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.
Crude mineral oil comes out of the earth as a thick brown or black liquid with a strong smell. It is a complex mixture of many different substances, each with its own individual qualities. Most of them are combinations of hydrogen and carbon in varying proportions. Such hydrocarbons are also found in other forms such as bitumen, asphalt and natural gas. Mineral oil originates from the carcasses of tiny animals and from plants that live in the sea. Over millions of years, these dead creatures form large deposits under sea-bed and ocean currents cover them with a blanket of sand and silt. As this material hardens, it becomes sedimentary rock and effectively shuts out the oxygen, so preventing the complete decomposition of the marine deposits underneath. The layers of sedimentary rock become thicker and heavier. Their pressure produces heat, which transforms the tiny carcasses into crude oil in a process that is still going on today.
Q) Marine deposits under the sea do not get decomposed because they :
(a) become rock and prevent oxygen from entering them
(b) are covered by the sand and slit brought by the current
(c) contain a mixture of hydrogen and carbon
(d) are constantly washed by the ocean current
Ans. (a)
Q) Sedimentary rock leads to the formation of oil deposits because :
(a) it becomes hard and forms into rocks which produce oil
(b) its pressure produces heat and turns the deposits of animal carcasses and plants into oil
(c) it turns heavy and shuts out the oxygen
(d) it becomes heavy and hard and applies pressure to squeeze oil
Ans. (b)
Q) In order to have mineral oil, hydrogen and carbon are combined in :
(a) equal proportions
(b) fixed proportions
(c) varying proportions
(d) the proportion of two and one
Ans. (c)
Q) The time it takes for the marine deposits to harden into rocks is :
(a) a few years
(b) thousands of years
(c) hundreds of years
(d) million of years
Ans. (d)
Q) The most apt title for the passage is
(a) crude mineral oil
(b) how sedimentary rock is formed?
(c) how mineral oil is formed?
(d) marine deposits under the sea
Ans. (c)
For more questions, check out NDA-CDS-AFCAT 2 2024 Exam English Live – Comprehension – Class 2
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Main Idea:
- “What is the main theme of the passage?”
- Answer: Identify the central idea that the passage revolves around.
- Detail:
- “Which of the following details is mentioned in the passage?”
- Answer: Locate specific information within the text.
- Inference:
- “What can be inferred from the author’s statement?”
- Answer: Draw logical conclusions based on the given information.
- 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.
