Comprehension of an unseen passage means a complete and thorough understanding of the passage. The main object of comprehension is to test one's ability to grasp the meaning of a given passage properly and also one's ability to answer, in one's own words, the questions based on the passage. A variety of questions like short answer type questions, completion of incomplete sentences, filling the blanks with appropriate words and exercises based on vocabulary are set forth for the purpose.
Before attempting to answer the questions on a passage, it is necessary to read the passage again and again so that a general idea of the subject of the passage becomes clear. Once the passage is clear, it is easy to answer the answers of the questions.
One should also keep the following points in mind before answering the questions set on a given passage:
1. Read the passage quickly to have some general idea of the subject matter.
2. Read the passage again and underline the important points.
3. Read the questions and try to know what has been asked.
4. Read the passage again and underline the portions where the probable
answers may be available.
5. Use, as far as possible, your own words to answer the questions in a
precise and brief way.
6. Always use complete sentences while answering a question.
7. If you are asked to give the meaning of some words or phrases, try to
express your idea, in your own words, as clearly as possible.
8. Don't give your own opinions or comments about anything unless you are
asked to do so.
Sample Usage
Example1. Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions set below:
There is a story of a man who thought he had a right to do what he liked. One day, this gentleman was walking along a busy road, spinning his walking-stick round and round in his hand, and was trying to look important. A man walking behind him objected.
“You ought not to spin your walking-stick round and round like that!" he said.
“I am free to do what I like with my walking-stick," argued the gentleman.
‘Of course you are," said the other man, “but you ought to know that your freedom ends where my nose begins."
The story tells us that we can enjoy our rights and our freedom only if they do not interfere with other people's rights and freedom.
Questions
1. Why was the gentleman on the road moving his walking stick round and
round?
2. Who objected him?
3. What argument did the gentleman give?
4. Was the other satisfied with argument?
5. What did he say in reply?
6. Complete the following statements with the correct options:
A. The gentleman was walking along a……………………….
(i) lonely road.
(ii) busy road.
(iii) narrow road.
B. The gentleman was ……………………….
(i) running along the road.
(ii) disturbing others on the road.
(iii) spinning his walking-stick round and round.
C. The man who protested was a……………………….
(i) teacher.
(ii) passer-by.
(iii) policeman.
7. Write True or False against each of the following statements:
(a) The gentleman was spinning the walking-stick round and round in his
hand to drive away the dogs.
(b) The gentleman was walking along a busy road.
(c) The man walking behind praised his action.
(d) The gentleman thought that he had a right to do whatever he liked.
(e) We can enjoy our rights and freedom even if it interferes with other
people's rights and freedom.
8. Give synonyms of the following words:
(a) Spinning (b) Interfere
Answers:
1. The gentleman on the road was moving his walking stick round and round because he wanted to look important.
2. A man walking behind him objected him.
3. The gentleman argued that he was free to do what liked with his walking-stick.
4. No, the other man was not satisfied with his argument.
5. The other man said that he ought to know that his (the gentleman's) freedom ends where his (the passer-by's) nose begins.
6. A (ii), B. (iii), C (ii)
7. (a) false, (b) true, (c) false, (d) true, (e) false.
8. (a) Spinning—Moving (b) Interfere—Meddle
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