- Skim the passage: Read the title, headings, subheadings, and the first and last sentence of each paragraph to get a general idea of the content.
- Identify keywords: Look for technical terms, concepts, and definitions that are likely to appear in the questions.
- Preview the questions: Read the questions before diving into the passage. This helps you focus on the relevant information while reading.


- Highlight and underline: Mark important information while reading to help you remember and locate it easily later.
- Take notes: Summarize key points, formulas, and concepts in your own words. This reinforces understanding and aids in retention.
- Pay attention to structure: Notice how the passage is organized, including the introduction, main body, and conclusion, as well as any headings or subheadings. This helps you follow the flow of information.


- Analyze and interpret: While reading, think critically about the information presented. Consider the implications, cause-effect relationships, and connections to real-world scenarios.
- Make inferences: Draw conclusions based on the information provided in the passage and your prior knowledge. This helps you answer questions that require deeper understanding.
- Evaluate arguments: Assess the validity and logical coherence of the author's statements. Look out for any biases or assumptions.


- Set a time limit: Practice reading passages within the time constraint of the exam to simulate the actual testing conditions.
- Break down longer passages: Divide lengthy passages into smaller sections and allocate specific time for each. This helps you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed.


- Review the passage: After reading, quickly review the passage to reinforce your understanding and refresh your memory.
- Reflect on mistakes: Analyze any incorrect answers and understand why you made the mistake. This helps you identify areas for improvement and avoid similar errors in the future.

By implementing these techniques, you can enhance your reading comprehension skills in civil engineering optional subject exams. Practice regularly and gradually increase the complexity of the passages to build your confidence and proficiency.