Reading comprehension is a commonly asked part in most of the Government and banking exams. It is to check the ability of the candidate to read a text, process it and understand it, meaning it checks your vocabulary and text comprehension. It is a tricky game as the passages are ones we have not read before and we have to comprehend it a time bound manner. Most often, candidates spend so much of their time in reading the comprehension and trying to answer them, that they do not notice the time slipping by. Reading comprehensions are one session where you can score well once you get through the passage. Though it might appear as a huge task to complete in a shorter time, we can surely answer the questions with some tips and tricks. Here is how to solve reading comprehension passages in English.
12 Tips to Solve Reading Comprehension Passages in English
Here are the 12 main tricks and tips to make use of to score well in the reading comprehension session:
1. Questions first, passage next
Go through the questions first. Get an idea of the kind of questions they are asking and then read the passage. This will help you to spot the answers in the first go. Focus only on the question and not the options.
2. Passage first, questions next
This is another approach that can be made use of. Here you skim through the passage keep going back and forth between the questions and the passage and then answer the questions.
3. Know on what to give emphasis
Do not give over emphasis on examples and illustrations. Get an idea about the passage as a whole and answer the questions.
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4. Be aware of the time limits
Do not spend time to memorize the sentences. The point is to answer the question correctly as quickly as possible in a short time. You can always re-read the passage in case of any doubts. The main priority is to understand the flow and structure of the passage and also on any important facts.
5. Note transition words
Keep an eye out for transition words like: similarly, additionally, however, but, hence and therefore, as they will give an idea regarding whether the author is supporting or is against the topic.
6. Do not beat yourself for not being a Shakespeare
It is quite natural that you may not understand certain words in the passage. Understand that it is alright and do not spend too much of your time wondering about the meaning of the word.
7. Skip passages if the need be
In the case where there is more than one passage to comprehend, the chances are that one of them will be tricky. If you could not understand the tricky passage, give up on that and move on to the next passage. Remember, time is everything and you can always come back to the passage once you have completed other questions.
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8. Say no to outside knowledge
Do not assume the answer will come from outside the passage. The point of reading comprehension session is to check the ability of the candidate in understanding a given passage and being able to understand the questions based on it. So do not use your outside knowledge to answer any question.
9. Making short notes
Make short notes as you go through the passage so that you can revise quickly. Do not go in for detailed notes. Just jot down points as on the general flow, structure, paragraph wise flow and important points.
10. Importance of introduction and conclusion
Questions on the main idea question are usually based on the overall subject of the passage, and most often the answer for this question type lies in the first and last paragraph of the passage. Ensure that you take in maximum possible information from these paragraphs.
11. Prepare questions on your own
As you go through the passage, ask the possible questions that could rise from the passages, say why did the author write like this? What is the main point of the passage? Etc.
12. Stay interested and don’t lose your energy
Do not expect a passage that would pique your interest. It is possible that the passages can be long and boring. Do not lose your interest or energy as reading comprehensions, though a tricky ball. are one of the easiest ways to score well.
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The above-mentioned points are here to help you score well in reading comprehension sessions. Remember to practice these points and score well. Good luck!
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