We channelize the skill of effective reading into the area of comprehension. The question is, given a passage how do we tackle it?
Let us start with posing some rhetorical questions!
1. Do we need to read the entire passage to answer the questions?
2. Do we adopt the same approach to reading all types of passages?
3. Is it better the read the passage first or the question first?
4. Should we skim or scam? Won’t that reduce our accuracy?
5. Should we answer some questions from all passages or all questions from some passages?
6. Should we attempt as many questions as possible as fast as we can and get a majority of them correct or attempt a limited number and concentrate on accuracy?
7. Should we underline while reading?
The above mentioned questions cover most of the areas of concern that students have while starting off with reading comprehension.
An answer that summarizes all the above mentioned questions could be
Is there any particular approach that should be followed?
Approach - 1.
Step 1: Read the passage quickly; underline key elements.
Step 2: Answer each question – you can answer either general questions first or begin with specific questions; read back to the passage when in doubt.
Step 3: Attack inferential, except, least, not question (if any); eliminate, guess, move on.
Approach - 2.
Step 1: Read the stem of the question first; use lead words to search for relevant information.
Step 2: when you come across each word referred to the question stem, you can either underline it for further reference or immediately go back to the question and answer it.
Step 3: the remaining questions without clues then can be answered.
Approach - 3.
Step 1: Read the first question.
Step 2: Scan the passage for Answer.
Step 3: Mark the appropriate choice. Continue the method for each question.
Note: This approach can be used when the passage is flooded with facts. Here you need not memorize any information, just locate answers.
Approach - 4.
Step 1: Read the first two paragraphs of the passage.
Step 2: Skim through the questions and answer the questions pertaining to these paragraphs..
Step 3: Read next two paragraphs .go through the remaining questions; answer the questions pertaining to these paragraphs.
Step 4: Read the remaining paragraphs and answer the few question that remain.
Note: This approach is advised for the passage that is very lengthy and memorizing information becomes difficult.
Reading Comprehension Ex -2
Directions:
Each passage in this group is followed by questions based on its content. After reading a passage, choose the best answer to each question. Answer all questions following a passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in that passage.
Disequilibrium at the interface of water and air is a factor on which the transfer of heat and water vapor from the ocean to the air depends. The air within about a millimeter of the water is almost saturated with water vapor and the temperature of the air is close to that of the surface water. Irrespective of how small these differences might be, they are crucial, and the disequilibrium is maintained by air near the surface mixing with air higher up, which is typically appreciably cooler and lower in water vapor content. The turbulence, which takes its energy from the wind mixes the air. As the speed of wind increases, so does the turbulence, and consequently the rate of heat and moisture transfer. We can arrive at a detailed understanding of this phenomenon after further study. The transfer of momentum from wind to water, which occurs when waves are formed is an interacting-and complicated phenomenon. When waves are made by the wind, it transfers important amounts of energy-energy, which is consequently not available for the production of turbulence.
1. This passage principally intends to:
A. resolve a controversy
B. attempt a description of a phenomenon
C. sketch a theory
D. reinforce certain research findings
E. tabulate various observations
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2. The wind over the ocean usually does which of the following according to the given passage?
I. Leads to cool, dry air coming in proximity with the ocean surface.
II. Maintains a steady rate of heat and moisture transfer between the ocean and the air.
III. Results in frequent changes in the ocean surface temperature.
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and II only
D. II and III only
E. I, II, and III
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3. According to the author the present knowledge regarding heat and moisture transfer from the ocean to air as
A. revolutionary
B. inconsequential
C. outdated
D. derivative
E. incomplete
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4. According to the given passage, in case the wind was to decrease until there was no wind at all, which of the following would occur?
A. The air, which is closest to the ocean surface would get saturated with water vapor.
B. The water would be cooler than the air closest to the ocean surface.
C. There would be a decrease in the amount of moisture in the air closest to the ocean surface.
D. There would be an increase in the rate of heat and moisture transfer.
E. The temperature of the air closest to the ocean and that of the air higher up would be the same.
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Answers
1. B
2. A
3. E
4. A
Reading
Directions:
Each reading passage in this section is followed by questions based on the content of the reading passage. Read the passage carefully and chose the best answer to each question. The questions are to be answered on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.
But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink.
1. The main point from the author’s view is that
A. Man’s soul and spirit can not be destroyed by superpowers.
B. Man’s destiny is not fully clear or visible.
C. Man’s soul and spirit are immortal.
D. Man’s safety is assured by the delicate balance of power in terms of nuclear weapons.
E. Human society will survive despite the serious threat of total annihilation.
Ans : E
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2. The phrase ‘Go to the brink’ in the passage means
A. Retreating from extreme danger.
B. Declare war on each other.
C. Advancing to the stage of war but not engaging in it.
D. Negotiate for peace.
E. Commit suicide.
Ans : C
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3. In the author’s opinion
A. Huge stockpiles of destructive weapons have so far saved mankind from a catastrophe.
B. Superpowers have at last realized the need for abandoning the production of lethal weapons.
C. Mankind is heading towards complete destruction.
D. Nations in possession of huge stockpiles of lethal weapons are trying hard to avoid actual conflict.
E. There is a Silverlining over the production of deadly weapons.
Ans : D
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4. ‘Irrepressible’ in the second line means
A. incompatible
B. strong
C. oppressive
D. unrestrainable
E. unspirited
Ans : D
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5. A suitable title for the above passage is
A. Destruction of mankind is in evitable.
B. Man’s desire to survive inhibits use of deadly weapons.
C. Mounting cost of modern weapons.
D. Threats and intimidation between super powers.
E. Cowardly retreat by man
Ans : B
