Critical Reading or Reading Comprehension
1. Introduction
The word Comprehension is the noun of the verb to comprehend which means to understand. So, the word comprehension means to understand a piece of writing critically and thoroughly. Now, the question arises what is to be comprehended in the given piece of writing (passage). The answer is to comprehend what the written material (content) is about and how the writer has presented it (style or technique). So, we may conclude that comprehension question aims at the understanding of content of the passage and the techniques employed in it.
Comprehension involves understanding:
- A. The Content of the written passage
- B. The style in which the passage has been presented
Quick Tip
Always read with two goals: WHAT (content) and HOW (style). This dual focus will help you answer both content and technique questions.
2. The Appearance of the Questions
In comprehension question, a passage is given from anywhere and at the end; there are Multiple-choice questions (MCQ’s). Each question contains four or five options (A, B, C, D, or E). You are to choose the most appropriate one on the basis of what is stated or implied.
Strategy
Look for both stated (explicit) and implied (implicit) information. Sometimes the correct answer is not directly quoted but inferred from the passage.
3. Possible Variety of the Questions
Questions may be asked about:
- The title of the passage.
- The central idea of the passage.
- The vocabulary of certain words.
- The specific details in the passage.
- The judgment about the details.
- The general tone/mood/attitude of the writer/passage
- Combination of statements
- Identifying EXCEPTIONS
Memorization Trick
Remember the acronym T-C V-D J-T C-E for question types: Title, Central idea, Vocabulary, Details, Judgment, Tone, Combination, Exceptions.
4. Range of Questions
The Passages regarding comprehension may be selected from very wide range of knowledge:
- Science (Medicine, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Astrology)
- Humanities (Literature, music, Philosophy, Folklore)
- Social Science (History, economics, Sociology, Government)
Preparation Tip
Read widely across different subjects. Familiarity with various topics will reduce anxiety when you encounter unfamiliar passages.
5. Skimming & Scanning Techniques
Skimming
Skimming means to read to get an overall view i-e Title or Central idea of the passage.
Hint: Title is usually in the first or in the last line of the passage.
Scanning
It means to get the exact details, facts and figures of the passage.
Reading Steps:
- Pre-Reading Activity: Read the Questions first
- While Reading Activity:
- Underline lines containing words from questions
- Underline words in different styles (bold, italic, quotes)
- Post Reading Activity: Transfer answers carefully
Time-Saving Technique
Follow the Q-P-Q method: Questions → Passage → Questions. Read questions first to know what to look for, then scan the passage for answers.
6. Title Selection Questions
Some passages ask for selecting a title that best suits the passage. Remember that the chosen title should not be very narrowly or broadly selected. Generally, title is in the form of word and not the sentence. Try to avoid choosing those titles that describe only one or two paragraphs but the one, which is applicable to the whole passage and portrays it best.
Example: A passage about a middle-aged bachelor who married two women would have the title “A Middle Aged Bachelor”.
Title Selection Rule
The best title is like an umbrella – it should cover the entire passage without being too broad or too narrow. Check the first and last sentences for clues.
7. Central Idea Questions
Mostly, questions are asked to explain the central ideas or main theme of the whole passage. Sometimes, the opening and closing lines can give you a better clue about answering such questions more properly. Central Idea is in the form of a sentence.
Example: A passage describing childhood memories would have the central idea: “Childhood is the Best part of life”.
Question Stems:
- The main idea of the passage ……
- The central point of the passage……..
- The author is primarily concerned with…..
- Which of the following best summarize the passage……..
Central Idea Trick
Ask yourself: “What is the ONE thing the author wants me to remember?” If you can answer in one sentence, you’ve found the central idea.
8. Vocabulary & Context Clues
Vocabulary questions test your ability to guess meaning from context. Use these clues:
- Punctuation clues: Commas and dashes often explain previous words
- Synonym signals: Words like “as”, “like”, “and” connect similar meanings
- Contrast signals: “But”, “though”, “however” indicate opposite meanings
- Word parts:
- -ology = study of (Geology = study of earth)
- -ist = person who studies (Geologist)
- -ism = faith/movement/theory (Patriotism)
Vocabulary Hack
For unknown words: 1) Check nearby punctuation 2) Look for synonym/antonym signals 3) Break the word into parts 4) Substitute each option into the sentence to see which fits best.
9. Author’s Approach & Tone
Some questions ask you to explain the mood in which the author is writing whether it is ironical, sarcastic, humorous, witty, sad, etc. Look for certain expressions, words, phrases or exclamations which describe the tone.
Example: “The boy always used to come late and when one day he came late the teacher called him an EARLY bird.” The writer’s approach is ironical.
Question Stems:
- The tone of the author is best described as…
- The attitude of the author of the passage toward x is best described as one of…
Tone Detection
Pay attention to adjectives, adverbs, and figurative language. Words like “unfortunately”, “remarkably”, “absurd” give strong tone clues. Also watch for exaggeration or understatement.