Reading Comprehension - Complete Guide for SSC
What is Reading Comprehension?
RC involves reading a passage and answering questions based on it. Tests your:
- Understanding of the passage
- Inference ability
- Vocabulary in context
- Critical thinking
Types of Passages
1. Factual/Informative
- Based on facts, data, information
- Science, history, geography topics
- Straightforward questions
2. Narrative
- Story-based passages
- Plot, characters, events
- Sequence-based questions
3. Argumentative
- Author’s opinion/argument
- Pros and cons
- Critical reasoning questions
4. Literary
- Poetry, literature excerpts
- Figurative language
- Interpretation questions
Types of Questions
1. Main Idea/Theme
“What is the main idea of the passage?”
- Look at first and last paragraphs
- Central theme throughout
2. Specific Details
“According to passage, what year…?”
- Direct facts from passage
- Exact information
3. Inference Questions
“The author implies that…”
- Not directly stated
- Read between lines
4. Vocabulary in Context
“The word ‘X’ means…”
- Meaning based on context
- May differ from dictionary
5. Tone/Attitude
“The author’s tone is…”
- Positive, negative, neutral
- Critical, supportive, objective
6. Title Question
“Best title for passage?”
- Summarizes main idea
- Not too broad, not too narrow
Reading Strategies
Strategy 1: Skim First
- Read first & last paragraph
- Read first sentence of each paragraph
- Get overall idea (30 seconds)
Strategy 2: Read Questions
- Read questions before passage
- Know what to look for
- Saves time
Strategy 3: Active Reading
- Mark key points
- Note transitions (however, therefore)
- Identify main ideas
Strategy 4: Time Management
For 5-question passage:
- Reading: 2-3 minutes
- Questions: 2-3 minutes
- Total: 4-6 minutes
Solving Techniques
Technique 1: Elimination
- Remove obviously wrong options
- Choose best from remaining
Technique 2: Refer Back
- Don’t rely on memory
- Check passage for facts
Technique 3: Stay in Passage
- Answer based on passage only
- Not general knowledge
Technique 4: Exact Match
For specific details, find exact sentence
Common Question Patterns
Pattern 1: NOT/EXCEPT Questions “All are true EXCEPT…”
- Check each option against passage
- Find the one that’s false
Pattern 2: Inference “We can infer that…”
- Logical conclusion from passage
- Must be supported by text
Pattern 3: Meaning in Context “In line 5, ‘flourish’ means…”
- Use surrounding context
- May differ from common meaning
Important Tips
Do’s ✅
- Read passage once carefully
- Understand main idea first
- Refer back for specific details
- Manage time wisely
- Practice daily
Don’ts ❌
- Don’t assume outside knowledge
- Don’t skip passage and read questions
- Don’t spend too long on one question
- Don’t forget to check all options
Solved Example
Passage: “Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Rising temperatures are causing glaciers to melt, sea levels to rise, and weather patterns to become more extreme. Scientists warn that immediate action is needed to prevent catastrophic consequences.”
Q1: Main idea of passage?
- (A) Glaciers are melting
- (B) Climate change is urgent issue
- (C) Scientists are worried
- (D) Weather is extreme
Answer: (B) Climate change is urgent issue Reason: First sentence states main theme
Q2: Author’s tone is:
- (A) Humorous
- (B) Concerned
- (C) Indifferent
- (D) Optimistic
Answer: (B) Concerned Reason: “pressing issues”, “warn”, “catastrophic” show concern
Practice Strategy
Week 1-2: Foundation
- Read 1 passage daily (10-15 minutes)
- Focus on understanding
- Answer questions untimed
Week 3-4: Speed Building
- Read 2 passages daily
- Time yourself: 6 minutes/passage
- 80% accuracy target
Week 5-6: Advanced
- Read 3 passages daily
- Different types (factual, narrative, etc.)
- 90% accuracy target
Additional Resources
💡 Pro Tip: Read English newspaper editorials daily! Improves reading speed and vocabulary simultaneously.
BETA
