CLAT 2026 preparation strategy & tips to attempt questions in English Language Section

CLAT Preparation 2026 for English Language: Syllabus Highlights

Let us first check out important highlights on CLAT syllabus for English Language section:

• This section will include passages of about 450 words each
• There will be about six passages in the section
• Passages will be derived from contemporary or historically significant sources of both fictional and non-fictional writing
• The topics of the passages may cover different technical and scientific matters, however, you do not need any prior knowledge of the topics to understand the passage
• The difficulty level of questions in this section will be of Class 12

Also, let us check the type of questions that will be asked in the law entrance exam:

• You should be able to read a passage within five to seven minutes
• Usually a passage will have one point followed by arguments or statements that support or counter that point
• You need to try and identify the main point been made in the passage
• Once you have discerned the main point, extract the usable information from the passage in the form of Who, What, Why, When and Where
• Pay attention to the paragraph structure in the passage. Usually, a change in paragraph is accompanied by change in speaker, or a change in the viewpoint being presented. This will help you find different viewpoints and counterarguments more easily when a question asks you to do so. The same trick applies to the usage of words and phrases such as ‘however’, ‘on the other hand’ and ‘conversely’.
• Vocabulary questions will be broadly of two types – asking the simple meaning of a word/phrase and asking the meaning of a word/phrase in the context of the passage. In either case, it is recommended to read one-two lines before and after the line in which a word/phrase being asked about appears. It is important so as you are better able to understand the context in which the word is used.
• Once you have read the passage in the recommended manner, start attempting the questions. Note you do not need to remember each detail of the passage; however, you should have a good idea about the main point of the passage and the overall structure of it.   

• While attempting the questions, pay close attention to the wording used in them, as they can be tricky. For example, a question that asks, ‘Which of the following is the author likely to agree with’ would imply that there is only one option that the author is agreeing with. On the other hand, a question like, ‘Which of the following is the author likely to most strongly agree with’ would imply that there is more than one option that the author agrees with, however, there is one particular option with which the author provides his/her strongest support.
• Make sure to read all the four options of a question before choosing the right answer. Even if you are confident of the answer after reading the first two options, read all the options, as sometimes there may be subtle differences in wording in the options that can lead to errors.

Also Read:

• How to clear CLAT 2026 in first attempt?

CLAT Preparation 2026 for English Language: Tips & tricks

Check out some important tips and tricks to ace the preparation of English Language section of CLAT 2026 exam:

• Read reputed newspapers and magazines daily, especially the editorial section of the newspapers as many passages are derived from such sources
• Try to discuss the same passage with fellow candidates. While discussing, try to ask each other questions like what is the main point of the author in the passage, what can be concluded from the passage, what arguments would weaken or strengthen the author’s arguments in the passage.
• Practice grammar from any good Class 10 grammar book. Some classics such as Wren and Martin’s English Grammar are good resources of preparation.

Also Read: Best Books for CLAT 2026

• To improve your vocabulary, find meaning of every word you come across in any book, newspaper or TV in the dictionary and try to memorise them
• Make sure you attempt CLAT 2025, CLAT 2024, CLAT 2023 question paper, CLAT 2020 question paper and CLAT 2021 question paper, as these are the closest to what you may witness in the CLAT 2026 exam ( (in terms of pattern, and difficulty level)