Questions
5 questions in standard PSU papers
Difficulty
Medium
Importance
Core — never skip
Overview
Reading Comprehension evaluates your ability to process complex information, extract main ideas, and infer logical conclusions under time constraints. In PSU exams like HPCL or ONGC, this section tests your analytical prowess and vocabulary, making it a critical component for securing a high rank. Mastering the ability to distinguish between factual evidence and authorial opinion is the core skill required.
Main Idea & Title
Identifying the main idea involves capturing the author's primary argument rather than focusing on supporting details. The title must be broad enough to cover the entire passage yet specific enough to be relevant.
- Focus on the first and last paragraphs for the thesis statement
- Watch for repetitive keywords or thematic focus
- Avoid options that are too narrow or based on a single paragraph
- The title must reflect the central purpose of the text
Inference & Conclusion
An inference is a logical deduction that is not explicitly stated but is supported by the facts provided. Conclusions should be reached using only the passage information, avoiding any external assumptions or common knowledge.
- Inferences must be strictly bounded by the text provided
- Avoid 'extreme' words like always, never, or impossible
- Look for cause-and-effect relationships within the text
- Eliminate options that contradict the author's stance
Tone & Mood of Passage
The tone reflects the author's attitude toward the subject, while the mood refers to the emotional atmosphere created for the reader. Identifying the adjectives used throughout the text is the fastest way to pinpoint the tone.
- Analyze diction: positive, negative, or neutral words
- Common tones include analytical, skeptical, objective, or critical
- Check the introduction and conclusion for shifts in attitude
- Differentiate between the author's tone and the mood of the characters
Vocabulary in Context
Questions in this category ask for the meaning of a specific word or phrase as it appears in the passage. Use surrounding context clues, such as synonyms, antonyms, or descriptions in the adjacent sentences, to derive the meaning.
- Re-read the sentence containing the word
- Identify structural clues like 'or', 'that is', or 'however'
- Test replacement options in the sentence to check for logical flow
- Prioritize the context over your personal definition of the word
Exam Tip
Always read the questions before the passage to search for targeted information, which saves significant time and improves accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Bringing personal bias or real-world knowledge into the inference process
- Selecting an option that is factually true but not mentioned in the passage
- Running out of time by reading the entire passage too slowly before analyzing the questions
More Revision Notes
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