Reading Comprehension for SSC CGL
Complete Strategy & Practice Guide
1. What is Reading Comprehension?
Reading Comprehension (RC) tests your ability to:
Understand the main idea of a passage
Identify specific details
Make inferences and draw conclusions
Understand vocabulary in context
SSC often gives 3–4 RC passages with 5–10 questions each, mostly factual or inference-based
2. Time-Saving Tips for SSC RC
Tip 1: Skim First, Read Later
- Quickly skim the passage to get the general idea
- Focus on first and last sentences of paragraphs → main idea often lies there
Tip 2: Read Questions First
- Read all questions before reading the passage in detail
- This helps you look for answers actively and saves time
Tip 3: Underline Keywords
- While reading, underline dates, names, numbers, or repeated words
- These often appear in questions
Tip 4: Avoid Reading Every Word
- Focus on important nouns, verbs, and adjectives
- Ignore minor details unless asked in questions
Tip 5: Answer Direct Questions First
- Start with direct fact-based questions, then move to inference and vocabulary-based questions
Tip 6: Be Careful with Options
- SSC uses tricky options that are partially correct
- Always compare options with the passage before selecting
3. Common Types of RC Questions
| Type | Strategy | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Main Idea | Look at first/last sentence of paragraphs | What is the main idea of the passage? |
| Fact-based | Look for keywords in passage | When was the treaty signed? |
| Inference | Read context + clues | What can be inferred about the author's opinion? |
| Vocabulary | Use context to guess meaning | What does "ubiquitous" mean in the passage? |
| True/False/Not Given | Compare statement with passage | Statements must exactly match passage info |
4. Sample RC Passage + Questions
Passage:
The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," produces about 20% of the world's oxygen. It is home to millions of species, many of which are yet undiscovered. Deforestation has posed a significant threat to this ecosystem, reducing biodiversity and affecting climate regulation. Conservation efforts are underway to preserve this vital forest.
Questions:
1. What is the Amazon rainforest called?
2. What percentage of the world's oxygen is produced by it?
3. What is the main threat mentioned in the passage?
4. Why is conservation important?
5. What does "biodiversity" refer to in the passage?
Click for Answers
1. "Lungs of the Earth"
2. About 20%
3. Deforestation
4. To preserve the ecosystem and species
5. Variety of species
5. Practice RC Set
Passage:
Water scarcity is becoming a critical problem worldwide. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and climate change have intensified the issue. Efficient water management, rainwater harvesting, and conservation practices are essential to mitigate water stress.
Questions:
1. What is the main problem discussed?
2. Name two causes of water scarcity.
3. List one solution mentioned in the passage.
4. What is the meaning of "mitigate"?
5. What can be inferred about future water availability?
Click for Answers
1. Water scarcity
2. Rapid urbanization, population growth (also acceptable: climate change)
3. Efficient water management / rainwater harvesting / conservation practices
4. Reduce / lessen
5. Water scarcity will worsen without proper measures
6. SSC Exam Tips for RC
Always skim + read questions first
Don't waste time on hard vocabulary → use context clues
For True/False/Not Given, remember: not stated ≠ false
Practice past 5–10 years' SSC RC passages for speed and accuracy
Time allocation: ~5 minutes per passage, including questions
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