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Reading Comprehension 2 - How to comprehend whats being said?
Picking up on where we had left the last time, lets continue working on tackling the RCs in CAT.
Here I would like to reiterate that the key to answering an RC effectively is CAREFUL READING, this step is very important when you attempt the RCs. Take your own time with this, do not rush to finish reading the passage and answer the questions. Read to understand the passage, not just to answer the questions. Answers will come naturally.
Most of the questions in the RCs can be broadly classified into one of the following categories.
1) Ideas conveyed in the passage: These are the most common type of questions, and the essence of answers to these lies in the notes that you might have made while reading the passage. The question can pertain to either ideas conveyed in specific parts of the passage or to the large idea supported throughout the passage. Questions based on the entire passage can be quickly answered because the central idea remains with us at the end of the reading. However, the questions relating ideas in specific part of the passage must be handled with caution. Often, certain parts of the passage are used to express ideas opposed to the central theme of the passage, just to strengthen the main idea of passage. So it is always advisable that if a question pertains to a particular part of the passage, that part of the passage must be read again.
2) Tone of the author: Again, this type of question can be either related to a part of the passage or the entire passage. Typical adjectives used to describe the tone of the passage include satirical, sarcastic, cynical, informative, critical and judgemental amongst many others. These questions can also be approached by the way of eliminating options, most of which will be way off the mark. However, to answer these questions, it is very important that one understands the meanings and appreciates the subtle differences between all these adjectives.
3) Summarising questions: These questions look for one or two sentences that describe all the ideas conveyed in the passage. These questions have to be worked with the options provided. The mantra for these questions is look for options that covers all the main ideas in the passage, not necessarily all the facts given in the passage. Distinguish between a fact and an idea in this regard.
4) Title for the passage: These questions look for the “most appropriate title” for the passage. Here again, the title should convey the main idea of the entire passage, not necessarily all the ideas or facts.
With these points in mind, you are equipped to handle any passage that might come along. Regular practice keeping these points in mind will see steady improvements in your RC performance. More specific tips will be covered when we encounter them in the passages to be analysed later.
Finally, if you have any specific questions relating to preparation for any part of the verbal section, feel free to email them towards me at ecatprep2009@gmail.com. Not only will the answers be helpful to you, your questions will also ensure that I don’t miss out on covering any aspect of preparing you for the verbal section.
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