Lecture # 2

Strategies for RC:

1) Identifying the purposebehind writing. (informative/narrative/persuasive/satire)
2) Identifying the scopeof the passage. To rule out incorrect options that lie outside the scope of
the passage.
3) Each para will have an idea with relevant supporting details. Generally 5-6 para containing
passages.

Methodology:

1) Find the topic of the passage should be obvious by the end of first para.
2) Decode each passage understanding the key idea of each para will help in understanding the
organization of the passage.
3) Look for specific details - where, why and what. No need to go into details of these details.
Understand how this detail is connected with the main idea, does it strengthen/weaken the
ideas credibility.
4) Distinguish between facts and what authors interpretation of these facts is. When the author
interprets facts and advances an opinion, imply a transition in ideas unfolding fresh ideas.
5) Typically the writer will express the key idea of a paragraph in the beg, mid or end of the
para. For the first 2 paras, locate this, and then you will notice that in the succeeding paras,
the key idea is expressed in the same position as done in the case of the first 2 paras.


Types of questions:

1) Main idea of passage
2) Logical structure of passage:
- Question about construction of passage-
Whether it defines, compares and contrasts, presents and supports a new idea, or
refutes an established idea.

- Question about assumption-
How authors ideas can be strengthened or weakened based on the options
given.
Questioning the strength of argument

3) Language based questions:
- Question about tone of passage: critical, supportive, enthusiastic, narrative, informative etc.
Note: Read the entire passage to get idea about tone. A few words of criticism does not
necessarily imply critical tone. The tone reflected in each passage sets the tone of the
passage.
- Questions about the source of the passage or the target audience are related to the tone.

4) Inferential questions:
- The author implies which of these?
- The following quote from passage suggests that?
- With which of these is the author most likely to agree/disagree?
- Which of these is most consistent with something in the passage?
Note: the questions above are based on drawing inferences from information in the
passage.

Questions can also be asked to use the information in the passage, to extrapolate the ideology to
a parallel but different situation. (outside context of passage). *Most difficult questions

5) Cause/effect questions- very direct and easy.

Prephrasing the answer is the best strategy!!
- Saves time as you are only confirming the answer.
- Reduces risk; if an option that comes close to your original answer is available, it is mostly
the right answer.
- Understanding the passage more important than speed. Out of the 3 passages, focus on only
2.
- Read each option carefully and eliminate to get the answer.