mpt · CSS study notes
Part 1 — How to Spot Errors in MPT
Sentence correction tests whether every part of a sentence works grammatically, logically, and idiomatically.
The 5-step scan
Step 1 — Find the subject and main verb
Ask: Who or what performs the action? Then check whether the verb agrees with that subject.
Wrong: Each of the players have a kit.
Correct: Each of the players has a kit.
Why: The subject is each, which is singular. Players belongs to the prepositional phrase of the players.
Step 2 — Mark time words
Words such as yesterday, since, for, already, when, before, by the time usually reveal the required tense.
Wrong: I have met him yesterday.
Correct: I met him yesterday.
Why: A finished past time normally takes the simple past.
Step 3 — Check small grammar words
Inspect articles, prepositions, pronouns, conjunctions, auxiliaries, and determiners.
Wrong: She is good in mathematics.
Correct: She is good at mathematics.
Step 4 — Compare linked parts
Items joined by and, or, neither…nor, either…or, not only…but also should have matching form.
Wrong: She enjoys reading, writing, and to paint.
Correct: She enjoys reading, writing, and painting.
Step 5 — Read for meaning
A sentence can be grammatical yet illogical, ambiguous, or needlessly repetitive.
Wrong: Karachi is larger than any city in Pakistan.
Correct: Karachi is larger than any other city in Pakistan.
Why: Karachi cannot be compared with a group that includes itself.
The 12 MPT checkpoints
| Check | Question to ask | Typical trap |
|---|---|---|
| Agreement | Does the verb match the real subject? | Each…have |
| Tense | Do time and sequence match? | have gone yesterday |
| Verb form | Is the correct participle/infinitive/gerund used? | did not went |
| Article | Does the sound and noun type require a/an/the/zero article? | an university |
| Preposition | Is the fixed combination correct? | married with |
| Pronoun | Is its case and reference clear? | between you and I |
| Modifier | Is it next to the word it describes? | dangling walking down the road |
| Parallelism | Do linked forms match? | reading and to write |
| Comparison | Is the comparison complete and logical? | more better |
| Conjunction | Is the pair complete and correctly placed? | although…but |
| Word choice | Is the correct word used? | affect/effect |
| Economy | Is any word repeated unnecessarily? | return back |
Segment method for underlined parts
If a sentence is divided into (A), (B), (C), and (D):
- Test each segment independently.
- Then test the connection between segments.
- Do not stop after noticing the first unusual phrase.
- Select No error only after a full scan.
Memory line: Subject → Time → Verb → Small words → Structure → Meaning.
“No error” strategy
Do not change a sentence merely because another wording sounds nicer. A correction must fix a real error in grammar, idiom, logic, or clarity.
Correct: Everyone should bring their identity card.
Singular they/their is accepted in modern standard English. In an older exam key, his or her may appear, so judge the options and the style being tested.
Five-second final scan
- Who is the subject?
- What time is intended?
- What form follows this word?
- Does the preposition belong with the word?
- Are comparisons and pairs complete?
- Is the meaning clear?