Comprehension questions are an important part of various exams such as competitive exams, school or college exams, etc. These questions aim to test the understanding and interpretation skills of the reader. In most exams, a significant portion is dedicated to comprehension questions. If you want to ace the exam, it is vital to learn how to answer comprehension questions correctly. In this article, we will guide you on how to answer comprehension questions effectively to improve your performance in the exams.
1. Read the passage more than once
Before you start answering the questions, it is crucial to read the passage thoroughly. Read the passage more than once as it will give you a better understanding of the text. It will also help you ensure that you do not miss any critical information. Identify the main ideas and keywords of the passage. If you come across a word you don't know or don't understand, look it up.
2. Identify the type of question
There are several types of comprehension questions, such as inference questions, fact-based questions, main idea questions, etc. It is crucial to identify the type of question to answer it correctly. Before answering the questions, analyze what the question is asking you. It will help you provide an appropriate answer.
Types of Questions:
- Inference Questions
- Fact-based Questions
- Main Idea Questions
- Summary Questions
- Purpose Questions
3. Scan for the answer
Once you have analyzed the question, refer back to the passage and try to find the answer. Skim and scan the passage to locate the relevant information. If you have identified the main ideas and keywords of the text, it will be easier to find the answer. Remember that the answer will be there in the passage itself; you need to read carefully to locate it.
4. Use Context Clues
Sometimes the answer may not be explicitly stated in the passage. In such cases, try to use context clues to derive the meaning. Look for the meaning of the words in the sentence and try to make sense of it.
5. Avoid Distractions
While answering the questions, keep in mind that there may be distractors in the passage. Distractors are information or details that are irrelevant to the question. These are included in the passage to distract you from the correct answer. So, focus on answering the question and avoid distractors.
6. Check your answers
After answering all the questions, recheck your answers to ensure that you have answered them correctly. Make sure that your answer is grammatically correct and makes sense. In many exams, the incorrect answers may attract negative marking, so it is crucial to answer the questions carefully.
Conclusion
Answering comprehension questions correctly can make a significant difference in your exam results. Reading the passage carefully, identifying the type of question, and locating the relevant information are key to answering the questions effectively. Use context clues to derive answers, and avoid distractors. Ensure that you have answered the question correctly and make necessary corrections if required. These tips will help you improve your comprehension skills and perform better in the exams.
