Reading Comprehension : Verbal Aptitude - UPSC CSAT 2023

 Reading Comprehension : Verbal Aptitude - UPSC CSAT 2023

Paper 2 contain about 6 to 9 passages and each passage contain 2 to 7 questions. You should attempt those passages first, which have the maximum number of questions. Why? because each comprehension you solve will complete approximately 8% of your paper. In CSAT, the examiners don't write the passage on their own, they simply copy it from a newspaper column, articles etc. They only frame the questions by themselves.

Strategy for Reading comprehension 

1. Read the passage very fast, jus skim through it within a minute.
2. Read the questions with their options.
3. Go to the relevant section of the passage.
4. Mark the answer which you think is correct.
5. Complete all the questions of one passage in one go.
6. Always mark the answer by using eliminating method, eliminate those options which are least likely to be correct.

Time Division: This part contain 80 questions. So, we will try to attempt 44 questions in the first hour. In the next 40 minutes we will jump to the decision making section and other sections. 

Decision making section

Decision making section will consist of approx 6 to 8 question and why did we choose it just after reading comprehension, because of these is "No negative marking" in this section. Also 2 options out of 4 will be correct. So, after 1 hour when you completed around 40+ questions, jump to decision making questions and finish those within 15 minutes.

Well, now you have exhausted 1 hour and 15 minutes and have solved about 50+, now you have remaining 30 questions and 45 minutes. Use 35 to 40 minutes to solve the remaining sections. In the next 5 to 10 minutes you will attempt those questions which you don't understand in the first go, and make sure that you attempt atleast 70 to 75 question from this part.

Important miscellaneous tips

Do not assume anything on your own.

Whatever is written in the comprehension, that is the relevant material as far as the answers are concerned.

Do not fills the gaps with your general studies knowledge.

The candidates who have poor English skills or are from non-english background, they can refer to basic English grammar by Wren & Martin.

One more tip for all the students, irrespective of your English skill level: watch good English movies with subtitles, as it will help improving your comprehension skills.