Is S.P. Bakshi's Book Good for Cracking English SSC CGL?
With a score of 47.5/50 in recent mocks, I believe I'm in a good position to provide a definitive answer on whether S.P. Bakshi's book is suitable for tackling the English section of the SSC CGL exam.
Overall Assessment
Yes, S.P. Bakshi's book is quite good. The vocabulary section is examination-oriented, providing extensive knowledge of words. The grammatical portion is also well-received. Given its examination-focused approach, it's a great starting point for students preparing for the exam.
Fundamental Level vs. Proficiency
It’s important to note that the book is well-suited for beginners or those at a fundamental level. If you already have a strong foundation in English, this book may not significantly enhance your preparation.
Complementary Study Resources
However, I also recommend combining S.P. Bakshi's book with other resources. For instance, a balanced course can be achieved by reading 'Plinth to Paramount' along with S.P. Bakshi's book. These two books together can cover more than 70 percent of your English preparation for the SSC CGL.
I have read a portion of S.P. Bakshi's book and find it to be less exam-oriented compared to 'Plinth to Paramount.' The latter is designed more specifically for SSC exams and simplifies grammar rules in a way that's easier to grasp. Additionally, 'Plinth to Paramount' covers topics such as voice change and narration better than S.P. Bakshi's book. For vocabulary, 'Plinth to Paramount' also has a richer stock of words compared to S.P. Bakshi.
Structured Study Plan
To get the most out of your preparation, I suggest reading these books multiple times. For grammar, 'Plinth to Paramount' is recommended as it contains the necessary rules in a simplified manner. Vocabulary can be a bit more challenging, and S.P. Bakshi's book, while good, may not have as many words as 'Plinth to Paramount.'
After studying the rules, engaging in extensive practice is crucial. You can enhance your vocabulary and grammar skills by solving previous year's question papers from M.B. publication. Solving these papers at the end of your study will provide you with a clear understanding of the pattern and difficulty level of the questions.
Finally, the key to success in the English section of the SSC CGL exam is consistent practice and revisiting rules. Diligent work and ample practice will surely help you in cracking the exam.
Conclusion
Based on these insights, I believe both S.P. Bakshi's book and 'Plinth to Paramount' are valuable resources for preparing for the English section of the SSC CGL. However, combining these books with other study materials and thorough practice will optimize your preparation.