- By Ritesh Kumar
- Mon, 31 Jul 2023 04:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Jaideep Singh, an accomplished teacher, and motivator has been guiding and inspiring students for over 12 years. With his expertise, he has mentored a vast number of students aspiring to excel in various Government exams such as SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, banking exams, and state exams. His primary objective is to enable students to grasp English language concepts thoroughly and apply them effectively.
During an interview with Jagran English, educator Jaideep Singh shared valuable insights on enhancing the English section, starting with basic preparation, effective strategies for reading newspapers, improving vocabulary, and memorising new words, among many other helpful tips and techniques.
Q.) What strategies do you recommend for students who want to prepare for the English section starting from the basics?
Ans) The best approach for beginners or those who are weak in English to improve their basics in the English section is to read grammar books from classes 6, 7, and 8. By doing so, they can build up their confidence and develop a strong foundation. Additionally, focusing on word power and memorising both simple and difficult vocabulary words will further enhance their understanding as they progress to an advanced level.
Q.) If someone's English section are weak since school times, how can they effectively prepare for the English section and improve their performance?
Ans) English has become a mandatory section in approximately 80 to 90 percent of all exams, leaving students with no option but to confront it. Many students, burdened with the fear of their weak English skills since their school days, find themselves unsure about where and how to begin improving. However, avoiding English-related exams is no longer feasible as this section is gradually becoming compulsory across all examinations.
To effectively enhance their English proficiency, the best approach is to conquer the fear embedded in their minds. With age and maturity, the comprehension of concepts that were challenging during school times can be now significantly easier, provided focused attention is given to them. Building a strong foundation by working on the basics is paramount to improving English skills.
Developing a daily reading habit plays a crucial role in this journey. Whether it be newspapers, general studies, or current affairs, students can choose any reading material of their interest in English. Additionally, students must work on improving their vocabulary, as doing so will lead to an enhancement in their knowledge of words.
Q.) Does reading newspapers effectively contribute to improving English skills? If so, what strategies should one apply while reading newspapers to maximise the benefits of language improvement?
Ans) Students should make a habit of reading the daily newspaper. For students aiming to improve their newspaper vocabulary, a useful strategy involves jotting down unfamiliar words and their meanings. By diligently following this approach for a month, students can become more proficient in newspaper reading and expand their vocabulary significantly. The main reason many students avoid newspapers is that they can initially understand only about 20 per cent of the news, with the remaining portion being challenging to understand due to unfamiliar vocabulary.
Q.) What are some effective strategies for improving vocabulary and memorising new words more efficiently?
Ans) To remember new words effectively, try incorporating them into real-life situations. By relating the word to a personal experience or observation, you are more likely to remember it in the long term.
Q.) Are there any effective tricks or strategies for option elimination in multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to increase the chances of selecting the correct answer?
Ans) Having a good knowledge base is crucial for the guess trick to work effectively. Students who have studied extensively can use the option elimination strategy in multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The best approach involves first eliminating options that are not relevant to the question and then carefully considering which option is most relatable. For example in English sections of exams, questions often focus on synonyms and antonyms. When dealing with synonym questions, it's common to find three options that are antonyms. To gain a better understanding of question patterns, students should diligently solve the previous year's questions.
Q.) What is the recommended number of mock tests that students should attempt in a single day for effective preparation?
Ans) When starting your preparation, avoid taking too many mock tests initially. Instead, focus on completing your syllabus, preparing each topic thoroughly, and engaging in mixed practice before attempting mock tests. If students wish to incorporate mock tests into their routine, they can start by taking one mock test daily for any subject. However, as the exam date approaches, it's beneficial for students to increase their mock test frequency to two tests per day, particularly for weaker subjects. This approach will help them build confidence and identify areas that require further improvement.
Q.) What is the recommended amount of time that should be dedicated to the English subject while preparing for government exams?
Ans) Before beginning your preparation, assess your proficiency level in English, whether it is weak, average, or strong. Depending on your English proficiency, allocate an appropriate amount of time for studying. If you are good at English, dedicate less time to it; however, if your English is weak, be prepared to invest more time. English can be divided into three sections: grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Depending on which sections are weaker, focus on putting in extra effort to improve in those areas. For students with weak English, it is advisable to spend a minimum of 3 hours daily on English practice, with particular emphasis on the sections that need improvement.
Q.) What effective strategies can be employed to prepare for the grammar section?
Ans) The grammar section plays a crucial role in English as it forms the backbone of the language. When discussing strategies, some students with strong foundational knowledge easily connect with the teacher at the advanced level. However, for those whose grammar basics are considerably weak, it is essential to focus on improving these fundamentals first. Mere memorization of rules is insufficient for attempting questions. To strengthen your basics, begin by studying grammar from classes 6, 7, and 8 books. As you grasp the fundamentals, your comprehension of grammar will improve, gradually advancing to higher levels.
Q.) Which mode of preparation, online or offline, is considered more effective for aspirants?
Ans) From my perspective, the majority of students preparing for government exams come from middle-class families, where financial and time constraints play a crucial role in their lives. Nowadays, the online medium proves to be more effective, as it offers a cost-effective solution allowing students to access courses from the comfort of their homes. Considering the significance of both money and time for middle-class families, this approach enables students to learn from the best teachers without compromising on their financial and time limitations.
Q.) What message or advice would you like to convey to the aspirants who are diligently preparing for government exams?
Ans) To crack the exam on the first attempt, students are advised to maintain a daily study routine, dedicating 7 to 8 hours each day, and ensuring unwavering consistency without skipping any day for any reason. Success comes through dedication and commitment to regular study habits.