Reading Comprehension (I)

Reading Comprehension (I)

Dear Students,

Reading comprehension is the most important component of your English language section when in banking and other such competitive examinations. Being able to solve these questions accurately within the stipulated time limit has a direct bearing on your ability to get selected. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Meaning of Comprehension

2. Why is Comprehension included in the exams

3. Types of Questions asked

4. Tips for faster reading 

5. Strategy for the exams

Meaning of Comprehension:

The literal meaning of the word  "Comprehension" is the ability to understand something in its widest context.

The ability to comprehend is in turn again dependent upon the ability of a person to read faster, Skim for relevant information and the presence of a good vocabulary. Thus it is essential that you focus upon

(a) Faster Reading 

(b) Improving your vocabulary

(c) Developing an approach for tackling passages.

• सवाल यह है कि, क्या क्या हिंदी माध्यम से पढ़े हुए अअ भ्यर्थियों के पास कोई  विकल्प नहीं है ।  क्या कोई भी ऐसा तरीका नहीं है जो उनमे यह विश्वास जग पाये कि  Passage को हल किया जा सकता है। 
• आप निराश ना हों इस पोस्ट को पूरा पढ़ें और समझने का प्रयास करें शीघ्र ही इसका अनुवाद आपको पोस्ट किया जायेगा। 
• सभी टीचर्स से भी निवेदन है कि, हिंदी मध्यम स्टूडेंट्स को भी encourage करें।
• यह बिलकुल पॉसिबल है। मैं आपको कई सफल स्टूडेंट्स के एक्साम्पल्स दे सकता हूँ, जो इस तरीके को अपना कर कामयाब हुए। 
• एक और बात यह सिर्फ एक तरीका है , और मैं मानता हो की आपका या किसी और का तरीका बेहतर हो सकता है।

Areas for selection of passages:

While selecting a passage for the purpose of examination, an examiner has several areas to choose a topic and frame a questions from. The choice of area and topic depends upon the need of the examination and level of competition involved.

• For clerical grade examinations the topics are chosen from relatively simpler topics involving simple stories involving only a few number of characters and without complications. In fact the pattern of questions is pretty straight forward, the only advantage that one has is the ability to read fast. 

• For Probationary officer and M.T. grade exams along with higher competitive examinations viz. the RBI, the U.P.S.C. or the Management level examinations the choice of topics ranges over a wide range of topics:

  1. Banking and financial awareness

  2. Socio - economic Issues

  3. Issues of current national and International importance

  यहाँ पर हिंदी माध्यम अभ्यर्थियों  को बताना चाहूंगा कि, भले  ही आपको यह लगे कि विषय कठिन है, फिर भी आप कोशिश जारी रखें।  अगर विषय बहुत कठिन है तो सबके लिए कठिन होता है। 

  कई बार पैसेज इतना  बड़ा होता है कि, इंग्लिश medium students भी चकरा जाते  हैं। ऐसा बहुत बार देखा है मैंने कि स्कोर इतना कम होता है कि सिर्फ qualify कर लेने भर से इंग्लिश में मेरिट में जग़ह मिल जाती है।

Tips for faster reading:

Before I begin, let me state at the very outset that there is no alternative to reading, One improves as one goes along. You simply cannot run away from reading. This is a habit that one needs to constantly develop and improvise throughout one's life. 

How fast can one be ? 

Your speed is not bound by anything and it is not constant, If you know the purpose of your reading, then you can accelerate your reading much beyond your known capabilities. In most cases trained readers can attain speed levels of 800 to 1200 words.  

Note : Reading speed varies according to the purpose of reading and the nature of  topic chosen. 

Guidelines :

1. Do not Commit yourself to the passage immediately. Make a cursory glance.

2. Skimming for relevant information while observing the passage.This involves moving fast without bothering to comprehend the lines until one gets a comfortable idea of the passage.

3. Before looking out for answers, read the questions first and then look for the lines    in the passage where you can hunt for the relevant answers. 

4. Make a judicious choice of questions and attempt them in an order that saves time. (we will discuss it in the subsequent lines)

5. Learn to vary your speed according to the level of complexity of the passage and the presence of information relevant to the needs of the questions asked. 

5. Note : Taking the first step towards practicing is the most important, remember you will improve as you progress.  

 The factors that reduce reading speed:

 Reading speed is greatly reduced if one does not take care of some crucial points while reading:

1. Absence of concentration is the biggest hurdle to faster reading. If your not focused enough, trust me it will be of no use. learn to focus hard on the text. Do not allow your brain to waiver or stray to other thoughts. 

2. Do not read more than once, trust your abilities to comprehend the topic and believe me it will show in the form of faster reading. I suggest while attempting your speed tests try to do this. I assure you that you will improve.

3. While traversing through a line reduce your eye fixation points and and increase the stretch of your eye scan. This is will save time. I suggest while reading try reducing your eye fixation to a bare two fixations per line.

Question Categories:

The questions that are asked in the examination can vary widely. But if a person has an idea of the question types, he can formulate an effective time saving strategy.

1. Scope based questions : Such questions require a candidate to identify the dominant and latent theme of the passage. The following question tags may be used while framing such questions: 

(a) What does the topic relate to ? 

(b) what is the main idea / theme / purpose / perspective etc. 

Mostly such questions are not placed at any specific place in the passage, these questions require a careful understanding of the passage and hence should not be attempted in the beginning. 

2. Questions based on details : These questions relate to various claims made and various information provided in the passage. These questions are simply of the pick and match types. 

(a) which of the following is true in context of the passage ? 

3. Inference based questions : Such questions require the application of the human mind and reasoning. This might a little deeper understanding. These questions may be easily identified by the following question tags :

(a) what is inferred by a particular line in the passage ? 

(b) What does the author imply or have in mind when he states the following ? 

4. Structure based questions: Such questions relate to the basic structure of the passage and its relation to its various components : 

(a) What is the function of a particular paragraph ? 

(b)  How is the third paragraph related to the first in the passage ? 

(c) How does the highlighted paragraph relate to the paragraph in a specific context ? 

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ANTONYMS

Each sentences below consist of a word or a phrase which is bold. It is followed by four words or phrases. Select the word or pharse which is closes to the OPPOSITE in meaning of the bold word or phrase.
1. History abounds in instances of courage.
A. shines
B. lacks
C. suffices
D. fails
Ans - B

2. The inhabitants of the island were barbarians.
A. civilized
B. cruel
C. uncivilized
D. bad
Ans - A

3. The members thought that the task was feasible.
A. impractical
B. impossible
C. difficult
D. impracticable
Ans - A

4. crestfallen he returned as he had never faced such humiliation in the whole of his life.
A. vainglorious
B. indignant
C. triumphant
D. disturbed
Ans - C

5. Feasibility of the project is under study.
A. unsuitability
B. cheapness
C. impropriety
D. impracticability
Ans - D

6. The incessant noise of the boring machine made it difficult for us to got to sleep at night.
A. intermittent
B. harsh
C. soft
D. constant
Ans - A

7. Unsettled conditions in the land led to exodus of hundreds of its citizens.
A. invasion
B. entry
C. immigration
D. expulsion
Ans - B

8. Many people try to resist reforms in the society.
A. fight
B. accept
C. welcome
D. repel
Ans - C 

9. Because of the economy drive, they very unwillingly surrendered some superfluous posts.
A. important
B. relevant
C. significant
D. essential
Ans - B 

10. The young leader was reluctant to shoulder the responsibilities of ministerial office.
A. wanting
B. willing
C. anxious
D. eager
Ans -  B

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SYNONYMS

In each of the sentences given below a word is printed in bold. Below it four choices are given. Pick up the one which is most nearly the same in meaning as the word printer in bold and can replaces it without altering the meaning of the sentence.
1. It is very difficult to retain all that you hear in the class.
A. keep
B. recall
C. preserve
D. conserve
Ans - A

2. The great artist life was full of vicissitudes.
A. sorrows
B. misfortunes
C. changes
D. surprises
Ans - C

3. She has an insatiable love for music.
A. unsatisfiable
B. unchanging
C. irreconcilable
D. undesirable
Ans - A

4. The great dancer impressed the appreciative crowd by his nimble movements.
A. Unrhythmic
B. lively
C. quickening
D. clear
Ans - C

5. The visitor had a bohemian look.
A. hostile
B. unconventional
C. sinister
D. unfriendly
Ans - B

6. The bullet wound proved to be fatal and the soldier died immediately.
A. grievous
B. dangerous
C. serious
D. deadly
Ans - D

7. The attitude of Western countries towards the Third World Countries is rather callous to say the least.
A. passive
B. unkind
C. cursed
D. unfeeling
Ans - D

8. In spite of their efforts, the team of scientists could not make much headway to solve the problem.
A. progress
B. thinking
C. efforts
D. start
Ans - A

9. On scrutiny the police officer found out that the documents provided by the landlord were totally fabricated.
A. forged
B. historical
C. prepared
D. genuine
Ans - A

10. Lack of occupation is not necessary revealed by manifest idleness.
A. easily perceived
B. easily acquired
C. easily infected
D. easily deflected
Ans - A

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VOCABULARY

[1] Word: Egocentric(Adjective)
Definition: Having or regarding the self or the individual as the center of all things: an egocentric philosophy that ignores social causes.

Synonyms: Selfish, Pompous, Self-serving, Self-concerned

Antonyms: Unselfish,Reserved, Shy, Timid

Example Sentence:
He is hastily generalizing from his egocentric point of view.

[2] Word: Facile(Adjective)
Definition: moving, acting, working, proceeding, etc., with ease, sometimes with superficiality: facile fingers: a facile mind.

Synonyms: Effortless, Glib, Fast talk, Proficient, Slick

Antonyms: Confusing,Hard, Laborious, Complicated

Example Sentence:
Genetic explanations for this sort of behavior areoften facile.

[3] Word: Banal (Adjective)
Definition: Devoid of freshness or originality; hackneyed; trite:a banal and sophomoric treatment of courage on the frontier.

Synonyms: Bland, Corny, Dumb, Mundane, Stupid

Antonyms: Intelligent, Original, Smart, Fresh

Example Sentence:
Background music never need be banal.

[4] Word: Imminent (Adjective) 
Definitions: close in time; about to occur

Synonyms: at hand, close at hand, impendent

Antonyms: Distant, Later, Far

Example Sentence:
Even though there were warnings that a storm was imminent, fisherman ventured into the sea

[5] Word: Bereavement (Noun)
Definitions: state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one

Synonyms: Sorrow, Distress, Tribulation

Antonyms: Comfort, Health, Happiness

Example Sentence:In some manner he had learned of my own sad bereavement, and hissympathy was shown in his manner rather than in his words.

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SYNONYMS

[1] HESITATED
A. Stopped
B. Paused
C. Slowed
D. Postponed
Ans - B

[2] RESCUE
A. Command
B. Help
C. Defence
D. Safety
Ans - B

[3] ATTEMPT
A. Serve
B. Explore
C. Try
D. Explain
Ans - C

[4] FORAY
A. Maraud
B. Contest
C. Ranger
D. Intuition
Ans - A
 
[5] RECKLESS
A. Courageous
B. Rash
C. Bold
D. Daring
Ans - B

[6] CONSEQUENCES
A. Results
B. Conclusions
C. Difficulties
D. Applications
Ans - A

[7] IMPROVEMENT
A. Advancement
B. Betterment
C. Promotion
D. Preference
Ans - B

[8] INEBRIATE
A. Dreamy
B. Stupefied
C. Unsteady
D. Drunken
Ans - D

[9] STERILE
A. Barren
B. Arid
C. Childless
D. Dry
Ans - A

[10] ABJECT
A. Challenge
B. Miserable
C. Deny
D. Disobey
Ans - B

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ANTONYMS

[1] INDUSTRIOUS
A. Indifferent
B. Indolent
C. Casual
D. Passive
Ans - B

[2] AUTONOMY
A. Slavery
B. Subordination
C. Dependence
D. Submissiveness
Ans - C

[3] ALIEN
A. Native
B. Domiciled
C. Natural
D. Resident
Ans - A

[4] SYNTHETIC
A. Affable
B. Natural
C. Plastic
D. Cosmetic
Ans - B

[5] BALANCE
A. Disbalance
B. Misbalance
C. Debalance
D. Imbalance
Ans - D

[6] LIABILITY
A. Property
B. Assets
C. Debt
D. Treasure
Ans - B

[7] MOUNTAIN
A. Plain
B. Plateau
C. Precipice
D. Valley
Ans - D

[8] STATIONARY
A. Active
B. Mobile
C. Rapid
D. Busy
Ans - B

[9] CONCEDE
A. Object
B. Refuse
C. Grant
D. Accede
Ans - B

[10] VIOLENT
A. Humble
B. Harmless
C. Gentle
D. Tame
Ans - C

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SENTENCE CORRECTION

Which of phrases given below each sentence should replace the phrase printed in bold type to make the grammatically correct? If the sentence is correct as it is, mark 'E' as the answer.

[1] The tea-estate administration is in such mess there is no leader to set the things right.
A. in such a mess here
B. in a such mess that here
C. in such a mess that there
D. with such a mess that there
E. No correction required
Ans - C

[2] They examined both the samples very carefully but failed to detect any difference in them.
A. some difference in
B. some difference between
C. any difference between
D. any difference among
E. No correction required
Ans - C

[3] "Friends and comrades, the light has gone away from our lives and there is darkness everywhere"
A. off
B. out of
C. out from
D. out off
E. No correction required
Ans - B

[4] Because of his ill health, the doctor has advised him not to refrain from smoking.
A. to not refrain from
B. to resort to
C. to refrain from
D. to be refrained from
E. No correction required
Ans - C

[5] They have a scheme of rewarding the best of the performers every year.
A. a best performer
B. the best among the performer
C. a best among performer
D. the best of the performer
E. No correction required
Ans - E

[6] What happens to all those travellers on the ship was not known?
A. What happened of
B. What happened in
C. What is that happens to
D. What happened to
E. No correction required
Ans - D

[7] Making friends is more rewarding than to make enemies.
A. to be unsociable
B. to be sociable
C. being unsociable
D. making enemies
E. No correction required
Ans - D

[8] The moment they saw me, they were delight
A. had delighted
B. were delighted
C. are delighted
D. have been delighted
E. No correction required
Ans - B

[9] He should not had done it.
A. had not
B. should had not
C. should not have
D. should have
E. No correction required
Ans - C

[10] No sooner do the bells ring than the curtain rose.
A. did the bell ring
B. did the bells ring
C. had the bell rang
D. had the bell rung
E. No correction required
Ans - B

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