§1 Word meaning from context
When the word is unfamiliar, the sentence usually tells you its direction. Look for signal words: contrast (but, although, despite, however), cause (because, since, so), and restatement (that is, or, in other words).
§2 Subject–verb agreement checklist
| Pattern | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Each, every, either, neither, one | Singular verb | Each of the forms is complete. |
| along with, as well as, together with | Ignore the phrase; agree with the real subject | The head, along with her staff, was present. |
| either … or / neither … nor | Agree with the nearer subject | Neither the head nor the clerks were present. |
| Collective noun acting as a unit | Usually singular | The committee has decided. |
| The number of / A number of | Singular / plural | The number of applicants is high. A number of applicants are late. |
§3 Common error-recognition traps
§4 Paragraph organization
Find the topic sentence first — it introduces a subject without referring back to anything (no 'This', 'These', 'As a result'). Then chain sentences by their links: pronouns point back, transitions (First, Then, Finally; As a result; In short) fix position.
§5 Reading comprehension
§6 Worked examples
Example 1
Neither the manager nor the encoders ___ (has/have) signed the logbook.
- Identify the construction: neither … nor.
- The verb agrees with the nearer subject, 'encoders', which is plural.
Answer have
Example 2
Find the error: 'Having finished the report, the computer was shut down by Ana.'
- Ask who 'having finished the report'. It was Ana, not the computer.
- The modifier dangles because the subject after the comma is 'the computer'.
- Fix: 'Having finished the report, Ana shut down the computer.'
Answer Dangling modifier — the subject should be Ana.
! Common traps
- Choosing a choice because it 'sounds formal'. Correct grammar is often the plain option.
- Reading only the part around the blank — the clue is often at the other end of the sentence.
- Treating 'they/their' for a singular indefinite pronoun as the intended error when another part is clearly wrong; look for the definite mistake.
Coverage sources: Examination Announcement No. 03, s. 2026; Examination Advisory No. 10, s. 2026