NDA CDS AFCAT 2 2024 Exam English Comprehension Class 1

The National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), and Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) exams are prestigious gateways for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Among the various sections tested, the English section plays a pivotal role in assessing a candidate’s language proficiency, comprehension, and communication skills. One essential component of the English section is the Comprehension topic, which tests a candidate’s ability to understand, interpret, and analyze written text. This article underscores the importance of the Comprehension topic in these competitive exams and highlights the necessity of having medium to advanced levels of reading and comprehensive skills to excel in it.

Understanding the Exam Context

In the NDA, CDS, and AFCAT exams, the English section evaluates candidates’ mastery of the English language. The Comprehension section specifically examines their ability to read passages, understand the content, infer meanings, and answer related questions accurately. This ability is crucial for future officers who need to process information quickly and accurately.

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below them. 

There are three main groups of oils – animal, vegetable and mineral. Great quantities of animal oil come from whales, creatures of the sea which are the largest of the animals remaining in the world. To protect the whales from the cold of the Arctic seas, nature has provided them with a thick covering of fat, called blubber. When the whale is killed, the blubber is stripped off and boiled down. It produces a great quantity of oil which can be made into food for human consumption. A few other creatures yield oil, but none so much as the whale. The livers of the cod and halibut, two kinds of fish, yield nourishing oil. Both cod liver oil and halibut oil are given to sick children and other invalids who need certain vitamins. 

Vegetable oil has been known from very old times. No household can get on without it, for it is used in cooking. Perfumes may be made from the oils of certain flowers. Soaps are made from eatable and animal products and the oils of certain flowers.

Q) The main source of animal oil, is – 

(a) fish

(b) whale 

(c) seaweeds

(d) plants

Ans. (b)

Q) Vegetable oil is mainly used for – 

(a) eating

(b) cooking

(c) frying

(d) lubricating

Ans. (b)

Q) The…….of fish yields nourishing oil.

(a) liver

(b) stomach

(c) eyes

(d) head

Ans. (a)

Q) The thick protective covering of fat on a whale is called a – 

(a) skin

(b) cell

(c) blubber 

(d) fins

Ans. (c)

Q) ……………. are made from vegetables, animal products and the oils of certain flowers.

(a) Perfumes

(b) Cosmetics

(c) Cooking medium

(d) Soaps

Ans. (d)

For more questions, check out NDA-CDS-AFCAT 2 2024 Exam English Live – Comprehension – Class 1

Importance of the Comprehension Topic

1. Assessment of Reading Skills

Comprehension passages test a candidate’s reading skills, including their ability to understand the main idea, identify key details, and grasp the author’s tone and intent. These skills are essential for understanding reports, manuals, and other written communications they will encounter in their careers.

2. Evaluation of Analytical Abilities

Comprehension questions often require candidates to analyze the text, draw inferences, and make logical connections. This ability to critically evaluate information is crucial for decision-making and problem-solving in a military context.

3. Improvement of Language Proficiency

Engaging with comprehension passages helps improve overall language proficiency. Candidates enhance their vocabulary, understanding of syntax, and ability to construct coherent arguments, which are valuable skills for both written and verbal communication.

4. High Scoring Potential

Comprehension questions can be a high-scoring area within the English section, provided candidates are well-prepared. Correctly answering these questions can significantly boost overall scores, contributing to a better rank and higher chances of selection.

5. Application Across Exams

The inclusion of Comprehension in the English sections of NDA, CDS, and AFCAT exams underscores its universal importance. Mastering this topic benefits candidates across multiple exams, making it an efficient study focus for those appearing for more than one of these tests.

Key Strategies for Mastering Comprehension

1. Regular Reading:
   • Develop a habit of reading diverse materials such as newspapers, magazines, journals, and books. This exposure helps in understanding different writing styles, contexts, and vocabulary.
2. Active Reading:
   • Practice active reading by summarizing paragraphs, noting key points, and questioning the text as you read. This helps in better retention and understanding of the material.
3. Vocabulary Building:
   • Expand your vocabulary by learning new words daily. Use vocabulary lists, flashcards, and apps to reinforce learning. A strong vocabulary aids in better understanding of the passages.
4. Practice Tests:
   • Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to familiarize yourself with the types of comprehension questions asked in the exams. This also helps in improving speed and accuracy.
5. Critical Thinking:
   • Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing arguments, identifying biases, and drawing inferences. This ability to think deeply about the text is crucial for answering comprehension questions accurately.

Examples of Comprehension Questions

1. Main Idea:
   • “What is the main theme of the passage?”
   • Answer: Identify the central idea that the passage revolves around.
2. Detail:
   • “Which of the following details is mentioned in the passage?”
   • Answer: Locate specific information within the text.
3. Inference:
   • “What can be inferred from the author’s statement?”
   • Answer: Draw logical conclusions based on the given information.
4. Vocabulary:
   • “What does the word ‘x’ mean in the context of the passage?”
   • Answer: Understand the meaning of a word based on its context within the passage.

Benefits of a Strong Command of Reading and Comprehension Skills

1. Enhanced Analytical Abilities:

A robust understanding of comprehension enhances analytical abilities, enabling candidates to evaluate and interpret information effectively.

2. Improved Communication:

Strong reading and comprehension skills contribute to better communication, both written and verbal, which is crucial for future officers in conveying and understanding complex information.

3. Confidence Boost:

A good command of comprehension instills confidence in candidates, enabling them to perform better in the exams and in their professional roles.

Conclusion

The Comprehension topic is a crucial element of the English sections in the NDA 2 2024, CDS 2 2024, and AFCAT 2 2024 exams. Mastery of this topic requires medium to advanced levels of reading and comprehension skills. By incorporating regular reading, practicing active reading, building vocabulary, taking practice tests, and developing critical thinking skills, candidates can significantly enhance their proficiency in this area. A strong command of reading and comprehension not only helps in scoring well in the exams but also equips future officers with the analytical and communication skills necessary for effective performance in their professional roles.