CAT — Reading Comprehension: Advanced Notes + 50 Practice MCQs (rsetu.link SEO Toggle)

Why RC matters & What CAT tests

Reading Comprehension in CAT evaluates comprehension depth, ability to infer, evaluate arguments, recognize structure and author viewpoint, and apply information from text. Questions are rarely about trivial facts; they probe reasoning from the passage, tone, function of sentences, and the best-supported conclusion.

Types: Factual, inferential, vocabulary-in-context, main idea, tone/attitude, function, application, strengthening/weakening.
Skill focus: Mapping structure, summarization, elimination, precision of language.

Advanced RC Strategies

Map, don't memorize: For each paragraph note purpose (thesis, evidence, counterpoint, example).
Question-first reading: For second read, focus on area the Q points to — scan +/- 2 sentences.
Tone detection: Look for emotive words and hedging (may, might, suggests).
Inference rules: Only infer what is supported; avoid assuming unstated causes unless clearly implied.
Vocab-in-context: Replace the word with a paraphrase that fits grammatically and semantically.
Elimination: Remove extremes, out-of-scope statements, or those that contradict passage facts.

Passage Framework (3-step)

First 20s: Read opening + closing sentence of each paragraph to map structure.
Next 40s: Identify thesis, evidence types, counterpoints, and author stance.
Answering: Locate exact support; prefer direct textual matches for fact-based Qs and near-textual inference for inferential Qs.

50 Targeted RC-style MCQs (Answers highlighted)

These 50 MCQs practise common RC question-types: main idea, inference, tone, function, paraphrase, and vocab-in-context. Answers are highlighted.

Q1. Main idea: A passage argues that cities are engines of innovation because they concentrate diverse skills and encourage serendipitous interactions. The best title is:

A. The History of Cities

B. How Cities Foster Innovation

C. Rural Traditions and Crafts

D. Climate Change in Urban Areas

Q2. Inference: If the passage states that 'policy X increased access but not outcomes', the best inference is:

A. Policy X is completely useless.

B. Access alone does not guarantee improved outcomes.

C. Outcomes declined due to policy X.

D. The passage claims outcomes rose dramatically.

Q3. Tone: "The analyst reluctantly admits the model's limitations." The author's tone is:

A. Cautious

B. Jubilant

C. Indifferent

D. Hostile

Q4. Function: What is the function of a paragraph that lists several counterexamples to the main claim?

A. To summarize evidence supporting the claim

B. To qualify the main claim and show limitations

C. To introduce new terminology

D. To provide statistical methods

Q5. Vocab-in-context: In a passage, 'hedging' most nearly means:

A. painting

B. cautious qualification

C. aggressive action

D. landscaping

Q6. Detail: The passage states that surveys were conducted in 2018 and 2019. A question asks: Which years were surveyed? Best answer:

A. 2018 and 2019

B. 2017 and 2018

C. Only 2020

D. The years are not specified

Q7. Inference: If author says 'evidence is mixed', the strongest interpretation is:

A. All evidence supports the claim.

B. Studies show conflicting results, no consensus.

C. No studies exist.

D. Evidence is uniformly weak.

Q8. Paraphrase: Choose the best restatement of: "Policy makers should be wary of overgeneralizing from pilot studies."

A. Pilot studies may not represent broader contexts, so be cautious.

B. Pilot studies always represent the whole population.

C. Policymakers should ignore pilot studies.

D. Generalization is always safe.

Q9. Structure: A paragraph begins with a question, provides data, then concludes. This is an example of:

A. Problem → Evidence → Conclusion

B. Anecdote → Claim → Definition

C. Chronology → Example → Glossary

D. Definition → Enumeration → Contrast

Q10. Inference: The author emphasizes 'context' repeatedly. The likely purpose is to:

A. Argue that context determines applicability of results.

B. Suggest context is irrelevant.

C. Highlight typographical errors.

D. Promote a new software tool.

Q11. Tone: "The reviewer derides simplistic explanations." The tone is:

A. Critical

B. Praise

C. Neutral

D. Nostalgic

Q12. Main idea: If passage contrasts two methodologies and favors one, the main idea is likely:

A. Method A is preferable because it addresses X more directly.

B. Both methods are identical.

C. Method B is irrelevant to the field.

D. Methods should never be compared.

Q13. Detail: Which sentence best supports the claim that 'costs decline over time'?

A. Anecdotes indicate savings.

B. Empirical data show cost-per-unit fell by 30% over five years.

C. Costs are unpredictable.

D. Only initial costs were recorded.

Q14. Vocabulary: 'Profligate' most nearly means:

A. Thrifty

B. Wastefully extravagant

C. Careful

D. Neutral

Q15. Inference: If author notes that 'experiments lack external validity', the best response is:

A. The results may not generalize beyond the experimental setting.

B. Experiments are flawless.

C. External validity equals internal validity.

D. The passage endorses all experiments.

Q16. Function: When an author uses a historical example, the likely purpose is to:

A. Illustrate how the idea played out historically

B. Distract the reader

C. Change topic completely

D. Provide math proofs

Q17. Paraphrase: "The author's caveat tempers enthusiasm for the new method." Best restatement:

A. The caution reduces excessive optimism about the method.

B. The author loves the method fully.

C. Caveats increase enthusiasm.

D. The method is irrelevant.

Q18. Detail: The passage states the sample size is 'large'. Which choice best probes that claim?

A. What is the qualitative description of the sample?

B. How many observations constituted the sample?

C. What colour were the survey forms?

D. Who wrote the paper?

Q19. Inference: If the passage labels a policy 'contested', it implies:

A. There is significant disagreement among stakeholders.

B. Everyone supports it unanimously.

C. It is universally unknown.

D. It has been withdrawn.

Q20. Tone: "The researcher notes, with some alarm, the rising trend." The word 'alarm' signals:

A. Concern

B. Amusement

C. Indifference

D. Joy

Q21. Main idea: A passage argues that measurement matters as much as intention in policy evaluation. Best paraphrase:

A. How outcomes are measured can shape perceived success as much as the policy's objectives.

B. Intentions always guarantee results.

C. Measurement is irrelevant to evaluation.

D. Policies never have intentions.

Q22. Function: A sentence that contrasts two studies primarily serves to:

A. Highlight differences in methodology or findings

B. Provide an unrelated anecdote

C. Introduce a new concept entirely

D. Conclude the article

Q23. Vocab: 'Opaque' in an academic passage most nearly means:

A. Transparent

B. Difficult to understand

C. Shiny

D. Quick

Q24. Inference: The passage notes selection bias may affect results. Best implication:

A. The sample may not represent the target population, affecting validity.

B. There is no issue with sampling.

C. Selection bias increases representativeness.

D. The results are definitive.

Q25. Paraphrase: "The conclusion is tentative at best." Best restatement:

A. The conclusion is uncertain and should be treated cautiously.

B. The conclusion is final and absolute.

C. The conclusion is ignored.

D. The conclusion is irrelevant.

Q26. Detail: Which choice best identifies the study's limitation if the passage says 'small sample'?

A. Low statistical power and limited generalizability

B. Irrelevant detail

C. High external validity

D. Large effect sizes guaranteed

Q27. Structure: Which sequence best represents an argumentative paragraph?

A. Example → Thesis → Evidence

B. Thesis → Evidence → Counterargument → Rebuttal

C. Data → Random Anecdote → Title

D. Glossary → Footnote → Appendix

Q28. Vocab: 'Assuage' most nearly means:

A. To relieve or lessen

B. To increase tension

C. To ignore

D. To beautify

Q29. Inference: If the passage repeatedly mentions 'limited resources', the author likely advocates:

A. Prioritization and efficient allocation

B. Unlimited spending

C. Abandoning goals entirely

D. Ignoring constraints

Q30. Detail: If the passage cites 'a 12% increase in uptake', what does 'uptake' most likely refer to?

A. Adoption or usage rate

B. Manufacturing defects

C. Climate variables

D. Aesthetic qualities

Q31. Tone: "The proposal, though ambitious, is hardly foolproof." The tone is:

A. Cautiously skeptical

B. Overly positive

C. Indifferent

D. Celebratory

Q32. Function: A sentence that defines terms in the opening paragraph primarily serves to:

A. Establish clarity and scope for the argument

B. Confuse readers

C. Provide irrelevant trivia

D. End the discussion abruptly

Q33. Paraphrase: "The findings were heterogeneous across contexts." Best restatement:

A. Results varied depending on context

B. All contexts yielded the same results

C. The findings were homogeneous

D. No data were reported

Q34. Inference: If the author 'cautions against hasty policy', they likely mean:

A. Policymakers should wait for robust evidence before scaling interventions.

B. Policymakers must act immediately without evidence.

C. Haste is preferable to caution.

D. Policy timing is irrelevant.

Q35. Vocab: 'Inadvertent' means:

A. Unintentional

B. Planned

C. Purposeful

D. Celebratory

Q36. Main idea: A passage arguing that evidence-based incrementalism outperforms sweeping reforms most likely emphasizes:

A. Testing, iteration, and learning from pilots

B. Radical immediate overhaul

C. Ignoring data

D. Abandoning reform altogether

Q37. Detail: If the passage mentions 'qualitative interviews with 30 participants', which limitation is implied?

A. Findings are context-rich but not statistically generalizable

B. Findings are quantitatively definitive

C. There were no participants

D. The data are purely experimental

Q38. Paraphrase: "Methodological rigor underpins credible inference." Best paraphrase:

A. Sound methods are necessary for reliable conclusions

B. Methods are irrelevant to conclusions

C. Inference is unrelated to methodology

D. Credibility depends on luck

Q39. Tone: "The commentator notes, somewhat dismissively, that anecdote does not equal evidence." The tone is:

A. Dismissive of weak evidence

B. Celebratory of anecdotes

C. Neutral

D. Indifferent

Q40. Inference: If an author stresses 'heterogeneity of effect', they likely recommend:

A. Tailored interventions rather than one-size-fits-all

B. Universal policy for all contexts

C. Complete abandonment of policy

D. Ignoring subgroup differences

Q41. Paraphrase: "The evidence is compelling but circumstantial." Best restatement:

A. The evidence persuades but lacks direct causal proof

B. The evidence proves causation conclusively

C. No evidence exists

D. The evidence is fabricated

Q42. Detail: Which question probes external validity most directly?

A. Would these results hold in a different population or setting?

B. What colour were the lab coats?

C. Who is the author?

D. What font was used?

Q43. Tone: "She reluctantly accepts the modest gains reported." The adjective 'reluctantly' shows:

A. The author is skeptical despite the gains

B. The author is ecstatic

C. The author is indifferent

D. The author is hostile

Q44. Function: A concluding paragraph that offers policy recommendations primarily aims to:

A. Translate evidence into actionable steps

B. Introduce new data not discussed earlier

C. Confuse readers

D. Offer irrelevant trivia

Q45. Paraphrase: "The study's limitations caution against overinterpretation." Best paraphrase:

A. The limitations mean results should be interpreted carefully.

B. The limitations imply results are definitive.

C. The study has no limitations.

D. The study's limitations are irrelevant.

Q46. Vocab: 'Salient' most nearly means:

A. Most noticeable or important

B. Dull

C. Hidden

D. Minor

Q47. Inference: If the passage argues for mixed methods, it suggests:

A. Combining quantitative and qualitative approaches yields richer insight.

B. Only quantitative methods are valid.

C. Methods are irrelevant to research quality.

D. Qualitative methods should be abolished.

Q48. Tone: "One optimistically notes small early successes." The tone is:

A. Cautiously optimistic

B. Pessimistic

C. Angry

D. Sarcastic

Q49. Detail: If the passage reports subgroup effects, which question is most useful?

A. How did outcomes differ across subgroups and why?

B. What is the page number?

C. Who paid for the study?

D. What font was used?

Q50. Main idea: If a passage concludes that 'evidence should guide policy' the best concluding sentence is:

A. Policies grounded in robust evidence lead to more effective and accountable outcomes.

B. Policy should ignore evidence completely.

C. Evidence is irrelevant to governance.

D. Policy must be made arbitrarily.

Practice & Test-day Tips

Simulate full RC practice: do 4–5 passages in 35–40 minutes regularly.
Practice scanning for paragraph function and keywords, not memorizing sentences.
Keep a short notebook of 200 high-utility words with example contexts.
Review mistakes by type: inference, tone, vocab, detail—then retrain strategy.