How to Attempt Lengthy Passages in CLAT? | Passage Based Questions for CLAT Preparation PDF Download

From the year 2020, the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) has changed the exam pattern for CLAT. Previously the exam pattern consisted of 200 questions to be attempted within 120 minutes. The CLAT question paper will have 150 questions based on the English language, Current affairs including general knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques that needs to be attempted in 120 minutes. More focus is given to comprehension-based questions. But the duration of the examination, the test mode, and the descriptive questions will remain unchanged.
Hence, the need to solve questions faster has increased significantly. The experts at EduRev have compiled this guide to teach you some tips and tricks to solve these lengthy passages for your CLAT exam in the shortest time span possible.

Let's dive in and master the art of tackling lengthy passages in CLAT 2024.

You can practice the CLAT Mock Test Series with a new pattern on EduRev. Click here.

Below are the tips given to solve lengthy passages in detail

Tip 1: Find the Central Idea 

• In the first five lines of the passage, you should be able to figure out what topic the passage is about. 
• It is necessary to know the core knowledge of the passage and determine which category it belongs to.
• This is beneficial because while solving the answers, it becomes easy to eliminate the possibilities that do not match the subject of the passage.

Tip 2: Logical Structure 

• Questions framed on the reading passages necessitate a thorough grasp of the passage. Hence, always pay attention to how particular words influence the flow of the passage. 
• Furthermore, questions like, “What title suits best for the passage?” are easier to answer if you have a general understanding of the passage structure.

Tip 3: The Tone of the Passage

• To begin with, identify whether the author’s words have a positive or negative connotation. 
• Look for the terms that are descriptive.
• Learn about various tones like Opinionated, Acerbic, Dogmatic, Optimistic, Witty, Grandiose, Introspective, etc. These are some of the most typical tones, and questions are asked about them. Authors also sometimes use neutral or a mix of tones. So study the tones of the passage.

Tip 4: Practice

• Practice is an important key to improving your grades. 
• Practicing reading comprehension regularly will enhance your speed, accuracy, vocabulary, and everything else. 
• Keep track of time while solving a comprehension. 
• Focus on areas such as vocabulary and tones of the passage. 
• While reading, comprehend simultaneously and read will full concentration.

Tip 5: Summarize

• Develop a habit of summarizing a passage as soon as you finish reading it, so you know the gist of it. 
• Remember it’s okay to develop your own way of solving a comprehension. The aim is to score the maximum marks and to solve it in the least time possible.

Tip 6: Improve Your Reading Speed

• CLAT is a time-based exam; hence it is crucial to be able to read comprehension within the allotted time. 
• Keep track of how long it takes you to complete each reading comprehension. 
• A medium-difficulty level passage should take 6-7 minutes to complete. 
• Experiment with different types of passages while practicing, such as long, short, descriptive, informative, etc. Practice reading on topics which you are not familiar with.

Tip 7: Improve Vocabulary

• Learn new words every day and use them in your daily language.
• While reading passages, list the tough words and note their meaning, synonyms and antonyms.  

Tip 8: Use a Pen While Reading

• Do not read the reading comprehension like a novel. While going through the passage, your eyes, hands, and brains should coordinate. Make a habit of finding valuable keywords and underlining them. So while searching for the answer, you don’t have to go through unnecessary information.

Tip 9: Don’t Draw Conclusions On Outside Knowledge

• Do not make conclusions that are not in the comprehension. Even if you are well aware of the topic mentioned in the passage, you should not bring your own knowledge into the answers. Just stick to the information provided in the comprehension.

Tip 10: Never Lose Confidence

• While reading the passage, even if you can’t understand it, don’t let any thought of discouragement enter your mind. Instead, motivate yourself and re-read the passage again.

Tip 11: Learn What’s Best For You

• Practicing is also important because you can form strategies after cracking what works best for you. The strategies mentioned here are not hard and fast rules; you can alter them as per your need because you are your own judge.

How to Improve Reading Comprehensions for CLAT 2024?

Reading comprehension in the CLAT Entrance Exam can be a double-edged sword - either the most challenging or the simplest to conquer, depending on your preparation.

Reading, often overlooked, is a skill that should not be underestimated. There are no quick fixes when it comes to mastering reading comprehension.

Each person has their own unique approach to tackling these questions, making it a highly individualized endeavor.

The following are the best ways to attempt reading comprehension questions in the Common Law Admission Test.

• Begin by reading the questions before diving into the passage to understand what information you need to find.
• Take note of the keywords mentioned in the questions, as they can guide your focus while reading.
• Underline or mark important points in the question paper to refer back to while reading.
• Prioritize which questions to solve first and leave more challenging ones for later.
• Expect varying difficulty levels for each question, so allocate more time for tougher ones.
• Avoid guessing answers if you're unsure; it's better to move on and come back if time permits.
• If a question seems tricky or time-consuming, consider skipping it temporarily and returning later if time allows.

How to Attempt Lengthy Passages in CLAT Logical Reasoning?

Mere conceptual knowledge won't suffice for success in the CLAT logical reasoning section; a comprehensive understanding of various question types is essential.

When it comes to tackling lengthy passages in the CLAT logical reasoning section, you need not fret!

Here are some invaluable preparation tips for CLAT Logical Reasoning that will assist you in approaching passage-based questions with confidence.

• Identify the conclusions and premises presented in the passage as a fundamental step.
• Determine the tone or theme of the passage to gain a deeper understanding of its purpose.
• Comprehend the viewpoint expressed in the passage to align your answers accordingly.
• Develop the skill of quickly reading and comprehending the question, paying attention to the fine details.
• Recognize that the use of the term 'most' in questions indicates the need to select the answer that best fits the question.

By applying these strategies, you can effectively approach passage-based questions in the CLAT logical reasoning section and increase your chances of success.

How to Attempt Lengthy Passages in CLAT Legal Aptitude?

Reading comprehension involves grasping the content of a given passage and comprehending the author's message and intentions.

To facilitate your preparation for the Legal Aptitude section, we have compiled some valuable tips. These suggestions will assist you in efficiently approaching lengthy passages in CLAT 2024.

• Carefully read the passage the first time, as limited time allows for minimal revisiting of questions.
• Establish connections between the facts presented in the passage and the given question, assessing whether they support all arguments without relying on assumptions.
• Pay close attention to minute details, identifying the principles and roles outlined in the passage.
• Stay alert for subtle modifications in statements or questions.
• Keep assumptions separate from the established facts and adhere to the principle that the given facts are always accurate.
• Avoid spending excessive time on a single question if you're unable to identify the correct answer.

By following these points, you can effectively navigate lengthy passages in the CLAT 2024 Legal Aptitude section, optimizing your performance in the exam.

How to Attempt Lengthy Passages in the CLAT GK Section?

Are you unsure about how to approach passage-based questions in the GK section? Don't fret!

Here are a few short tricks for CLAT GK that will help you solve questions quickly in a matter of seconds.

• Prioritize reading the entire passage attentively before attempting the questions.
• Exercise caution while answering questions, ensuring that you carefully consider the information provided in the passages.
• Focus on understanding the passage rather than memorizing it, extracting key points and crucial information.
• Take note of the wording used in the passage and how it may influence the answers to the questions.

By adhering to these points, you can approach passage-based questions in the GK section with confidence, maximizing your chances of success.