The Consortium of NLUs has changed the pattern of CLAT 2024. One of the key modifications that has been made is the emphasis in the comprehension based question. The comprehension-based questions are included in all the sections of the CLAT exam paper.
So, it is essential for you to enhance your skills of CLAT reading comprehension. It is one of the crucial sections of the CLAT exam. Most often, this section has been ignored, but if you enhance your skill in the CLAT reading comprehension section, you can easily level up your chance to increase your total marks.
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If you want to enhance this skill and want to know the techniques, then this blog is for you. Here, we will share all the techniques you need to know and common mistakes which everyone makes in this section of the CLAT exam.
Why CLAT Reading Comprehension is Important?
Since the CLAT exam pattern has changed and all the sections of the exam are now comprehension-based, mastering the reading comprehension section will also help with the other four sections of the exam. Attempting reading comprehension questions is an art as most of the options in the questions may lead you in a state of dilemma while choosing the correct answer.
For CLAT 2024, reading comprehension questions is very beneficial to you. Proficiency in reading is essential for comprehending and providing proper answers to exam questions.
If you can improve this, you can also excel in other sections of the paper. So, follow all the techniques that we share here with you and improve your understanding in reading comprehension.
CLAT Reading Comprehension – Pattern
The total number of questions in CLAT has been reduced from 150 to 120. The CLAT reading comprehension section will consist of approximately 22-26 questions i.e. roughly about 20% of the paper. For each correct answer 1 mark will be allotted and for each incorrect answer 0.25 marks would be deducted.
This section will consist of about 450 words. These passages will be extracted from contemporary or historically significant fiction and non-fiction writing, and would be such that a 12th standard student may be able to read in about 5-7 minutes.
You will be required to demonstrate your language and comprehension skills through a series of questions that will follow each passage.
These questions will test your ability to:
- Read and understand the passage’s main thesis as well as any arguments and opinions that are explored or presented in the passage;
- Make assumptions and deductions based on the passage.
- Summarise the text;
- In the passage, evaluate and contrast the various arguments or points of view presented.
- Recognize the meaning of different terms and expressions in relation to the passage’s context.
Also Read: CLAT Logical Reasoning
Reading Comprehension for CLAT: Techniques
Following the right technique for CLAT reading comprehension can help you answer the questions with ease. It is essential to be proficient in reading comprehension in order to attempt any question with ease. Below are the reading comprehension techniques for CLAT to help you score good marks in CLAT.
1. Simplify the Passage
The passages in CLAT are generally complex in nature. All you need to do is to summarise each paragraph in the passage. Try to split or divide the passage naturally and then make a summary of each paragraph. By deconstructing the passage, you can get the understanding of the complex passage.
After making a summary of each paragraph, try to relate the theme of the passage for better understanding about what the author of the passage is speaking about. Suppose, you know about the theme of the passage then try to relate with it. It will facilitate the passage. But do remember, do not mix your previous knowledge about the theme of the passage.
2. Understand Scope of the Passage
Another technique that you can follow is to understand the scope of the passage. Make sure that you confine yourself to the information given in the passage and do not use any external information. Remember that you do not generalise the information given in the passage.
3. Be an Active Reader
To ace in CLAT reading comprehension, you have to be an active reader, rather than a passive reader. By an active reader, we mean that while reading the passage, you should constantly question why and how the author has written.
You should not plainly read the words, instead focus on the idea of the author in the passage. Try to understand the main element or context of the passage.
4. Identify Author’s Opinion
Try to identify the author’s opinion. In many instances, the author may refer to the facts or another person’s point of view.
Those may not be the author’s point of view. Once you can identify the author’s point of view, you can understand the tone of the passage or the purpose of the arguments or statements mentioned by the author in the passage. Pay importance to the facts and judgments made in the passage by the author.
Also Read: CLAT GK Preparation
5. Elimination of Options
One of the techniques of answering reading comprehension for CLAT exam is by eliminating the options. Do not be in haste while solving questions. See the options given in the question carefully.
The options given in reading comprehension are close to one another. It often leads to a state of confusion while choosing the correct option. Eliminate the options that are irrelevant, out of scope, factually wrong, vague or misleading, contain flaw or contrary to the passage.
6. Enhancing Reading Speed
Enhancing your skill in reading comprehension for CLAT is an art. You should read the passage with speed but not at the cost of accuracy. You should balance speed with quality of comprehension.
Know when to read consciously. Make sure that the beginning or ending of the passage is very important. Beginning of the passage will give you the background or main idea of the passage and ending of the passage will acknowledge you about the conclusion of the passage.
7. Read Regularly
Make reading a habit. Habitual reading passages would enhance your reading skill and make you understand better as reading regularly would enhance your overall knowledge. Read newspapers on a regular basis.
8. Increase Vocabulary
Another technique to enhance your CLAT reading comprehension is by increasing your vocabulary. Whenever you read a passage and come across a new term, make sure that you learn its meaning. This will enhance your vocabulary in CLAT Exam.
Useful Resources for You:
Previous Year Analysis of CLAT English Section
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Reading Comprehension for CLAT
1. No Overthinking
Another technique for CLAT reading comprehension is that you should never over-think. This means that while reading the passage, your preconceived notion should not interfere. Do not go beyond the point. Stick to the idea of the author.
2. Avoid Regression
It means to re-read passages or sentences. Avoid reading the sentences again and again. It happens because of lack of concentration. Read regularly with consistency and to enhance your stamina and concentration while reading passages.
3. Avoid Reading Similar Passage
Reading diverse material helps you to read faster. Avoid reading similar discipline or style of writing passage. Reading similar types of passages would make you comfortable in one discipline only and make it difficult for you to read and understand passages of different context or background.
4. Not Reading the Full Question
You should avoid reading part of the question or the options. Misinterpretation or overlooking negatives (like ‘not,’ ‘except’) can lead to incorrect answers.
5. Overemphasis on Speed
Avoid over-emphasis on speed. While time management is crucial, overly rapid reading can lead to misinterpretation or missing out on key details. Strive for a balance between speed and comprehension.
6. Do Not Panic
Even if you do not know the meaning of certain terms mentioned in the passage. Do not worry about it. Avoid panicking in the exam.
If you follow the reading comprehension techniques for CLAT mentioned above and avoid the mistakes while attempting reading comprehension questions, you can improve your skill in this section of the CLAT. Remember, if you can improve your reading comprehension skill, you can improve your chances to get admission in NLU.
Also Read: Improve Reading Speed for CLAT
For more guidance to ace your logical reasoning section, you can refer to our video:
Also Read: CLAT Legal Reasoning Questions & Techniques for 2024
Conclusion:
CLAT reading comprehension is one such section that by regularly practising you can easily increase your total marks. Reading is a skill. If you can learn this skill, it will not only help you in the CLAT reading comprehension section but also in the other four sections of the CLAT exam paper.
With the change in the CLAT exam pattern and the NLU consortium laying emphasis on comprehension based passage in all the sections of the CLAT, it is now most essential for you to follow all the techniques mentioned above for CLAT reading comprehension.
Relevant Resources for You:
| CLAT Sample Papers |
| CLAT OMR Sheet Filling Guide |
| CLAT Mock Test Strategy |
| CLAT Kya Hota Hai? |
| CLAT Eligibility Criteria |
All the Best and Work Hard!