Key facts

  • Read the passage twice: first for the central idea, then for details, contrasts, examples, and tone.
  • For vocabulary-in-context, explain the meaning required by the sentence, not every dictionary meaning of the word.
  • Answer comprehension questions in complete sentences and avoid importing outside facts.
  • For a precis, preserve the order of thought where possible, omit examples and decorative language, and do not add personal opinion.
  • Give the precis a short title that reflects the main idea rather than a minor example.

Key Points at a Glance

  1. 1

    Read the passage twice: first for the central idea, then for details, contrasts, examples, and tone.

  2. 2

    For vocabulary-in-context, explain the meaning required by the sentence, not every dictionary meaning of the word.

  3. 3

    Answer comprehension questions in complete sentences and avoid importing outside facts.

  4. 4

    For a precis, preserve the order of thought where possible, omit examples and decorative language, and do not add personal opinion.

  5. 5

    Give the precis a short title that reflects the main idea rather than a minor example.

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Concept & Rules

Comprehension tests exact reading, not general knowledge. A strong answer identifies the writer's point, separates fact from inference, and uses the passage's own evidence without copying whole sentences. A precis tests compression: retain the central argument, remove illustration and repetition, write in connected prose, and add a brief suitable title.

  • Read the passage twice: first for the central idea, then for details, contrasts, examples, and tone.
  • For vocabulary-in-context, explain the meaning required by the sentence, not every dictionary meaning of the word.
  • Answer comprehension questions in complete sentences and avoid importing outside facts.
  • For a precis, preserve the order of thought where possible, omit examples and decorative language, and do not add personal opinion.
  • Give the precis a short title that reflects the main idea rather than a minor example.

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PredictedPredicted Questions

Use these prompts to test answer structure before moving to practice.

12MRead the passage given below and answer the questions that follow (Q. No. 21-25). Marks: 5 x 2 = 10. Q21. What is the central idea of the passage?2 marks · 50 words

Model Answer

The central idea must state the writer's main argument in one complete sentence, not merely name the topic.

~50 words · 2 marks