Unseen Comprehension
What the domain tests
An unseen Manipuri passage, usually 150–250 words, followed by questions on main idea, specific detail, word meaning, pronoun reference, inference, and sometimes a title. Marks are for accurate reading, not outside knowledge.
Core rules
- Two passes: first read for gist (what it is about, who is involved, what changes); second read with the questions in front of you, underlining the line that answers each.
- Answer in your own words unless the question says 'quote'. Lifting a whole sentence usually loses the paraphrase mark.
- Reference questions: go back to the previous noun phrase that agrees in number and sense; do not guess from the topic.
- Inference must be anchored: 'The writer implies X because the passage says Y.'
- Respect the word limit; a two-mark question rarely needs more than two sentences.
- For a title, choose a phrase covering the whole passage, not one vivid detail.
Worked example
Passage sentence: 'The old boatman refused the fare, saying the river had already paid him.' Question: 'What does the boatman mean?' Reasoning: 'the river had already paid him' is figurative, not literal money. The surrounding sentences mention his long life on the river and his family's fishing. So the meaning is that the river has given him a livelihood, and he will not take payment from a neighbour. A full answer states the figurative meaning and the supporting detail.
Traps
- Adding facts from general knowledge.
- Confusing 'the writer says' with 'the writer suggests'.
- Missing negation such as 'not' or 'never' in the passage.
- Copying the question wording as the answer.