Didn’t Focus on English? Now It’s Time to Catch Up for IBPS PO!

The banking exam season has begun, and if you are focusing only on RRB exams where English takes a back seat, it is time to make a significant difference. The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) Probationary Officer (PO) exam is a different kind of challenge, and its English Language section is quite crucial, which demands your full attention.

Focus on English to Catch Up for IBPS PO

Many candidates, naturally, prefer sections like Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude, especially when they are preparing for exams that do not have English as a major focus. However, for IBPS PO, neglecting English can be a costly mistake. English is given a lot of importance in IBPS, with the main exam testing candidates’ broad comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and even descriptive writing skills.

The Role of English in IBPS PO Exam

The English Language section is not merely a qualifying hurdle; it’s a scoring opportunity that can significantly boost your overall marks and help you clear both the Prelims and Mains cut-offs. Because:

• Prelims Importance: The Prelims exam includes a dedicated English Language section with 30 questions carrying 30 marks, to be completed in 20 minutes. A good score here is vital for advancing to the Mains.
• Mains Significance: The Mains exam features an objective English Language section (35 questions, 40 marks, 40 minutes) and, crucially, a descriptive English paper (2 questions, 25 marks, 30 minutes) which includes essay and letter writing. This descriptive section is a game-changer and requires strong writing and analytical skills.
• Overall Impact: Strong English skills contribute not just to the English section itself, but also indirectly to other sections like Reading Comprehension in Reasoning, where understanding complex problem statements is key. Furthermore, the interview stage often involves communication in English, making proficiency in the language an overarching asset.

It’s Time to Catch Up English

If English hasn’t been your focus, so this is the right time to focused on English section. It’s never too late to build a solid foundation and excel in this section. Here’s a strategic approach to catch up and conquer the IBPS PO English challenge:

1. Rebuild Your Fundamentals:

• Master the Basics: Dedicate time to revisiting fundamental grammar rules. Topics like Subject-Verb Agreement, Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Pronouns, and Conditionals are frequently tested.
• Practice Error Spotting: This is a high scoring area. Regular practice of error identification exercises will help you identify common grammatical mistakes. Pay attention to subtle errors in sentence structure and word usage.

2. Cultivate a Reading Habit:

• Daily Newspaper Reading: This is perhaps the most effective single strategy. Read English newspapers like ‘The Hindu’ or ‘The Indian Express’, focusing especially on the editorial sections. This improves:
  • Reading Speed and Comprehension: Essential for Reading Comprehension passages.
  • Vocabulary: Note down new words, their meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and how they are used in context.
  • Sentence Structure and Flow: Helps in identifying errors and improving your own writing.
• Diverse Reading Material: Don’t limit yourself to newspapers. Read English articles, short stories, or even novels to expose yourself to different writing styles and expand your general knowledge.

3. Power Up Your Vocabulary:

• Systematic Learning: Don’t just passively read. Actively learn 5-10 new words daily. Use flashcards, vocabulary apps, or a dedicated notebook to record and revise them regularly.
• Contextual Understanding: Focus on understanding how words are used in different contexts, as this is crucial for Cloze Tests and Fill in the Blanks.

4. Practice:

• Sectional and Full Mock Tests: Regularly take English sectional mock tests to identify your weak areas and improve time management. Once comfortable, integrate full-length mock tests to simulate the actual exam environment. You can easily access the mock test or quiz and sectional quiz also on the app of Adda247.
• Analyze Your Mistakes: After every practice test, thoroughly analyze your incorrect answers. Understand why you made the mistake and revise the relevant concepts.
• Targeted Practice: Solve questions specifically for Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Sentence Improvement, and Fill in the Blanks. These are recurring and high-weightage topics.

5. Don’t Forget Descriptive English (Mains Specific):

• Essay and Letter Writing: Practice writing essays and letters on various current and banking-related topics. Focus on structure, coherence, clarity, and grammatical accuracy.
• Word Limit and Format: Adhere to prescribed word limits and learn the standard formats for formal and informal letters.
• Proofreading: Always proofread your descriptive answers for any grammatical errors or typos.

For Non-English Medium Students:

• Start with Basics: Begin with basic grammar books and simple English reading materials.
• Immerse Yourself: Watch English movies with subtitles, listen to English news, and try to converse in English.
• Focus on Understanding: Don’t get confused by every new word. Focus on understanding the overall meaning and context first.
• Consistency is Key: Regular and consistent effort, even for short durations, will yield significant results.

The IBPS PO exam is competitive, and every section matters. While Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude are essential, neglecting English is a strategic mistake. By putting in consistent effort, building strong fundamentals, and practicing regularly, you can not only catch up but also turn the English section into a strong scoring area in your IBPS PO Exam.