Lesson 1
English Communication
In This Lesson
1. Grammar Rules
Mastering grammar is essential for the USTET English Communication section.
Subject-Verb Agreement
- • Singular subjects take singular verbs: The student writes well.
- • Plural subjects take plural verbs: The students write well.
- • Compound subjects with "and" are plural: Tom and Jerry are friends.
- • With "or/nor," the verb matches the nearest subject: Neither the teacher nor the students are present.
- • Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on context.
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
- • Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number and gender.
- • Correct: Each student must bring his or her book.
- • Incorrect: Each student must bring their book. (informal)
- • Indefinite pronouns (everyone, someone, anybody) are singular.
2. Verb Tenses
Understanding verb tenses is crucial for proper communication.
| Tense | Example | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I study English. | Habits, facts, routines |
| Present Progressive | I am studying English. | Actions happening now |
| Present Perfect | I have studied English. | Past action with present relevance |
| Simple Past | I studied English. | Completed past action |
| Past Progressive | I was studying English. | Ongoing action in the past |
| Simple Future | I will study English. | Future actions |
Perfect Tenses
- Present Perfect: has/have + past participle (connects past to present)
- Past Perfect: had + past participle (action before another past action)
- Future Perfect: will have + past participle (completed before future time)
3. Sentence Structure
Understanding sentence types and structure helps in both reading and writing.
Simple Sentence
One independent clause
The student studies hard.
Compound Sentence
Two independent clauses joined by FANBOYS
She studies hard, and she passes exams.
Complex Sentence
Independent clause + dependent clause
Because she studies hard, she passes exams.
Compound-Complex
Two independent + one dependent clause
When she studies, she focuses, and she succeeds.
FANBOYS (Coordinating Conjunctions)
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
4. Reading Comprehension
The USTET tests your ability to understand and analyze written passages.
Reading Strategies
- Preview the passage - Look at titles, headings, first/last paragraphs
- Read questions first - Know what to look for
- Identify main idea - Usually in introduction or conclusion
- Note key details - Facts, dates, names, statistics
- Make inferences - Draw conclusions from given information
- Context clues - Figure out unfamiliar words from surrounding text
Question Types
- Main Idea: What is the passage mainly about?
- Detail: According to the passage, what/when/where...?
- Inference: What can be inferred from the passage?
- Vocabulary: The word "___" most nearly means...
- Tone: What is the author's attitude toward...?
- Purpose: Why did the author write this passage?
5. Vocabulary Building
A strong vocabulary helps in all sections of the USTET.
Common Prefixes
Common Suffixes
Context Clue Types
- Definition: The word is defined in the sentence
- Synonym: A similar word is used nearby
- Antonym: An opposite word provides contrast
- Example: Examples help clarify meaning
- Inference: Meaning can be figured out from context
6. Common Errors
Avoid these frequent mistakes in grammar and usage.
Grammar Errors to Avoid
- Subject-Verb Disagreement:
Wrong: The list of items are on the table.
Correct: The list of items is on the table.
- Misplaced Modifiers:
Wrong: Walking to school, the rain started.
Correct: Walking to school, I got caught in the rain.
- Faulty Parallelism:
Wrong: She likes swimming, to run, and biking.
Correct: She likes swimming, running, and biking.
Commonly Confused Words
USTET English Tips
- ✓Read extensively - newspapers, articles, and books improve comprehension.
- ✓Practice grammar exercises - identify and correct errors.
- ✓Build vocabulary daily - learn 5-10 new words per day.
- ✓Time yourself - practice reading passages under time pressure.