Reading comprehension is the skill of understanding and interpreting written text, involving the extraction of meaning from a passage, grasping the author’s message, and establishing connections between ideas presented in the text. This skill is fundamental for academic success and is evaluated in various examinations, including CLAT.

When engaging in reading comprehension, individuals actively interact with the text, merging prior knowledge with the information presented. It goes beyond mere reading, encompassing comprehension, analysis, inference, and critical thinking.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to effectively approach RC passages:

1. Skim the passage: Quickly read the passage to grasp the topic, tone, and structure. Pay attention to headings, subheadings, and opening and closing paragraphs for an overview.
2. Analyse the questions: Before delving into details, read the questions associated with the passage. Understanding question types and requirements helps identify relevant information during the passage reading.
3. Read the passage carefully: Read the passage attentively, focusing on the author’s main argument, supporting ideas, and information flow. Note key concepts, names, dates, or events mentioned.
4. Take brief notes: Make concise notes or annotations while reading. These notes can include main ideas, important details, and connections between different parts of the passage.
5. Identify the structure: Pay attention to the passage’s organization and structure. Identify the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Note transitions between ideas for clues to the author’s argument.
6. Refer back to the questions: After reading the passage, refer back to the questions and analyze them closely. Look for keywords connecting the question with the passage, aiding in finding relevant information.
7. Locate relevant information: Use skimming and scanning techniques to find specific information needed to answer each question. Pay attention to keywords in the questions and search for corresponding sections in the passage.
8. Eliminate incorrect options: Eliminate options that are clearly incorrect or unsupported by the passage. Look for information in the passage supporting or contradicting each option.
9. Evaluate answer choices: Carefully evaluate the remaining choices, considering the passage’s context, the author’s tone, and the overall argument. Choose the option closely aligned with the passage for the best answer.
10. Practice regularly: Regularly practice with a variety of reading comprehension passages to familiarize yourself with different types and question patterns. Analyze your performance, learn from mistakes, and refine your approach.

By following these steps and practicing consistently, you can enhance your ability to effectively tackle Reading Comprehension passages in CLAT. Stay focused, manage your time wisely, and prioritize comprehension when answering questions.