How To Score 75 Marks In SSC MTS English?

SSC MTS English subject doesn’t require many complex calculations. Candidates need to focus on the concepts and grammar knowledge. It can help to achieve 75 marks in the SSC MTS exam. Still, Hindi medium candidates struggle in English. It may cause issues for them in achieving the required cutoff marks. English is just a language to learn by knowing where to use the correct grammar. Candidates should apply an approach of regular practice to score marks in English.

SSC MTS English Key Concepts

Candidates can get the SSC MTS English key concepts from the grammar and vocabulary section for practice purposes. It is useful for them to know how to use the vocabulary and grammar topics for exam preparation. 

1. Vocabulary: Word Choice in Context

Question: "The humble surroundings of a company __ creativity amongst the newly recruited employees."

Analysis: The context implies a positive environment fostering creativity. The correct word is inspired, meaning to motivate or encourage something positive.

• Inspire: To motivate, influence, or encourage.

• Synonyms: influence, motivate, encourage, galvanise, impel.

Comparative Structure: Positive vs. Negative Incitement

2. Spelling: Identifying the Incorrectly Spelt Word

Analysis: The incorrectly spelt word typically found in such questions is obligation. The correct spelling is O-B-L-I-G-A-T-I-O-N.

• Obligation: A compulsion or a duty to do something.

3. Grammar: Use of Adjective Degrees

Question: "The fresh air in the garden relaxes the minds of the children as the environment is cleaner."

Analysis: The error lies in using the comparative degree (cleaner). Comparative adjectives are used only when comparing two entities. Here, the environment's cleanliness is stated as a fact, not a comparison.

• Correction: Use the positive degree. The sentence should be: "…the environment is clean."

4. Vocabulary: Antonyms (Candid)

Question: Find the antonym of candid.

Analysis:

• Candid: Truthful, sincere, frank, honest, outspoken. (Memory Tip: Think of "candid photography" for natural, unposed honesty.)

• The correct antonym is prejudiced. A prejudiced opinion is formed without reason or experience, contrasting with frankness.

5. Idioms and Phrases

Question: Which idiom means "not to worry" about something that has already happened?

Analysis: The correct idiom is "Don't cry over spilt milk." This means one should not be upset about an unchangeable past loss or mistake.

• Other relevant idioms:

• Bite the bullet: To bravely endure a difficult situation.

• Walking on air: To be extremely happy.

6. Vocabulary: Antonyms (Fetid)

Question: Find the antonym of fetid.

Analysis:

• Fetid: Having an extremely unpleasant, foul, or offensive smell.

• Synonyms: stinky, malodorous, pungent.

• The correct antonym is fragrant, meaning having a pleasant or sweet smell.

7. Vocabulary: Antonyms (Show)

Question: Find the antonym of show.

Analysis:

• Show: To display or exhibit.

• The correct antonym is cover, meaning to hide or conceal something.

• Synonyms: conceal, hide, bury. (Memory Tip: Think of a "concealer" product used to hide imperfections.)

8. Grammar: Adjective vs. Adverb

Question: "He hardness ever complains about his workload…"

Analysis: The error is in using the noun hardness where an adverb is needed.

Comparative Structure: Hard vs. Hardly

• Correction: The sentence implies he "rarely" complains. Therefore, the adverb hardly is required.

• Correct Sentence: "He hardly ever complains…"

9. Spelling: Identifying the Incorrectly Spelt Word

Analysis: A common misspelling for this concept is persevere. The correct spelling is persevere.

• Persevere: To continue an action despite difficulties.

• Preserve: To maintain in an original state.

10. Vocabulary: Synonyms (Vague)

Question: Find the synonym of vague.

Analysis:

• Vague: Of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character/meaning.

• The correct synonym is hazy.

• Synonyms: unclear, indistinct, misty.

11. Idioms and Phrases

Question: Identify the idiom for boasting or self-praise.

Analysis: The idiom is to blow one's own trumpet, meaning to boast about one's achievements.

• Synonymous Idioms: to toot one's own horn, to pat oneself on the back.

12. Vocabulary: Antonyms (Ruthless)

Question: Find the antonym of ruthless.

Analysis:

• Ruthless: Having or showing no pity or compassion; cruel.

• Synonyms: cruel, callous, merciless, brutal.

• The correct antonym is compassionate, meaning feeling or showing sympathy and concern.