Reading strategies

Why strategy matters

NCET gives 23 questions in the Khasi paper and you attempt 20. Passage-based questions take longer than single questions, so a clear method saves time and marks.

A method that works

• Preview: glance at the questions (not the options) for the passage.
• Read actively: one steady read, marking key names, numbers and turning words.
• Answer detail questions first, then main-idea and inference questions, which need the whole passage.
• Eliminate: cross out options that contradict the text, are too extreme or are off-topic.
• Move on: if a question takes more than about a minute, mark it for review and return later.

Skimming and scanning

• Skimming means reading quickly for the general idea: first lines of paragraphs, repeated words, the conclusion.
• Scanning means hunting for one specific piece of information, such as a date or a name.

Negative marking

Each correct answer earns 4 marks and each wrong answer loses 1. Answer when you can eliminate at least two options; skip a question when you are only guessing blindly.