How to Prepare English for IB SA 2025 with 10th-Level Basics?

English is one of the most scoring yet challenging sections in the IB SA 2025 examination, especially for candidates who come from Hindi-medium backgrounds or have weak basics. However, the good news is that the English section in IB Security Assistant exams is mostly based on the 10th-standard level, which means anyone with the right strategy and consistent effort can score high. If you’re someone starting with basic knowledge of English, this guide will help you understand the entire syllabus, build concepts from scratch, and master each topic with a clear understanding and practical tips.

IB SA English Syllabus 2025

In IB SA, the English section carries 20 Questions for 20 Marks. Below is the official syllabus:

Why English is a Scoring Subject in IB SA 2025?

English language section, especially in competitive exams like IB SA, is often seen as a scoring area for several reasons:

• Unlike Quantitative Aptitude or Reasoning, English doesn’t require lengthy calculations. Question are direct and test your understanding, grammar, and vocabulary.
• If your basics are clear, you can solve English questions faster. This helps in saving time for tougher sections during the exam.
• The types of questions like Synonyms, Antonyms, Cloze Test, or Sentence Improvement remain mostly consistent year after year. With regular practice, scoring high becomes easier.
• A good performance in English can significantly increase your overall marks, improving your chances of selection.
• Even beyond the written test, having a good grasp on English helps in interviews and job communication, making it a valuable long-term skill.

How to Prepare English for IB SA 2025 – Complete Strategy

English can become a high-scoring subject with the right strategy. Focus on grammar basics, build vocabulary daily, and practice previous year papers and mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.

1.Understand the syllabus First

Knowing what to study is the first step toward smart preparation. Without clarity on the syllabus, you may waste time on irrelevant topics. Divide the English Section into 3 Main Parts:

• Grammar topics (like Spotting Error, Voice, Prepositions)
• Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, One-Word Substitution, Idioms)
• Reading skills (RC, Cloze, Para Jumble)

• Analyze Previous Year Papers: Check previous year papers to understand the type of questions asked under each category. This helps in setting priorities.

2. Master Grammar Rules from Basics

English grammar is the foundation of this section. Even 2-3 questions can be tricky if your basics are weak.

• Subject-Verb Agreement
• Tenses
• Articles
• Prepositions
• Active & Passive Voice

Use beginner-friendly YouTube videos or school-level grammar books to build a strong foundation. Make notes and revise regularly.

3. Build Vocabulary Daily

Vocabulary plays a major role in Synonyms, Antonyms, Fillers, Cloze test, and One-word Substitution. Start with:

• 5 new words daily (with synonyms, antonyms, and usage in sentence)
• Learn Idioms & Phrases in context (not just cramming)
• Revise old words regularly, make a personal notebook for vocabulary and revise weekly.

4. Practice Reading Comprehension Smartly

Reading Comprehension is not about speed reading; it’ about grasping meaning quickly and answering accurately. Tips:

• Read the question first, then passage
• Focus on tone, central idea, and facts
• Practice with short passages initially

Start reading simple English articles, short stories, or news headlines to improve comprehension skills.

5. Master Cloze Test & Para Jumble

These test your sentence flow and understanding of grammar + logic.

• For Cloze test: Understand theme of passage, use elimination method
• For Para Jumble: Look for connectors, pronouns, logical flow

Practice 1-2 sets daily from previous year questions or mock papers.

6. Topic-wise Practice with Time Limit

Time-bound practice improves speed and accuracy. Make a weekly plan like:

• Monday: Spotting Errors + Cloze test
• Tuesday: Synonyms/Antonyms + RC
• Wednesday: Sentence Improvement + Para Jumble and so on

Focus on one or two topics per day for deep learning.

7. Previous Year Papers – Your Best Teacher

Solving PYQs gives you:

• Understanding of question pattern
• Repeated question types
• Real exam like practice

Solve the lat 5 years, IB SA English papers and mark weak areas.

8. Take Mock Test Regularly

Mocks help in:

• Assessing your preparation
• Improving time management
• Getting real-time exam experience

Start with one mock test every Sunday. After 2-3 weeks, increase to 2 mocks/week.

9. Analyze Your Mistakes

After every mock or practice session:

• Check which topics you’re making mistakes in
• Understand why the error happened
• Re-learn that concept immediately

Without analysis, practice is incomplete.

10. Consistency is the key

English can’t be improved overnight. Be consistent with:

• 1 hour daily English practice
• 10-15 minutes revision of previous topics
• Weekly mocks + analysis

Small improvements daily = big results in final exam.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even after studying hard, many aspirants lose marks in English due to basic yet common mistakes. Ignoring vocabulary, skipping grammar rules, or relying only on tricks can cost you. To score well, it’s important to avoid these errors smartly.

• Ignoring Vocabulary: Don’t just focus on grammar. Vocabulary carries a huge weightage, especially in cloze test, Fill in the Blanks, and Synonyms/Antonyms.
• Relying Only on Tricks: Tricks help but only when basic concepts are clear. Don’t blindly follow shortcuts without understanding the logic.
• Skipping Mock Analysis:  Giving mock tests is not enough. Always analyze your wrong answers and understand why you made the mistake.
• Not Reading Instructions Properly: Sometimes questions are tricky due to wording. Always read the full question and options carefully.
• Last-Minute Cramming: English is not a subject you can master overnight. Don’t try to learn 100 new idioms or rules before the exam. It’ll only confuse you.

English can be your highest-scoring subjects in the IB exam if approached smartly. Stick to the basics, practice daily, avoid shortcuts, and revise regularly. With consistent effort, you can easily score 15+ marks out of 20 in the English section.