Answering Comprehension Questions

Reading Comprehension is a fundamental skill tested in various school exams and competitive tests such as SSC, UPSC, RRB, IBPS, and more. It evaluates a candidate’s ability to read, understand, interpret, and answer questions based on a given passage. This skill not only tests memory but also critical thinking, vocabulary, inference, and logical understanding.

What is Comprehension?

Comprehension means understanding. In reading, it refers to the ability to grasp the meaning of the passage, analyze its tone, deduce implied meanings, and answer related questions accurately.

Types of Comprehension Questions

Understanding the types of questions is key to tackling them smartly:

1. Factual Questions

Based directly on the information in the passage.
Tip: Answers are usually found word-for-word or paraphrased in the text.

2. Inference-Based Questions

Require you to read between the lines and make logical assumptions.
Tip: Go beyond what is written; understand the author's intent.

3. Vocabulary-Based Questions

Ask the meaning of a word or phrase used in the passage.
Tip: Use contextual clues.

4. Main Idea / Theme Questions

Ask for the central idea or purpose of the passage.
Tip: Focus on the first and last paragraphs and the tone.

5. Tone/Attitude Questions

Ask about the author’s perspective or emotional attitude.
Common tones: sarcastic, neutral, optimistic, critical, informative.

6. Title-Based Questions

Require you to select a suitable title that captures the essence of the passage.

Strategies for Answering Comprehension Questions

✅ 1. Skim and Scan

Skim: Read quickly for the main idea.
Scan: Go back and look for specific details when answering questions.

✅ 2. Read the Questions First (Optional)

Helps you know what to focus on while reading the passage.

✅ 3. Don’t Assume Anything

Stick to the information given in the passage, even if you know something extra.

✅ 4. Eliminate Wrong Options

In MCQs, eliminate clearly incorrect answers first to narrow down choices.

✅ 5. Watch for Trap Words

Be cautious of words like always, never, only, which may make an answer extreme and incorrect.

✅ 6. Use Context Clues

For vocabulary questions, understand the surrounding words to guess meanings.

✅ 7. Rephrase in Your Own Words

For descriptive answers, rephrase from the passage using your own language while retaining the meaning.

Example Passage with Q&A

📖 Sample Passage:

“Despite rapid technological advancement, many people today feel more isolated than ever. While social media connects us virtually, it can often create a false sense of intimacy. Real human connection requires face-to-face communication, which is being increasingly replaced by screens. Mental health experts warn that this digital isolation may lead to increased feelings of loneliness and depression.”

❓Comprehension Questions

1. What is the main idea of the passage?

Answer: The passage discusses how increased use of technology, particularly social media, is contributing to human isolation and mental health issues.

Explanation: The central theme is about the contrast between technological connection and emotional isolation.

2. According to the passage, what is required for real human connection?

Answer: Real human connection requires face-to-face communication.

Explanation: This is explicitly stated in the passage as a key contrast to digital interactions.

3. What warning do mental health experts give?

Answer: They warn that digital isolation may lead to loneliness and depression.

Explanation: This is a factual question with a direct answer in the last sentence.

4. Which word in the passage means “not real or genuine”?

Answer: False

Explanation: The phrase is “false sense of intimacy,” meaning the intimacy is not genuine.

5. What tone does the author use in the passage?

Answer: The tone is concerned and cautionary.

Explanation: The author expresses worry over a modern issue and includes warnings from experts.

Practice Exercises

Passage-Based Fill-in-the-Blanks

Fill in the blanks based on the passage:

Social media creates a __________ sense of intimacy.
- Answer: false
The author believes that technology is causing people to feel more __________.
- Answer: isolated
The passage implies that too much screen time can affect our __________ health.
- Answer: mental

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