Reading Comprehension of Unseen Passages
What unseen comprehension tests
Unseen passages test information retrieval, inference, vocabulary in context, sequence and title selection. The answer must come from the passage, even when the topic feels familiar.
Core method
- Skim once for topic and tone; then read the questions before scanning for keywords.
- Underline names, numbers, contrast words and cause-effect signals.
- For inference, combine two details; do not add outside facts.
- For vocabulary, use the surrounding sentence, not a dictionary first meaning.
- For title questions, choose the option covering the whole passage, not one detail.
Worked example
Passage: “The bus stopped at the foot of the hill. Sita looked at the path, then at her sleeping child. She tied her shawl tighter and began to climb.” Question: What does “tied her shawl tighter” suggest? Answer: resolve and preparation for a difficult climb, not merely cold weather. Reasoning: the action follows her look at the path and child; it marks a decision. A literal weather answer ignores narrative sequence.
Traps
- Copying a whole sentence instead of answering briefly.
- Choosing a title that fits only the first line.
- Importing real-world knowledge.
- Missing negative or exception words.
- Confusing inference with direct statement.