Comprehension Test is an exercise in original composition. It is a way of finding out the meaning of a given passage through questions and answers. Sometimes questions are set on a passage and the students are to answer them. At first the students may find the passage a bit difficult. They may not form a clear and precise meaning of it. But when the questions are answered, they find that they have grasped the full meaning. Comprehension test is, therefore, a test whether students have an intelligent understanding of a passage.
But accurate answers in precise language cannot be given on the sudden. It is a form of composition which has to be regularly practised and mastered. The students, therefore, should follow some general instructions before they start answering questions:
(1) The given passage should be read carefully several times. Each sentence and word should receive full attention. Then a general idea of its meaning will take shape in your mind. Hasty reading may lead to a complete misunderstanding of the passage or to the omission of some important points. Answers then will be entirely wrong or partially right.
(2) When you have got a general idea of the passage, look at the questions that have been asked. Each question is to be answered separately, and in your own language as far as possible. Sentences from the original passage should not be transferred to your answer. Comprehension test is not merely a test of your intelligent understanding of the passage but also a test of your capacity to express your ideas in clear, correct and idiomatic language. It is a test of your understanding as well as of your power of expression.
(3) Answers should be brief, simple and to the point. All unnecessary tails should be cut away to the bone. Anything that is not in the passage should not be added. Nothing that is important should be left out. The art of answering questions intelligently is a fine art. It can be learnt with regular practice.
Objective type Questions: Modern trend in comprehension tests is to set objective type questions on a given passage to check the power of understanding of the students. When students read any kind of material they must grasp the meaning of what they read. Such exercises do not require the students to write much but require them to concentrate on their reading.
How to proceed :
(1) Read the passage carefully.
(2) Read the questions carefully too. The questions provide the answers. Pick out the correct ones.
