UGC NET Paper 1 Notes – Reading Comprehension + MCQs
Main Objective: Assess your ability to read, comprehend, interpret, and evaluate a passage based on factual, inferential, and logical reasoning.
Syllabus Overview & What to Focus On
| Subtopic | What to Study | Key Pointers |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Reading Comprehension | – Read and interpret academic or general passages – Answer questions based on: • Facts – Direct answers from the passage • Inference – What is implied but not directly stated • Vocabulary – Meaning of words or phrases in context • Tone & Style – Objective, persuasive, sarcastic, etc. • Logical Structure – Cause-effect, compare-contrast, problem-solution |
Focus on speed + accuracy. Practice reading dense and unfamiliar content under time pressure. Understand what the question is really asking. |
Types of Questions to Expect
| Type | Example Question | Tip to Solve |
|---|---|---|
| Factual | “According to the passage, what is the primary cause of pollution?” | Answer must be explicitly stated. Avoid assumptions. |
| Inference | “It can be inferred that the author believes…” | Read between the lines. Don’t add external knowledge. |
| Vocabulary in Context | “The word ‘volatile’ in the passage means…” | Use sentence context to guess meaning. |
| Tone/Attitude | “What is the tone of the author?” | Common tones: Neutral, critical, optimistic, sarcastic. |
| Main Idea | “What is the central theme of the passage?” | Ask yourself: What is the passage trying to prove or explain overall? |
Smart Study Tips
- Daily Practice: Solve one passage daily with 5–6 MCQs under a 10-minute time limit.
- Read Actively: Highlight key ideas, transitions, tone shifts.
- Identify Structure: Introduction → Argument → Evidence → Conclusion.
- Eliminate Options: Rule out obviously wrong or extreme options.
- Keep Vocabulary List: Note new words and their contextual meanings.