English Exam Tips for Nepali Speakers
Nepali and English differ in word order, articles and pronouns. Some sounds are also hard for Nepali speakers. Focus on these areas for exam success.
Common Challenges for Nepali Speakers
- Articles: Nepali does not use articles like English. Example: "I bought a car" not "I bought car".
- Word Order: Nepali is Subject-Object-Verb. English is Subject-Verb-Object. Example: "I like tea" not "I tea like".
- Prepositions: Nepali uses postpositions after the noun. English uses prepositions before it. Example: "At school", "on the table", "in the box".
- He and She: Nepali pronouns like उ and उहाँ do not show gender. Example: "My mother is a nurse. She works in Kathmandu." not "He works in Kathmandu".
- For and Since: Nepali uses the present tense for actions that started in the past. Example: "I have studied English for five years" not "I am studying English since five years".
- F, V and Z: Nepali has no "f", "v" or "z" sounds of the English kind. Example: Practice: fan/pan, very/berry, and "z" in zoo, zero, lazy.
Grammar Tips for Nepali Speakers
- Articles: Use articles before singular countable nouns.
- Word Order: Always use Subject-Verb-Object order.
- Prepositions: Learn prepositions with common nouns.
- Present Perfect: Use it for experience and with "for" and "since".
- Questions: Put the auxiliary before the subject: "What are you doing?"
- Polite Requests: Nepali shows respect with verb forms. English uses phrases: "Could you...?", "Would you mind...?"
Vocabulary Advice
- Some English words are used in Nepali. Check the English meaning and spelling
- Learn word families together
- Practice words with f, v, z and th sounds
- Learn collocations and phrasal verbs
- Learn uncountable nouns: information, advice, equipment
- Build vocabulary through reading
Exam Strategies
- Check every singular countable noun for an article
- Check word order carefully
- Check he and she in writing and speaking
- Use polite English phrases in emails and letters
- In speaking, practice f/p, v/b and z/j
- Show variety in grammar structures
हिम्मत राख्नुहोस्! Your dedication will bring success.