1. Start with the Big Picture

Think of an RC passage as a story the author is trying to tell. Before diving in, skim through the passage to grasp its theme and tone. Ask yourself, “What’s the main idea? Is the author analysing something, arguing a point, or narrating?” Recognising the purpose helps you align your focus right from the start.

For example, when I skimmed a passage about climate change, I quickly picked up on the author’s urgent tone. This set the stage for everything that followed and made it easier to understand the details.

2. Decode Passage Structures

Most passages follow predictable patterns—problem-solution, cause-effect, or compare-contrast structures. Identifying these makes navigation easier. If a passage discusses climate change by presenting a problem, evidence, and implications, understanding this flow helps you anticipate what’s coming next.

When I figured this out during my prep, it felt like finding hidden treasure! Suddenly, I could predict what questions would follow based on how the passage was structured.

3. Be the Detective

Authors often drop clues with transition words like “however,” “therefore,” or “for instance” to signal shifts or reinforcements in arguments. Tracking these breadcrumbs helps you uncover relationships like cause and effect or comparisons.

I often felt like Sherlock Holmes while reading! Spotting these words gave me more control over the text and helped me better understand the author’s intentions.

4. Active Reading

Engaging with the text is crucial—passive skimming just won’t cut it! After each paragraph, pause for a moment and mentally summarise what you’ve read. Try annotating or underlining key ideas briefly; you don’t want to waste time scribbling too much.

When examples pop up, ask yourself, “What is this example proving?” This engagement ensures you’re processing information rather than just reading words on a page. I used to jot down quick notes in the margins—it kept me focused!

5. Answer Strategically

When tackling questions, start with straightforward, fact-based questions to build momentum and confidence. For trickier inference-based ones, read between the lines and eliminate obviously incorrect options first. Focus on what the author implies rather than explicit statements.

Building confidence early on helped me tackle those tougher questions without second-guessing myself.

6. Use the First Paragraph as a Compass

The opening paragraph usually sets the tone and direction for the entire passage. Spend those extra seconds here—it’s like figuring out the entrance to a maze! If you feel daunted by the passage, scan the questions first to identify easy wins before diving deep.

This tip saved me time more than once! Knowing where to focus my energy made all the difference.

7. Master Passage Types

Different passages require unique approaches:

• Data-heavy: Focus on trends rather than memorising numbers.
• Abstract/philosophical: Look for real-world analogies as anchors.
• Narrative: Pay attention to character development and events.

Understanding these nuances will help you adapt your strategy.

Reading comprehension doesn’t have to be a headache! With structure recognition, active engagement, and strategic answering techniques in your toolkit, you’ll tackle RC passages like a pro in no time. So grab that cup of coffee (or tea!), pick a challenging article, and start practicing—you’ve got this!