The Knowledge of Language domain accounts for approximately 13–19% of the English section, which is 10–15 questions out of 75.
This domain focuses on your ability to use language effectively and concisely. It tests whether you can revise writing to improve:
- Clarity
- Style
- Tone
- Conciseness
- Word choice and precision
Here's a breakdown of the key conventions tested:
Eliminate Redundancy
These questions assess your ability to remove words that don't add meaning. Redundancy happens when an idea is repeated unnecessarily.
✅ Example:
- Original: The reason why she left early was because of the fact that she felt sick.
- Improved: The reason she left early was because she felt sick. —or even better— She left early because she felt sick.
🔍 Why it's better:
- Phrases like “because of the fact that” are wordy. “Because” expresses the idea clearly and concisely.
Use the Most Precise Words
These questions assess your ability to choose words that are accurate and specific for the context.
✅ Example:
- Original: He got a thing from the store that helps you cut stuff__.
- Improved: He bought a knife from the store.
🔍 Why it's better:
- "Thing" and "cut stuff" are vague. “Knife” is a precise noun that communicates exactly what was meant.
- Another example:
- Original: She was really good at playing the piano.
- Improved: She was an accomplished pianist.
Maintain Consistent Tone and Style
These questions assess your ability to match your word choice to the tone of the passage—whether it’s formal, academic, or casual.
✅ Example:
- Inappropriate tone shift: The scientific process is rigorous. You gotta make sure all your variables are tight.
- Improved: The scientific process is rigorous. You must ensure all variables are controlled.
🔍 Why it's better:
- “Gotta” and “tight” are too informal for an academic context.
Ensure Sentence Economy
These questions assess your ability to express ideas as simply and directly as possible without losing meaning.
✅ Example:
- Wordy: There are many people who believe that exercising regularly is beneficial to your health.
- Improved: Many people believe regular exercise benefits your health.
🔍 Why it's better:
- The improved version says the same thing in fewer words with clearer structure.
Avoid Wordiness
These questions assess your ability to cut extra words that add nothing new to the sentence.
✅ Example:
- Wordy: At this point in time, we are currently in the process of planning the event.
- Improved: We are planning the event.
🔍 Why it's better:
- Phrases like “at this point in time” and “in the process of” are filler. Removing them creates a cleaner sentence.
Tips for Success:
- Read the full sentence and context before choosing your answer.
- Less is often more: If two choices seem correct, the shorter one is often better.
- Don’t just fix grammar – think about how the sentence sounds and flows.
- Stay consistent: Match the style and tone of the passage.