SSC CGL Preparation – Day 16

English: Reading Comprehension

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🔍 What is Reading Comprehension?

Reading Comprehension (RC) involves understanding, analyzing, and interpreting a passage to answer related questions. In SSC CGL, RC tests your ability to read quickly, understand accurately, and infer logically.

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🎯 Importance in SSC CGL

• Appears regularly in Tier I & Tier II exams.
• 5–10 marks can be directly scored.
• Often a passage is followed by 5 questions, usually factual + inferential.

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🧠 Types of Passages in SSC CGL

Type	Description
Factual/Informative	Based on historical, scientific, or general knowledge facts.
Narrative	A story or an event is described.
Descriptive	Details about a person, place, or concept.
Argumentative	Presents a point of view with reasoning.

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📋 Question Types in RC

1. Direct/Factual Questions
   • Answers lie explicitly in the passage.
   • Tip: Scan and locate keywords.
2. Inferential Questions
   • Requires logical conclusion beyond what’s written.
   • Tip: Read between the lines.
3. Vocabulary in Context
   • Meaning of a word/phrase used in the passage.
   • Tip: Understand word usage, not just dictionary meaning.
4. Tone or Attitude of Author
   • Identifies the mood or stance.
   • Common tones: sarcastic, humorous, informative, critical, neutral.
5. Title/Theme of Passage
   • Tests your understanding of central idea.
   • Tip: Look at the first and last paragraph carefully.

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✍️ How to Approach a Reading Comprehension

🔹 Step-by-Step Strategy

1. Skim the Passage (30 seconds)
   • Get a general sense of topic and tone.
2. Read Questions First (Optional Trick)
   • Helps you look for specific info while reading.
3. Scan for Answers
   • Highlight/underline keywords (in mind or on screen).
4. Eliminate Wrong Options
   • Even if unsure, eliminate grammatically or logically wrong answers.
5. Don’t Assume Beyond Passage
   • Stick strictly to the information given.

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📝 Common Traps in RC

Trap	Example
Overthinking	Adding outside knowledge not given in the passage.
Synonym Confusion	Choosing a word that sounds similar but doesn’t fit contextually.
Tone Misjudgment	Misinterpreting a neutral tone as sarcastic or critical.

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📚 Key Reading Skills You Need

• Skimming and Scanning
• Retention of Details
• Vocabulary Contextual Understanding
• Speed Reading with Comprehension
• Inference Making

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🧩 Sample Reading Comprehension – SSC CGL Style

Passage (Short):

The advancement of science has revolutionized the way we communicate. From handwritten letters to emails and instant messaging, the evolution has been phenomenal. However, some argue that the quality of communication has diminished due to over-reliance on technology.

Questions:

1. What has revolutionized communication?
2. What is the author’s tone in the last sentence?
3. Which form of communication is not mentioned?
4. What is the possible drawback of tech-based communication?
5. What can be inferred from the passage?

Answers:

1. Advancement of science
2. Critical
3. Face-to-face conversation
4. Quality of communication may have diminished
5. Technology changed how we interact, but not always for better

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🧠 Tips to Master RC in SSC CGL

• ✅ Practice 2–3 passages daily.
• ✅ Improve vocabulary and contextual understanding.
• ✅ Time yourself — aim for < 8 minutes per passage + questions.
• ✅ Avoid panic over long passages — practice reading blocks of text quickly.
• ✅ Revise frequently asked question types (tone, inference, word meaning).

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📈 Speed vs Accuracy Balance

Focus Area	Strategy
Speed	Skim-read for general idea first.
Accuracy	Pay attention to qualifiers (e.g., always, never, some).
Time Management	Don’t spend more than 1.5 mins per question.

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✅ Summary Checklist for RC Mastery

✔ Read Fast, Understand Deep
✔ Stick to What’s Written
✔ Eliminate Options Logically
✔ Don’t Assume Beyond Text
✔ Practice Every Day