Snapshot of the Paper (Use this on exam day)
- Essay: 30 marks | 200 words | 1/3 topics
- Précis: 30 marks | 135 words exactly (±3 words buffer if needed)
- RC: 40 marks | 5 questions (mix of factual, inference, vocabulary/tone)
Recommended time split (total 60 min):
- RC – 24 min (≈ 4–5 min reading + ~4–5 min per question block overall)
- Essay – 18 min (3 plan + 13 draft + 2 proof)
- Précis – 18 min (5 read/mark + 10 write + 3 tighten/count)
Why RC first? It’s 40% weight; finishing it early locks in core marks and lowers anxiety.
Section 1: Essay (200 Words | 30 Marks) — Precision > Prose
What examiners want
- Relevance to the prompt (no meandering)
- Tight structure (intro–body–conclusion) within ~200 words
- Balanced view + policy-aware tone
- Clean language (grammar, punctuation, concision)
Minute-by-minute plan (18 min)
- 03 min – Outline
- Write a 1-line thesis + 3 bullets (arguments/points).
- 13 min – Draft
- Intro (35–40 words): define scope, state thesis.
- Body-1 (55–60 words): strongest point + mini-evidence/example.
- Body-2 (55–60 words): counter-point or second angle + remedy.
- Conclusion (30–35 words): forward-looking, policy-centric line.
- 02 min – Proof
- Cut fluff, fix articles/commas, ensure ~190–205 words.
High-scoring skeleton you can reuse
- Intro: “In the context of …, the central challenge/opportunity is …; addressing it demands …”
- Body-1: “First, … (why it matters). For instance, … (data/policy/example). Hence, … (mini-inference).”
- Body-2: “However, risks persist …; consequently, a calibrated approach via … (measure/regulatory stance) is prudent.”
- Conclusion: “Going ahead, coordinated action among stakeholders can ensure … while safeguarding ….”
Quick Do/Don’t
- ✅ Keep topic words visible early.
- ✅ Use policy vocabulary: inclusion, transparency, risk-mitigation, consumer protection.
- ❌ No quotes/figures you’re unsure of.
- ❌ Don’t exceed 210 words—brevity is rewarded.
Target rubric (30): Content 12 | Organization 8 | Language 6 | Word-limit & neatness 4
Section 2: Précis (135 Words | 30 Marks) — “Distil, Don’t Delete”
Three-pass method (18 min)
- Pass-1 (3–4 min): Read for central idea. Underline thesis + topic sentences.
- Pass-2 (6–7 min): Build a 5–6 point idea ladder in your words (no examples/figures unless essential).
- Pass-3 (5–6 min): Write the précis in one compact paragraph, then tighten.
Golden rules
- One paragraph unless the original clearly has two distinct movements.
- Replace author’s phrases with synonyms + compressed syntax.
- No opinions of your own; mirror the author’s stance neutrally.
- Add a short, crisp title at the top (not counted in 135).
Length control & counting
- Aim for 132–138 words.
- Write first, then trim connectors/adjectives. Combine short sentences.
- Count once carefully; adjust to 135 ±3 if the interface doesn’t hard-enforce.
Précis checklist (score more, faster)
- ✅ Captures the core thesis and all major supports
- ✅ Proportionate reduction (don’t over-cut the middle only)
- ✅ Neutral tone, clear pronouns, no rhetorical flourish
- ✅ Title reflects central idea
Target rubric (30): Fidelity 12 | Coherence 8 | Language 6 | Length discipline & title 4
Section 3: Reading Comprehension (5 Qs | 40 Marks) — Secure the Big Chunk First
Smart order (24 min total)
- 4–5 min: Skim the passage once: note theme, tone (analytical/critical), and paragraph purposes.
- Then Q→Passage ping-pong: Read a question, return to the exact zone, extract answer.
Answer types & how to nail them
- Factual/Direct (Who/What/When): Quote-close paraphrase; no extra claims.
- Inference (“implies”, “suggests”): Use must-be-true logic; eliminate options adding new info.
- Vocabulary-in-context: Replace the word with options in the sentence; pick the one that preserves meaning.
- Tone/Purpose: Look at verbs/adjectives and if the author proposes, critiques, or analyzes.
- Title/Main idea: Prefer scope-wide, not a detail. Avoid sensational phrasing.
Precision tactics
- Underline signal words: however, therefore, despite, notably.
- For multi-choice, eliminate extremes and out-of-scope options.
- If two options seem right, choose the more general (for title) or the least assumptive (for inference).
Target rubric (40): Factual 12 | Inference 12 | Vocab/Tone 8 | Title/Main-idea 8 (weights vary; principle remains)
Section 4: 60-Minute Playbook (Exact Flow)
- 00:00–04:00 → RC first skim + mark paragraph purposes
- 04:00–24:00 → RC Q1–Q5 (move on if a Q >3 min; return at the end)
- 24:00–27:00 → Essay outline (thesis + 3 bullets)
- 27:00–40:00 → Essay draft (keep eye on 200 words)
- 40:00–42:00 → Essay proof (cut filler, fix commas)
- 42:00–47:00 → Précis read + idea ladder
- 47:00–57:00 → Précis write & tighten to 135
- 57:00–60:00 → Global proof: stray typos, counts, unanswered RC
Section 5: From Basics to Advanced — Skill Ladder
Basics (Week 1–2)
- Daily: 10–12 min typing drill + 1 200-word essay (untimed)
- 1 précis/day from editorials; aim 150 → 135 words
- RC: 1 short passage (5 Qs) on alternate days
Intermediate (Week 3–6)
- Two full mocks/week using the 24-18-18 split
- Maintain a vocab/expressions bank (policy verbs, formal connectors)
- Keep an error log (grammar, over-length, weak intros)
Advanced (Final 3–4 Weeks)
- Three mocks/week under strict timing
- Essay hooks (data/contrast) + balanced conclusion practice
- Précis three-pass method until 90%+ accuracy in hitting 135
- RC inference drills and tone identification
Section 6: High-Yield Language (Use Sparingly, Score Heavily)
Formal connectors: moreover; however; consequently; nonetheless; therefore
Policy verbs: calibrate; enable; incentivize; safeguard; streamline; bolster
Precise nouns: inclusion; disclosure; governance; resilience; oversight; literacy
Conclusion stems (Essay): “Going forward, coordinated efforts can …”; “A calibrated policy mix will …”
Section 7: Common Score Killers (and Quick Fixes)
- Overlength Essay (220+): Cut modifiers; keep one idea per sentence.
- Précis as a patchwork: Rewrite fully; don’t copy stitch lines.
- RC overthinking: If torn, pick the least assumptive option.
- Late proofread: Always reserve last 3 minutes.
- Fancy words, wrong usage: Clarity beats ornamentation.
Section 8: Self-Evaluation Rubric (Mirror the Exam)
Essay (30):
- Relevance 8 | Organization 8 | Language 6 | Word discipline 4 | Insight 4
Précis (30):
- Fidelity to core idea 10 | Coverage of major points 8 | Coherence 6 | Language 4 | Length & title 2
RC (40):
- Factual 12 | Inference 12 | Vocab/Tone 8 | Title/Main 8
Track scores per mock. Celebrate +2 jumps; diagnose -2 drops with your error log.
Last-Week Plan (Light but Sharp)
- Day-1 to Day-4: Alternate full mock and module day (Essay/Précis/RC focus).
- Day-5: Two modules (Essay+Précis), one short RC.
- Day-6: Final full mock in exam slot.
- Day-7: Rest + vocab/expressions skim + 2 précis to lock 135 muscle memory.
Exam-Day Checklist
- ✅ RC first (40 marks secured early)
- ✅ Essay outline before typing; keep ~200 words
- ✅ Précis three-pass; title added; 135 words confirmed
- ✅ 3-minute final proof: numbers, names, connectors, stray typos