Table of Contents
Introduction
SBI PO English Syllabus Overview
Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension
Usage and Structure
Detailed Preparation Strategy
Grammar Rules for SBI PO
Vocabulary Building
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Error Spotting
Cloze Test
Para Jumbles
Fillers
Section-Wise Weightage and Difficulty Trend
Tips to Improve Speed and Accuracy
Summary Notes
25 Practice Questions (Grammar + Comprehension)
FAQs
Introduction
The English Language section in SBI PO checks a candidate’s ability to understand, interpret and communicate information effectively. The exam tests core grammar skills, vocabulary strength and comprehension ability. Since English is common to both Prelims and Mains, a structured preparation plan strengthens the entire selection journey.
This guide provides a fully original, exam-focused preparation strategy covering Grammar and Comprehension for SBI PO 2025.
SBI PO English Syllabus Overview
The English section includes:
Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension
Sentence structure and usage
Critical reasoning elements in Mains
Understanding these areas helps candidates plan their preparation smartly.
Grammar
Grammar forms the base of the language. SBI PO tests:
Subject–Verb Agreement
Tenses
Articles & Determiners
Prepositions
Pronouns
Modifiers
Voice & Speech
Conjunctions
Accurate grammatical application helps in error spotting and sentence improvement.
Vocabulary
A strong vocabulary improves comprehension and speeds up question-solving. SBI PO asks:
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Substitution
Spelling
Context-based meanings
Vocabulary is always tested indirectly inside RC passages and Cloze Tests.
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension checks:
Understanding of long passages
Inference making
Tone and theme recognition
Logical connection between sentences
Vocabulary-in-context
Mains passages are analytical and require practice.
Usage and Structure
This part includes:
Para jumble
Sentence rearrangement
Cloze test accuracy
Sentence formation logic
These questions test English structure and flow.
Detailed Preparation Strategy
Below is a fully original and structured preparation approach.
Grammar Rules for SBI PO
1. Subject–Verb Agreement
A verb must agree with its subject in number and person. Collective nouns take singular verbs when acting as one unit.
2. Tenses
Maintain consistent tense and identify misplaced tense usage in sentence correction questions.
3. Articles
Use a/an for non-specific nouns and the for specific references. Articles are tested in Cloze Tests.
4. Pronoun Consistency
Pronouns must match with the antecedent in number and gender.
5. Modifiers
SBI often tests misplaced and dangling modifiers that change sentence meaning.
6. Active and Passive Voice
Know when passive voice creates ambiguity or weakens a sentence.
7. Prepositions
Prepositions of time, place and direction help eliminate incorrect options in close choices.
Vocabulary Building for SBI PO
Follow these simple techniques:
Read editorials daily
Note down unknown words
Learn synonyms and antonyms
Use words in your own sentences
Revise weekly word lists
High-impact vocabulary helps boost both RC and Cloze Tests.
Mastering Reading Comprehension
Steps for RC
Skim the passage first
Identify the theme
Highlight keywords
Infer meaning from context
Avoid emotional choices
Types of Passages
Economy
Social issues
Environment
Technology
Understanding the author’s tone improves accuracy.
Error Spotting
Focus on these error categories:
Subject–verb mismatch
Incorrect tense
Wrong preposition
Pronoun errors
Modifier placement
Redundancy
Spot the logical break in meaning to identify errors quickly.
Cloze Test
To master Cloze Tests:
Understand the theme
Identify tone
Use grammar clues
Use vocabulary sense
Eliminate distracting words
A consistent reading habit builds cloze accuracy.
Para Jumbles
This is one of the trickiest topics in SBI PO.
How to Solve
Identify the opening sentence
Find logical pairs
Look for connectors
Maintain chronology
Avoid grammatical mismatches
Section-Wise Weightage and Difficulty Trend
Topic | Prelims Weightage | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
Grammar | 5–7 | Moderate |
Vocabulary | 4–6 | Moderate |
Reading Comprehension | 8–10 | Moderate to High |
Para Jumbles | 3–5 | High |
Cloze Test | 5–7 | Moderate |
Mains English is more reasoning-oriented and tests comprehension depth.
Tips to Improve Speed and Accuracy
Read 30 minutes daily
Maintain a grammar notebook
Practice RCs from various themes
Use a timer for practice
Avoid blind guessing
Build reading habit for deep comprehension
Summary Notes
Grammar and comprehension form the core of SBI PO English
Regular revision of rules improves accuracy
Reading habit is the single strongest tool
Vocabulary must be learned contextually
Mains requires analytical understanding of passages
25 Practice Questions (Grammar + Comprehension)
Grammar Questions (1–15)
1. Choose the correct form of the verb:
Each of the players ___ responsible for his performance.
A) are
B) have
C) is
D) were
Answer: C
2. Identify the error:
He refused to accept the gift because it was different than what he expected.
A) refused
B) different than
C) expected
D) accept
Answer: B
Explanation: Use “different from”.
3. Choose the correct article:
He is ___ honest officer.
A) a
B) an
C) the
D) no article
Answer: B
4. Select the correct preposition:
The report is due ___ Monday.
A) on
B) at
C) by
D) for
Answer: C
5. Choose the correct pronoun:
Neither of the boys did ___ homework.
A) their
B) his
C) her
D) its
Answer: B
6. Identify the correct option:
The committee ___ agreed to the proposal.
A) have
B) has
C) are
D) were
Answer: B
7. Replace the underlined word:
She gave me a strong advice.
A) heavy
B) deep
C) wise
D) piece of
Answer: D
8. Complete the sentence:
The more he practiced, ___ he became.
A) confident
B) more confident
C) the more confident
D) most confident
Answer: C
9. Choose the correct tense:
He ___ here for five years.
A) lives
B) lived
C) has lived
D) living
Answer: C
10. Identify the error:
The news are encouraging today.
A) news
B) are
C) encouraging
D) today
Answer: B
11. Fill in the blank:
He was punished ___ arriving late.
A) to
B) for
C) on
D) by
Answer: B
12. Choose the correct connector:
He worked hard ___ he could succeed.
A) so that
B) because
C) however
D) although
Answer: A
13. Choose the correct option:
If he ___ early, he will catch the train.
A) leave
B) leaves
C) left
D) leaving
Answer: B
14. Choose the correct phrase:
She insisted ___ going alone.
A) to
B) at
C) for
D) on
Answer: D
15. Identify the error:
One of my friend lives abroad.
A) One
B) of
C) my
D) friend
Answer: D
Reading Comprehension Questions (16–25)
Passage:
Digital banking in India has grown rapidly over the last decade. Customers now prefer online transactions because they are fast, secure and convenient. Banks have introduced mobile applications, instant payments and digital customer support facilities. As a result, branch visits have reduced but customer engagement has increased due to better communication channels.
16. What is the central idea of the passage?
A) Growth of bank branches
B) Decline in customer services
C) Rise of digital banking
D) Problems in mobile banking
Answer: C
17. What is the main reason for increasing digital adoption?
A) Branch crowd
B) Fast and convenient services
C) High interest rates
D) Lack of banks
Answer: B
18. What has reduced according to the passage?
A) Customer satisfaction
B) Bank profits
C) Branch visits
D) Mobile usage
Answer: C
19. What has improved due to digital communication?
A) Customer disputes
B) Engagement
C) Waiting time
D) Complexity
Answer: B
20. Digital banking growth in India can be described as:
A) Slow
B) Negligible
C) Gradual
D) Rapid
Answer: D
21. Which facility is mentioned in the passage?
A) Digital lockers
B) Digital customer support
C) Credit card manufacturing
D) ATM repair
Answer: B
22. What is a major advantage of online payments?
A) Requires paperwork
B) Time consuming
C) Secure and fast
D) Requires branch visits
Answer: C
23. Customer engagement has increased because:
A) More bank branches
B) Better communication channels
C) Higher charges
D) Bad services
Answer: B
24. Which statement is true according to the passage?
A) Digital banking discouraged customers
B) Mobile apps have no role in digital growth
C) Customers prefer convenience
D) Banks do not use technology
Answer: C
25. The tone of the passage is:
A) Negative
B) Positive
C) Confusing
D) Angry
Answer: B