Golden Rules to Score 18+ in English Section in CLAT 2025

Reader's Digest - If you aim for a score of 18+ in English for CLAT 2025, you're in the right place! Read this blog for valuable tips and tricks to help you achieve your target score in the CLAT English language. 

English is a critical component of the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), and scoring high in this section can significantly boost your overall CLAT score. However, achieving a score of 18+ in English is difficult and requires careful planning and preparation.

Most of you preparing for the law entrance exams might think that English does not require much practice. But this is not true. Like other sections, you must give equal importance to the English subject.

Download Free Study Material For CLAT 2025 By LegalEdge

How Many Questions Are Asked in CLAT English Language 2025?

•  As per the latest pattern, the English section includes 450 words of passages followed by 4-5 questions taken from historically or contemporarily important non-fiction and fiction work.
• The English section will have 22-26 questions; roughly 20% of the CLAT Question Paper comprises English questions. 
• The important topics for the English section are comprehension, deriving conclusions, and comprehending the main objectives, including the viewpoints discussed. Important skills to hone include grammatical correction, vocabulary (synonyms and antonyms), understanding of tenses, and identifying grammatical errors in sentences.
• It is crucial to manage time and dictate yourself in improving your CLAT English language vocabulary to the best of your capability.

Download Most Important Questions of English for CLAT by LegalEdge

Important Topics for CLAT English Language 2025

For CLAT 2025, the English Language section evaluates your comprehension and language skills through passages from contemporary or historically significant fiction and non-fiction writings. These passages, typically around 450 words, will require you to understand and analyze the content, derive conclusions, and comprehend the main objectives, including the viewpoints discussed. Important skills to hone include grammatical correction, vocabulary (synonyms and antonyms), understanding of tenses, and identifying grammatical errors in sentences.

Key topics for the English Language portion include sentence arrangement, phrase replacement, error spotting, correcting grammatically incorrect sentences, fill-in-the-blanks, and understanding active and passive voice. The questions are passage-based, multiple-choice types, aiming to test your awareness of English at a 12th-standard level.

Thus, preparation for the English Language section should focus on enhancing reading comprehension skills, vocabulary, grammar, and the ability to analyze and infer information from text passages.

How to Score 18+ in English for CLAT 2025?

Do you read every day to enhance your English speaking skills? When we say reading, it does not imply study material or textbooks. Instead, it could be anything like reading novels or English newspapers.

Several essay web pages post quality English write-ups and articles that can help you improve your comprehension skills.

For the last three years, the English section had 30 questions. Let us assume the same number for this year and learn the guidelines to help you score 18+ in English in the upcoming CLAT 2025 Entrance Exam.

1. Pay Attention to Small Things 

While preparing for the exam, you cover all the topics, right? You must have done it in English too. But you still make mistakes? 

• The devil is in the details: Small details in the comprehension passage can make a big difference in your understanding and score. Pay attention to every word, punctuation mark, the English grammar rules, and the exceptions you miss. Hence, focus on filling the gap in the CLAT English language sections with small and key concepts. If missed, the smallest ‘un’ before the word ‘true’ can lead to a -0.25 in the place of a +1.0, which is why you must read attentively.
• Read between the lines: The passage may not explicitly state everything. Be attentive to implied meanings, subtle clues, and hidden messages. Your direct inferences help you answer questions that are mainly idea-based or opinion of the author-based.
• Keep track of time: Reading the entire passage quickly is not enough. Allocate enough time to read and comprehend each sentence, paragraph, and section.
• Practice makes perfect: The more you practice comprehension passages, the better you become at identifying small details, understanding context, and reading between the lines.
• Mind your grammar: Attention to grammar rules, sentence structures, and punctuation marks. These small things can impact your comprehension and score.

Download Most Important Vocabulary Words For CLAT by LegalEdge

2. Put yourself in the shoes of the Author

Read the passage as it is. Keep all your biases, pre-assumed Notions, and outside knowledge away and think as per the author's opinion. Put yourself in his shoes and answer accordingly.

Understanding Author's Intent

• Empathize with the Author: Try to understand the emotional or logical reasons behind the author's writing. What motivated them to write this passage? Identifying the author's intent is crucial, whether it's a narrative, argumentative, or expository text.

• Contextual Analysis: Consider the historical, social, or personal context in which the author wrote the passage. This involves recognizing the period, the audience they were addressing, and the prevailing attitudes or events that might have influenced their writing.

Analyzing the Text

• Narrative and Tone: Pay close attention to the tone of the passage. Is it persuasive, informative, critical, or narrative? The tone can give insights into the author's attitude towards the subject.

• Language and Style: Analyze the author's use of language and stylistic choices. Look for figurative language, rhetorical devices, and sentence structure. These elements can reveal how the author feels about the topic and how they want the reader to feel.

• Argument Structure: If the passage presents an argument, identify the thesis, supporting arguments, and any counterarguments. Understanding how the author structures their argument can help you grasp the logic behind their viewpoint.

Engaging with the Passage

• Questioning: As you read, ask questions from the author's perspective. Why did they choose this example? What do they aim to convince the reader of? This active engagement helps deepen your understanding of the text.

• Inferences and Conclusions: Draw inferences from the text as the author might have intended. What are the implicit messages or themes? How do they want the reader to interpret these?

Reflecting on the Author's Perspective

• Critical Thinking: While immersed in the author's perspective, also critically evaluate the effectiveness of their argument or narrative. From their viewpoint, consider the strengths and weaknesses of their approach.

• Synthesizing Information: Summarize the main ideas or arguments from the author's perspective. This synthesis should reflect an understanding of the author's goals and how effectively they communicated their message.

Applying to CLAT English

• Answering Questions: When answering comprehension questions, ensure your responses are grounded in the text but informed by your understanding of the author's intent and perspective. This approach can help you provide more nuanced and insightful answers.

• Writing Summaries: If asked to summarize the passage, highlight the key points the author deemed important. Your summary should reflect the author's focus and tone.

Download Important List Of Tones by LegalEdge

3. Understand the Context

You are not required to Remember the text completely, but you should be able to understand what the author is trying to convey. Understand the background and perspective of the author and then choose the answer. This indicates that the context is the king. If you understand the context of the passage, you will be able to mark the correct option.

Grasping the Broader Context

• Historical and Cultural Background: Recognize the passage's historical or cultural setting for insights into events and character behaviours.
• Author’s Background and Perspective: Know the author's life, beliefs, and societal position to understand their writing's nuances.
• Intended Audience: Determine whom the passage is written for (children, experts, general public) to guide interpretation.

Analyzing the Immediate Context

• Purpose of the Passage: Identify whether the passage aims to inform, persuade, entertain, or provoke, influencing your interpretation.
• Tone and Mood: Note the author's attitude and the text's atmosphere to understand the author's intent.
• Keywords and Phrases: Focus on significant words or themes for insights into the passage's central ideas.

Applying Contextual Understanding to Questions

• Comprehension Questions: Use context to infer meanings, draw conclusions, and identify main ideas, aligning with the author's intent.
• Critical Thinking Questions: Context aids in evaluating arguments, the relevance of examples, or the text's impact.
• Predictive and Infernal Questions: Leverage understanding of the context for informed inferences or predictions on unstated outcomes.

This approach allows for a deeper comprehension and a more accurate response to questions, aligning closely with the author's perspective and the passage's intended message.

Download Most Important Legal Maxims for CLAT by LegalEdge

4. Focus on Grammar & Vocabulary

The English language relies heavily on vocabulary. So, it's important to have a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary, as these are the building blocks of any language.

Here are the tips for scoring more in CLAT English language:

• Read widely: The more you read, the more exposure you get to new words and concepts, which can help you improve your vocabulary.
• Use a dictionary: Look up unfamiliar words in a dictionary and learn their meanings, synonyms and antonyms.
• Practice with flashcards: Create flashcards with new words and their definitions and use them for regular practice.
• Watch movies and TV shows with subtitles. This can help you understand new words and phrases in context.
• Play word games: Games like Scrabble, crossword puzzles and word jumbles can help you expand your vocabulary. Hence, work on vocabulary and practice Important CLAT English Vocabulary Questions to brush it up. Vocab Jam is something you can do with fellow aspirants.
• Learn roots, prefixes and suffixes: Understanding the meaning of common roots, prefixes, and suffixes can help you decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words.
• Use new words in context: Try using new words you've learned in conversation or writing to reinforce their meaning.
• Take online vocabulary quizzes: Many websites offer quizzes and tests to help you practice and gauge your progress.
• Review regularly: Make a habit of regularly reviewing new words you've learned to help them stick in your memory.

5. Practice Reading Comprehension 

The reading comprehension section can be tricky, as the passages are often lengthy and complex. Identify the main idea and supporting details, and make notes to help you remember important points.

Here are some tips to ace the CLAT English language:

• Active Reading: Practice active reading techniques such as underlining, highlighting, and note-taking while reading the comprehension passages to engage your mind and enhance your comprehension.
• Vocabulary Building: Improve your vocabulary by reading regularly, using a dictionary, and learning new words daily. This will help you understand the passage better and answer the questions accurately.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Practice regularly by solving past papers, mock tests, and quizzes to improve your comprehension and speed.
• Time Management: Manage your time wisely by reading the questions and the passage to identify the relevant information quickly. This will help you answer the questions accurately and save time.
• Analyze the Passage: To comprehend the text effectively, analyze the passage carefully and understand the author's main idea, theme, tone, and purpose.
• Stay Focused: Stay focused and avoid distractions while reading the passage. This will help you concentrate and understand the passage better.
• Multiple Readings: Read the passage multiple times if required to understand the nuances and details of the text.
• Mind Mapping: Use mind mapping techniques to organize your thoughts and understand the relationship between different ideas in the passage.
• Relevance of Context: Pay attention to the passage's context and answer the questions based on its relevant information.
• Confidence and Attitude: Develop a positive attitude and boost your confidence to perform well in the English section. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and you will score 18+ in CLAT 2025!

Solve Grand Master Box for Best Question Sets By LegalEdge

Check: Reading comprehension questions for CLAT

6. Avoid Fatigue Error

The CLAT Exam is a very reading-intensive exam. You will read continuously in all sections, including comprehension-based passages, CLAT reasoning, and the Legal section.

Here are some points on how to avoid fatigue errors in comprehension and score 18+ in English for CLAT 2025:

• Give equal importance to English in your preparation.
• Improve your speed through regular practice, timed quizzes, and mock tests.
• Utilize quality study materials and join coaching if needed.
• Expand your vocabulary through daily reading and make word lists for revision.
• Practice active reading and develop a systematic approach to comprehension passages.
• Avoid common traps in comprehension and stay focused on the main idea.
• Manage your time wisely to answer all questions.
• Be prepared for unexpected elements in the exam and maintain confidence.
• Read actively: Avoid passive reading by actively engaging with the text. Highlight key phrases, make notes, and ask yourself questions as you read to keep your mind focused.
• Take breaks: Reading and comprehending lengthy passages can be exhausting, and regular breaks are important to avoid fatigue. Stand up, stretch, or briefly walk to refresh your mind.
• Practice mindfulness: Stay present and focused on the task at hand. Avoid distraction from outside noise or internal thoughts by practising mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation.
• Build stamina: Reading and comprehending lengthy passages takes practice. Start with shorter passages and gradually work to longer ones to build your reading stamina.
• Practice time management: Time management is key to avoiding fatigue during the CLAT exam. Practice setting time limits for each passage and work on improving your speed without sacrificing comprehension.

7. Understand the Trap

Comprehension is a vital part of the English section in CLAT 2025, and it can be a tricky trap for many candidates.

Here are tips for understanding the traps to score 18+ in English in CLAT 2025:

The trap in comprehension involves getting caught up in the details and missing out on the passage's main idea, tone, and purpose.

• To avoid the trap, read the questions first and scan the passage for keywords and relevant information.
• Focus on the passage's main idea, tone, and purpose, and use context clues to understand unfamiliar words and phrases.
• Avoid getting bogged down by the details, as they can distract you from the primary objective of the passage.
• Practice comprehension passages regularly and develop a systematic approach to tackle them.
• Take note of the time, and don't spend too much time on a single question. Move on if you get stuck, and return to it later if time permits.
• Remember that comprehension is about reading, answering questions, and understanding and interpreting the passage.
• The experts set the exam paper to evaluate your analyzing skills. That is why you typically see very close options in the question paper. 
• Many students get carried away with the close options and mark the wrong answer. 
• Do not get trapped in this. The solution is to brush up on your concepts and make your understanding precise. 
• Try to sharpen your understanding of language. This way, you will be easily able to differentiate between close options.

8. Always Be Prepared

• To score 18+ in CLAT English, always be prepared for something new!
• Yes, CLAT is an exam where the unexpected can occur. So, be mentally prepared to expect something new.
• For example, this year, there are some questions on the figure of speech topic. It haunted many aspirants who were not ready for the surprise. 
• Do not let such things affect your performance. Focus on what you have learned and prepared, and be confident about it. 
• Do not let the exam hall pressure haunt your confidence level. Practice CLAT Mock Tests curated by the Subject Matter Experts of Legal Edge.

Read More: Short Tricks to Enhance your English Speaking Skills for CLAT

9. Focus on Mindful Reading

Follow the tips mentioned here to score more in the CLAT English language:

• Mindful reading involves actively engaging with the text, focusing on the details and nuances to fully comprehend the author's intended meaning.
• Develop a reading plan and set aside time for reading practice. Avoid distractions and create a calm environment to maximize focus.
• Practice reading different texts, including articles, essays, and literary works, to improve comprehension skills and familiarity with different writing styles.
• Use annotation techniques, such as highlighting and note-taking, to aid comprehension and retention of important information.
• Build vocabulary and grammar skills to enhance comprehension and make reading more enjoyable and meaningful.
• Read actively, questioning the text and analyzing the author's purpose and perspective.
• Practice reading critically and engaging with the text, evaluating the arguments and evidence presented, and forming informed opinions.
• Develop a growth mindset, recognizing that practice and dedication can improve reading comprehension skills.

10. Improve your Speed

Refer to these tips to improve your speed in the CLAT English language:

• Time management is key when it comes to the English section of CLAT.
• You'll have to answer 22-26 questions in 20 minutes, which means you need to be able to read and understand the questions quickly.
• To improve your speed, practice solving sample papers and take timed quizzes.
• Focus on developing your reading speed by regularly reading newspapers, novels, and other reading materials.
• Improve your vocabulary by learning new words daily and understanding their meaning and usage.
• Practice active reading by highlighting and taking notes while reading, which will help you retain information better.
• Familiarize yourself with the different types of comprehension questions and their formats to better understand what is being asked.
• Learn to identify the passage's main idea and key points quickly, which will help you answer questions faster.
• Practice time management by setting a timer and attempting to complete comprehension passages within a set time frame.
• Develop a systematic approach to answering questions, such as reading and returning to the passage to find the answer.

How to Attempt CLAT English Language Questions 2025?

The English questions for CLAT can be attempted in several ways. Some of them are given below.

These tips will help enhance your CLAT English Preparation 2025 and score well in the upcoming exam.

• Each passage will mainly have one main point that you need to discern. Then, you need to identify the statements for or against them in the passage. Most of these passages will be something that you don’t require prior knowledge to solve.
• After detecting the main point, it is important to remember several questions about the passage. Questions like who, why, what, where, etc., will help you to analyze and understand the passage better.
• It is crucial to pay attention when a new paragraph changes. Words like however, nevertheless, etc., can be used to present the counter-argument. You have to read it carefully to find the fine details.
• Vocabulary questions are mainly of two kinds. One asks the meaning of a specific word, and the other asks the meaning of the word about the passage. It is advisable to read two lines before and after the mentioned word. Reading these lines lets you ascertain the word's meaning even if you are unaware.
• It is wise to approach the questions only after you have understood the passage as best as possible. This will help you to solve it quickly.
• It is essential to concentrate while reading the questions. Minor additions of words can change the entire meaning of the question and, thereby, the answer.

Conclusion

Here are some concise tips to help you prepare effectively:

• Understand the Structure: Familiarize yourself with the questions in the CLAT English section, which primarily focuses on comprehension and vocabulary.
• Read Regularly: Engage with a variety of texts, such as newspapers, novels, and nonfiction. This improves both speed and comprehension.
• Practice Comprehension: Work on comprehension exercises regularly to hone your ability to understand and analyze text quickly and efficiently.
• Vocabulary Building: Expand your vocabulary by reading and using tools like flashcards or apps. Understanding both the denotation and connotation of words is crucial
• Grammar Practice: Solid grammar skills are essential. Regularly practice identifying and correcting grammatical errors.
• Mock Tests: Take timed practice tests to get used to the pressure of the actual exam. This helps with time management and reduces exam-day anxiety.
• Review Mistakes: Always review your practice tests to understand and learn from your mistakes.
• Focus on Details: Pay attention to the details in the passages, as questions often hinge on subtle aspects of the text.
• Strategic Reading: Learn to skim for structure and deep dive into important sections to save time and improve comprehension.
• Stay Updated: The CLAT syllabus and format can change, so stay updated with any exam pattern or content area modifications.