SSC CGL Preparation – Day 7

English – Reading Comprehension (RC)

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📘 What is Reading Comprehension?

Reading Comprehension tests your ability to understand, analyze, and interpret a passage. It includes answering questions based on the content, theme, tone, and vocabulary used in the passage.

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🎯 Importance in SSC CGL

• Frequently appears in Tier 1 as 1–2 passages with 5–6 questions.
• Easy to score with good reading habits and practice.
• Questions range from factual, inferential, vocabulary-based, to main idea questions.

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🧱 Types of Questions Asked

1. Factual (Direct) – Based on exact information from the passage.
2. Inference-Based – Requires understanding beyond the words.
3. Vocabulary – Synonyms/Antonyms/Word meaning in context.
4. Main Idea/Central Theme – What the whole passage is about.
5. Tone/Attitude – Author’s perspective (critical, appreciative, sarcastic, etc.).
6. Title of the Passage – Apt and concise heading for the text.

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🔍 Reading Strategies

✅ Skimming and Scanning

• Skim: Read quickly for general idea.
• Scan: Look for keywords in questions to find answers quickly.

✅ Read the Questions First (Optional)

• This can help focus on key parts of the passage while reading.

✅ Eliminate Options

• Rule out clearly incorrect or extreme choices first.

✅ Focus on Keywords

• Dates, numbers, names, opinions, transition words (e.g., however, therefore, although) can be clues.

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📌 Common RC Topics in SSC CGL

• Social Issues
• Environment and Nature
• Economic Trends
• Short Biographies
• Science and Technology
• Historical Events or Personalities

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🧠 Tips to Improve RC Skills

1. Read English articles/news daily (preferably The Hindu, Indian Express, BBC, etc.)
2. Improve vocabulary to grasp contextual meanings.
3. Practice RC sets regularly with a timer.
4. Summarize passages in your own words to understand better.
5. Avoid overthinking – Go with what’s in the passage, not assumptions.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Relying on outside knowledge.
• Misreading the question.
• Skipping over transition words like however, although.
• Ignoring negative phrasing like “which of the following is NOT…”

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📝 Sample Short Passage & Questions

Passage:

The rise in global temperatures over the past century is primarily due to increased human activity. The burning of fossil fuels like coal and petroleum releases greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere. Though some argue that natural cycles contribute to warming, the rapid rise correlates strongly with industrialization. Governments worldwide are now focusing on renewable energy and stricter environmental regulations.

Questions:

1. What is the main reason for the rise in global temperatures according to the passage?
   A) Deforestation
   B) Human activity
   C) Natural cycles
   D) Animal extinction
   ✅ Answer: B
2. Which gas is not mentioned in the passage?
   A) Carbon dioxide
   B) Oxygen
   C) Greenhouse gases
   D) None
   ✅ Answer: B
3. What is a major consequence of burning fossil fuels?
   A) Earthquakes
   B) Ozone layer repair
   C) Greenhouse effect
   D) Deforestation
   ✅ Answer: C
4. What are governments focusing on now?
   A) Population control
   B) Environmental regulations
   C) Space exploration
   D) Coal mining
   ✅ Answer: B
5. What is the tone of the author?
   A) Humorous
   B) Critical
   C) Informative
   D) Sarcastic
   ✅ Answer: C

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