Reading Comprehension (RC) is a crucial part of the SSC CGL English section, often determining your overall score. Many aspirants struggle with lengthy passages, time pressure, and tricky options. However, with smart strategies and time-saving techniques, you can master this section and answer RC questions within 5 minutes. This guide will show you how.
1. Read the Questions First, Not the Passage
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is reading the passage before looking at the questions. Instead:
- Quickly glance through the questions first.
- Identify keywords or important phrases to look for in the passage.
- This helps you focus on relevant sections, rather than reading everything in detail.
Example:
If a question asks, “What is the central theme of the passage?”—you know to focus on the introduction and conclusion for the main idea.
2. Use the Skimming & Scanning Technique
Instead of reading every word, use these two techniques:
- Skimming: Read only key sentences—first and last sentences of paragraphs.
- Scanning: Look for specific words from the question in the passage.
Example:
If the question asks, “What did the author say about economic policies?”, scan the passage for terms like “economic policy,” “finance,” or “GDP.”
This method saves time while ensuring accuracy.
3. Identify the Passage Type & Tone Quickly
SSC CGL passages are often based on:
- Fact-Based (Informational) – Requires direct answers.
- Opinion-Based (Argumentative) – Tests critical thinking.
- Historical/Scientific Analysis – Involves logical reasoning.
To answer correctly, pay attention to the author’s tone:
- Neutral/Informative – Just facts, no bias.
- Critical/Negative – Shows disagreement or concern.
- Optimistic/Positive – Supports an idea.
Understanding tone helps eliminate wrong answer choices faster.
4. Avoid Getting Stuck on Vocabulary Questions
Some RC questions test synonyms, antonyms, or word meanings. Instead of spending too much time guessing:
- Check the sentence context around the word.
- Look for clues—if the tone is positive, the word likely has a positive meaning.
- If unsure, eliminate the odd choices and make an educated guess.
Example:
If the passage states, “The leader was known for his magnanimity in helping the poor,”—you can infer magnanimity means generosity.
5. Use the 5-Minute Answering Strategy
Here’s how to complete an RC passage in under 5 minutes:
Minute 1: Read the Questions & Identify Keywords
- Look for wh-questions (what, why, how) to predict where answers might be.
Minute 2-3: Skim & Scan the Passage
- Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
- Locate keywords from the questions and find answers.
Minute 4-5: Answer with Elimination Technique
- Remove incorrect options (if one word is wrong, the whole answer is wrong).
- Verify answers with the passage to avoid traps.
6. Practice with Timed Mock Tests
Theory alone isn’t enough—you need real exam practice. Regular mock tests help you:
- Improve reading speed.
- Identify common RC question patterns.
- Boost accuracy under time constraints.
Use NetPractice to attempt full-length SSC CGL mock tests and sharpen your answering speed!
Final Thoughts!
Reading Comprehension in SSC CGL doesn’t have to be time-consuming. With the 5-minute answering strategy, you can complete RC passages quickly and accurately. Master skimming, scanning, and elimination techniques to boost your English section score effortlessly!
Also Read –
100 Vocab Boosters for SSC CGL
One Word Substitutions You Should Know for SSC CGL