EST Writing and Language section is a critical part of the exam, testing your ability to analyze and improve written passages. With 44 questions to answer in 35 minutes, this section requires a strong grasp of grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical skills. Whether you’re aiming for a perfect score or just looking to boost your performance, these 10 tips will help you master the EST Writing and Language section.
1. Master Grammar Rules EST
EST Writing and Language section heavily tests grammar rules. Focus on these key areas:
- Subject-Verb Agreement:Â Ensure the subject and verb match in number (e.g., “The team is” vs. “The team are”).
- Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement:Â Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number and gender (e.g., “Each student must bring their book” is incorrect; use “his or her” instead).
- Verb Tense Consistency EST writing :Â Maintain consistent verb tenses within a sentence or passage.
2. Understand Punctuation Rules
Punctuation errors are common in the EST Writing section. Pay attention to:
- Commas:Â Use commas to separate items in a list, after introductory phrases, and around non-essential clauses.
- Semicolons and Colons:Â Use semicolons to connect closely related independent clauses and colons to introduce lists or explanations.
- Apostrophes:Â Use apostrophes for possessives (e.g., “the student’s book”) and contractions (e.g., “it’s” for “it is”).
3. Practice Identifying Errors
The EST often tests your ability to spot errors in sentences. Practice identifying:
- Misplaced Modifiers:Â Ensure descriptive phrases are placed next to the words they modify.
- Parallel Structure:Â Use the same grammatical form for items in a list or comparison (e.g., “She likes hiking, swimming, and to run” should be “She likes hiking, swimming, and running”).
- Wordiness and Redundancy:Â Eliminate unnecessary words or phrases (e.g., “advance planning” is redundant).
4. Improve Passage Flow EST
EST Writing section includes questions about improving the organization and flow of passages. To excel:
- Identify Transition Words:Â Use words like “however,” “therefore,” and “in addition” to connect ideas logically.
- Understand Paragraph Structure:Â Ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and supports the main idea.
- Rearrange Sentences:Â Practice reordering sentences to improve coherence and clarity.
5. Focus on Concision in EST Writing
EST values clear and concise writing. Avoid:
- Wordy Phrases:Â Replace phrases like “due to the fact that” with “because.”
- Redundant Expressions:Â Eliminate phrases like “end result” or “basic fundamentals.”
- Unnecessary Repetition:Â Remove repetitive ideas or words.
6. Learn Rhetorical Skills
EST tests your ability to improve the effectiveness of a passage. Focus on:
- Author’s Purpose: Understand whether the author is informing, persuading, or entertaining.
- Tone and Style:Â Ensure the tone matches the context and audience.
- Data Interpretation:Â Use graphs or charts to support or revise claims in the passage.
7. Read Actively
Active reading is key to understanding EST passages. Practice:
- Annotating:Â Highlight key ideas, transitions, and errors as you read.
- Summarizing:Â Write a brief summary of each paragraph to ensure comprehension.
- Predicting:Â Anticipate how sentences or paragraphs could be improved.
8. Time Management
With 35 minutes for 44 questions, time management is crucial. Follow these tips:
- Pace Yourself:Â Spend about 45 seconds per question.
- Skip and Return:Â If a question stumps you, mark it and move on. Return to it later if time permits.
- Practice Under Timed Conditions:Â Simulate test conditions to build speed and accuracy.
9. Use Process of Elimination
For challenging questions, eliminate obviously wrong answers to narrow your choices. Look for:
- Grammar Errors:Â Incorrect verb tense, pronoun usage, or punctuation.
- Irrelevant Information: Answers that don’t address the question or improve the passage.
- Extreme Language:Â Avoid answers with words like “always” or “never,” which are often incorrect.
10. Take Practice Tests
Practice tests are the best way to prepare for the EST Writing and Language section. They help you:
- Identify Weaknesses:Â Focus on areas where you make the most mistakes.
- Build Confidence:Â Familiarize yourself with the test format and question types.
- Track Progress:Â Measure your improvement over time.
EST Writing and Language Practice Questions
Here are a few examples to test your skills:
- Grammar Question:
Incorrect:Â “The team are playing well.”
Correct:Â “The team is playing well.” - Punctuation Question:
Incorrect:Â “She bought apples, oranges and bananas.”
Correct:Â “She bought apples, oranges, and bananas.” - Concision Question:
Incorrect:Â “Due to the fact that it was raining, we stayed inside.”
Correct:Â “Because it was raining, we stayed inside.”
Conclusion
The EST Writing and Language section doesn’t have to be intimidating. By mastering grammar rules, understanding punctuation, and practicing active reading, you can significantly improve your score. Use these 10 tips to guide your preparation, and don’t forget to take plenty of practice tests to build confidence and accuracy. With dedication and the right strategies, you’ll be well on your way to acing the EST Writing and Language section!
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