How to crack descriptive questions in RC For most CAT aspirants, Reading Comprehension is a nightmare. “It takes too much time” “The answer choices are too close” and so on. So how does one attempt and more importantly crack Reading Comprehension?RC is one of the most regular sections in English section of CAT. RC takes a lion’s share of marks in English section. This post will tell you about descriptive questions,although less,but asked in CAT. Descriptive or Factual Questions are the easiest type of questions asked in exams, checking whether you have grasped some particular detail in the passage; and the answer is quite clear and explicit. Although decreasing in frequency, these questions do still appear and are giveaways. Here,the CAT tests whether you read the passage and understood the structure well enough to find a specific detail that you may not have remembered. These questions are generally concerned with: 1.facts cited in a passage 2.the Specific content of arguments presented by the author in support of his or her views, or about descriptive details used to support or elaborate on the main idea. The answer to a description question must refer directly to a statement in the passage, not to something implied by it. However, the correct answer will paraphrase a statement in the passage, not give an exact quote.Descriptive questions ask about specific details and facts that are often provided in a single line of text.Sometimes you will be directed to the paragraph that contains the answer. KEYWORDS: Questions that begin “According to the author” or “According to the passage” or “The author mentions __ probably in order to” are most likely purpose of detail questions. STRATEGY BY CETKING: Go back to the passage for Detail questions. Refer back to your passage map and the specific paragraph that contained the detail. Try to use your notes on that paragraph as a prediction FIRST, and only delve back into the passage if the answer choices are too narrow. Try to use the information in your passage notes as a prediction first. It is often enough to help you eliminate the two incorrect choices. Making a connection between the supporting details and the main idea of the passage helps you to answer these questions correctly. Think of the details as the building blocks of the author’s thesis. Refer specifically to any line references given in the questions. PRACTICE QUESTIONS PASSAGE1: Reviving the practice of using elements of popular music in classical composition, an approach that had been in hibernation in the United States during the 1960s, composer Philip Glass (born 1937) embraced the ethos of popular music in his compositions. Glass based two symphonies on music by rock musicians David Bowie and Brian Eno, but the symphonies’ sound is distinctively his. Popular elements do not appear out of place in Glass’s classical music, which from its early days has shared certain harmonies and rhythms with rock music. Yet this use of popular elements has not made Glass a composer of popular music. His music is not a version of popular music packaged to attract classical listeners; it is high art for listeners steeped in rock rather than the classics. Select one or more answer choice. The passage suggests that Glass’s work displays which of the following qualities? a)A return to the use of popular music in classical compositions b)An attempt to elevate rock music to an artistic status more closely approximating that of classical music c)A long-standing tendency to incorporate elements from two apparently disparate musical styles ANSWER: A and C To answer this question, it is important to assess each answer choice independently. Since the passage says that Glass revived the use of popular music in classical compositions, answer choice A is clearly correct. On the other hand, the passage also denies that Glass composes popular music or packages it in a way to elevate its status, so answer choice B is incorrect. Finally, since Glass’s style has always mixed elements of rock with classical elements, answer Choice C is correct PASSAGE2: Policymakers must confront the dilemma that fossil fuels continue to be an indispensable source of energy even though burning them produces atmospheric accumulations of carbon dioxide that increase the likelihood of potentially disastrous global climate change. Currently, technology that would capture carbon dioxide emitted by power plants and sequester it harmlessly underground or undersea instead of releasing it into the atmosphere might double the cost of generating electricity. But because sequestration does not affect the cost of electricity transmission and distribution, delivered prices will rise less, by no more than 50 percent. Research into better technologies for capturing carbon dioxide will undoubtedly lead to lowered costs. The passage suggests that extensive use of sequestration would, over time, have which of the following consequences? a)The burning of fossil fuels would eventually cease to produce atmospheric accumulations of carbon dioxide. b)The proportion of the delivered price of electricity due to generation would rise and then decline. c)Power plants would consume progressively lower quantities of fossil fuels. CORRECT ANSWER:B Descriptive questions can be eaisly done. There is no concept ,no rocketscience just practice. Begin somewhere, anywhere with a dedication of practicising atleast 1hour a day and kick start your preparation.If you are not much comfortable with the Reading Comprehension Questions, you may begin with 2 questions a day for the first week (basic level).As you become more comfortable increase the number gradually.MAKE A SCHEDULE AND STICK TO IT. PRACTICE MAKES A MAN PERFECT SO PRACTICE HARD UNTIL YOU BECOME PERFECT… GOOD LUCK… How to crack descriptive questions in RC
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