation.

2. Practice Regularly

Frequent practice of English quizzes and sample sets is essential. Analyze your mistakes to identify specific areas that require improvement. Often, simple grammatical errors or misunderstandings can cost you points. This self-assessment will enhance your learning.

3. Foster a Healthy Reading Habit

Reading extensively is crucial for improving your comprehension skills. You can select reading materials such as English newspapers, blogs related to economy, finance, or banking, or even novels. Regular reading will not only improve your vocabulary but also increase your understanding and speed in reading and comprehending passages.

Effective Strategies for Attempting the English Section

Once you have a strong foundation, you can focus on effective strategies to ace the English section in the SBI PO exam. Here are some key tips to help you:

4. Start with Small Questions

Always begin with simpler questions such as spotting errors, fillers, and sentence rearrangement. These questions are relatively quick and require minimal effort. Save the comprehension section for last, as it is time-consuming.

5. Focus on Accuracy Over Guesswork

Imperfect accuracy is more common than perfect accuracy. Attempt only those questions where you are confident. Avoid making wild guesses on questions that you are unsure of. This strategy will help you maximize your score by eliminating incorrect options.

6. Don't Stress Over Vocabulary

While vocabulary is important, it is only a small portion of the English section. Most questions related to vocabulary are limited to 2-4 questions. If you find these questions challenging, it's okay to skip them and focus on other areas. Consistency in the other question types is more valuable.

7. Manage Fillers with Two Blanks Strategically

When answering fillers with two blanks, try to identify the easier blank first. You can then deduce the second blank from the context. This method can save time and improve your accuracy.

8. Master Sentence Rearrangement

Sentence rearrangement can be tricky, but identifying the first and last sentences first can simplify the process. Once you have placed these, it becomes easier to arrange the remaining sentences.

9. Simultaneous Passage and Question Analysis for Comprehension

For comprehension questions, read the passage and the questions simultaneously. This approach allows you to answer questions more swiftly without wasting time. It also helps in better understanding the context and identifying the correct answers.

Recommended Books

To complement your preparation, it is advisable to use books such as Arihant Kiran and BSC for reference. These books provide comprehensive guidance and practice materials tailored for the SBI PO exam.

Conclusion

With a well-planned approach, regular practice, and a keen focus on accuracy, you can significantly improve your performance in the English section of the SBI PO exam in 2017. Remember, consistency and strategic practice are key.