CDS Vocabulary - Steps to Improve Vocabulary for CDS English - CDS / AFCAT PDF Download

Introduction

The Combined Defense Services Examination (CDS Exam) is an esteemed exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year to recruit candidates for various positions in the Indian Armed Forces. The English section of the CDS Exam is an essential part that tests the candidates' vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills. The vocabulary section of the CDS Exam comprises fill in the blanks, one-word substitutions, reading comprehension, cloze questions, synonyms, and antonyms, which account for a significant portion of the total marks. It is crucial to have a sound vocabulary to score well in the exam. In this article, we will discuss some steps that can help you improve your CDS Vocabulary.

Why is Vocabulary Important for CDS Exam?

Vocabulary is an essential component of the English language. It is the foundation of all the other topics in English. A good vocabulary is necessary to understand and interpret the meaning of words in different contexts. In the CDS Exam, the vocabulary section tests the candidate's ability to use words accurately and appropriately. A good vocabulary helps in better comprehension, which is crucial for the reading comprehension section of the CDS Exam. A sound vocabulary also helps in writing better essays, letters, and reports, which are part of the exam.

Steps to Improve CDS Vocabulary

Improving your vocabulary is not a one-day task; it takes practice, dedication, and patience. Here are some steps that can help you improve your CDS Vocabulary:

Read Widely

Reading is an excellent way to improve your vocabulary. Reading different types of content exposes you to new words and helps you understand their contextual meanings. You can start by reading online articles, short stories, newspapers, and magazines. It is recommended to read at least two articles a day from a variety of sources to improve your reading speed and comprehension.

Make Notes

Making notes is an effective way to retain new words and their meanings. Keep a small notebook or journal with you always and note down new words and their meanings whenever you come across them. This practice will help you create an individual collection of new words that you can revise easily.

Learn the Origin of Words

Learning the origin of words can help you understand their meanings and remember them better. Many words have a positive or negative connotation indicated by their prefix or suffix. Knowing the origin of words also helps you comprehend similar words that you may encounter. For example, the word "alter ego" means the other side of oneself. The word "altercation" means a noisy argument or disagreement.

Create an Idea

Creating an idea around a word helps you retain it better. It means associating a context with the word and explaining it. For example, the word "egoist" means a person who believes in self-love and self-promotion. Associating a sentence with a word can also help you remember it better.

Link the Word with Mnemonics

Mnemonics is the study of systems for improving and aiding the memory. You can use mnemonics to remember new words by associating them with an image. For example, the word "altruism" means selflessness. You can associate it with an image of a person sacrificing something for others. Repeat this association in your head several times until it becomes a habit.

Practice

Practice is the key to improving your vocabulary. All the above methods must be practiced regularly to retain new words and their meanings. You can test your speed and accuracy by taking time-based tests.

Appreciate the Effort and Have Fun

Learning new words can be enjoyable and useful. It is essential to appreciate the effort you put in and have fun while doing it. Every word has a story, and learning it is a journey that can be enriching.

How to Prepare for CDS Vocabulary?

Preparing for CDS Vocabulary requires a systematic approach. Here are some steps that can help you prepare for CDS Vocabulary:

Study Material

EduRev provides quality study material, books, and practice questions to help you prepare for the CDS Exam. Make use of the study material to enhance your vocabulary.

Practice Tests

Practice tests help you assess your preparation and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Take practice tests regularly to improve your speed and accuracy.

Revision

Revision is crucial in retaining new words and their meanings. Revise your notes regularly and practice using the words in sentences to improve your retention.

Online Resources

There are many online resources available that can help you improve your vocabulary. Make use of online dictionaries, thesauruses, and flashcards to enhance your vocabulary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How to improve vocabulary for the CDS Exam?
Ans: To improve your vocabulary for the CDS Exam, you can read widely, make notes, learn the origin of words, create an idea around the word, link the word with mnemonics, practice, and appreciate the effort.

Q2: How much does the vocabulary section weigh in the CDS Exam?
Ans: The vocabulary section accounts for a significant portion of the total marks in the CDS Exam.

Q3: How to prepare for the vocabulary section of the CDS Exam?
Ans: To prepare for the vocabulary section of the CDS Exam, you can make use of study material, take practice tests, revise regularly, and use online resources.

Q4: How to retain new words and their meanings?
Ans: To retain new words and their meanings, you can make notes, revise regularly, use the words in sentences, and link the words with mnemonics.

Q5: What is the importance of vocabulary in the CDS Exam?
Ans: Vocabulary is an essential component of the English language and is crucial for the reading comprehension, writing, and vocabulary sections of the CDS Exam. A good vocabulary helps in better comprehension, interpretation, and communication.