What the question looks like
Column I has three sentence beginnings (A, B, C) and Column II has three endings (D, E, F). You must find which combinations form grammatically and contextually correct sentences. The options list combinations such as A-E, B-F, C-D or A-E, C-D. Not every beginning need have a match, and the correct option lists all the valid pairs and no invalid ones.
Step-by-step approach
- Take each Column I phrase and predict what must follow. The bank has decided needs to + verb; Hardly had the auditors entered needs when; The more you delay needs the more/higher.
- Check grammar first, then meaning. A pair may be grammatical but meaningless (A large number of complaints were present at the meeting), which is still wrong.
- Test every possible pair for each beginning, not just the first one that works, because one ending may fit two beginnings in grammar.
- Choose the option that matches your full list. An option that gives only some of the correct pairs is wrong.
Rules that decide the matches
- Fixed structures: No sooner ... than; Hardly ... when; Not only ... but also; The more ... the more.
- Conditionals: If + present, will; If + past (were), would; Had + V3, would have + V3.
- It is high time + past tense; is yet to + base verb; aimed at + noun or -ing.
- Prepositions: accused of, insisted on, protested against, prefer saving to spending.
- Agreement across the two halves: Neither the manager nor his deputies were; Each of the branches has; The minister, along with his aides, was.
Worked example
Column I: (A) Despite the slowdown, the company (B) The minister refused (C) Unless the borrower repays. Column II: (D) to comment on the proposed merger. (E) reported a rise in quarterly profits. (F) the bank had sold the collateral.
A-E and B-D are correct. C-F fails because Unless + present must be followed by a future result (the bank will sell), not a past perfect. Answer: A-E, B-D.
Common traps
- Assuming all three beginnings have a partner.
- Choosing an option with one correct pair and one wrong pair.
- Ignoring sense: a grammatical sentence that says something illogical is not a valid match.
Time target: 40-50 seconds per question. Write the valid pairs on your rough sheet before you look at the options.