Reading comprehension — unseen passage 2 (Section A), a — CBSE Class 12 English Core 2026 PYQ

Question

Q. Reading comprehension — unseen passage 2 (Section A), a case-study/factual passage with a data table on causes of road accidents. The passage is omitted; candidates answered 8 objective/short comprehension questions based on it worth 10 marks.

CBSECBSE Class XII Board 2026Subjective· 10mImportance★★★★★

✓ Free question

To excel in factual reading comprehension with data tables, adopt a structured approach: first, skim for the main idea and passage structure, then meticulously analyze the data table, followed by active reading to connect text and data, and finally, locate and verify answers to specific questions.

When tackling a reading comprehension section, especially one that presents factual information and includes a data table, the key to success lies in a systematic and precise approach. Unlike narrative passages, factual texts demand a high degree of accuracy in identifying specific details, understanding relationships between different pieces of information, and interpreting data presented numerically. The goal is not just to understand the general gist, but to pinpoint exact facts and figures to answer objective questions correctly.

For a passage concerning a topic like road accidents with a data table, the challenge often involves cross-referencing information between the text and the table, identifying trends, and distinguishing between direct statements and implied meanings. A structured method ensures you cover all bases, avoid misinterpretations, and manage your time effectively.

Here is a step-by-step strategy to approach such a reading comprehension section:

Skim the Passage for Structure and Main Idea:

Begin by quickly reading through the entire passage, including the introduction and conclusion, and glance at the data table. Your aim here is to grasp the overall topic (e.g., causes of road accidents), the main argument or focus, and how the information is organized. Pay attention to headings, subheadings, and the first and last sentences of paragraphs. This initial skim helps you build a mental map of where different types of information are located.
Analyze the Data Table Thoroughly:

The data table is a critical component of such passages. Before diving into the detailed text, spend a moment understanding the table itself.
- Read the Title: What is the table about? (e.g., "Causes of Road Accidents by Year").
- Examine Column and Row Headers: What variables are being measured or categorized? (e.g., "Cause," "Year 2020," "Year 2021," "Percentage of Total").
- Understand Units: Are the values in numbers, percentages, ratios, or something else?
- Look for Trends and Outliers: Quickly scan for the highest/lowest values, significant increases/decreases, or any data points that stand out. This pre-analysis helps you anticipate potential questions and makes it easier to locate specific data later.
Tip

For data tables, mentally convert percentages or raw numbers into relative magnitudes. For instance, if "driver error" is 60% and "road conditions" is 15%, you immediately know driver error is four times more significant.
Perform an Active, Detailed Reading of the Passage:

Now, read the passage more carefully, paragraph by paragraph. As you read, actively look for connections to the data table.
- Identify Key Facts and Figures: Underline or make mental notes of specific statistics, dates, names, or definitions mentioned in the text.
- Note Explanations and Context: The text often provides context, explanations, or implications for the data presented in the table. For example, it might explain why a certain cause of accidents increased or decreased.
- Look for Relationships: Pay attention to cause-and-effect relationships, comparisons, and contrasts drawn by the author. How does the text elaborate on or interpret the data in the table?
Watch out

Do not assume information. Stick strictly to what is stated in the passage and the table. Avoid bringing in outside knowledge, even if you are familiar with the topic. The answers must be derivable only from the provided text.
Understand Each Question Precisely:

Before attempting to answer, read each question carefully. Identify the core of what is being asked.
- Keywords: What are the key terms, concepts, or data points the question is focusing on?
- Question Type: Is it a direct factual recall question (e.g., "What percentage of accidents were due to X in Y year?"), an inference question (e.g., "What can be inferred about Z based on the data?"), a comparison question, or a definition question?
- Scope: Does the question refer to a specific year, a specific cause, or a general trend?
Locate and Verify the Answer:

With a clear understanding of the question, go back to your mental map of the passage and table.
- Pinpoint Relevant Sections: Use the keywords from the question to quickly navigate to the specific paragraph or table entry that contains the potential answer.
- Cross-Reference: If the question involves data, verify the information directly from the table. If it involves an explanation, find the exact sentence or phrase in the text.
- Confirm Accuracy: For objective questions, ensure your chosen answer perfectly matches the information presented. For short answer questions, formulate your response concisely, using the language of the passage where appropriate.
Tip

For questions involving calculations (e.g., percentage change, total sum), perform the calculation carefully using the data from the table. Double-check your arithmetic.
Review Your Answers:

After answering all questions, take a moment to quickly review them.
- Check for Consistency: Ensure your answers are consistent with the passage and table.
- Address All Parts of the Question: Make sure you haven't missed any part of a multi-part question.
- Clarity and Conciseness: For short answer questions, ensure your response is clear, direct, and to the point.

Because the specific passage and questions are not reproduced here, the particular answers depend on that source material. Following this structured approach, however, equips a student to accurately and efficiently answer the 8 objective/short comprehension questions on any factual passage with a data table, such as one on road accidents, and to secure full marks in this section.

✓Final answer

An effective strategy for factual reading comprehension with data tables involves a systematic approach of skimming, detailed data analysis, active reading, precise question understanding, and careful verification, which is crucial for accurately answering objective and short comprehension questions.

Same / Similar Concept — real previous-year questions on the same or a closely similar concept, not this exact question.

CBSE 2022Set 1/1/16 marks

Q. Reading comprehension — unseen passage 2 (Section A). The copyrighted passage is omitted; candidates answered any 6 objective/short comprehension questions from the 7 given, worth 6 marks.

›Reveal solution

Reading comprehension passages test literal understanding, inference, vocabulary in context, and textual analysis. Since the passage is omitted here, we'll explore the general strategy for tackling unseen prose comprehension in Indian board and competitive exams.

Reading comprehension questions fall into predictable categories, and recognizing the question type instantly tells you where to look and how to think.

Core Question Types

1. Factual / Literal Questions

These ask what the passage explicitly states. The answer sits verbatim or paraphrased in one or two sentences. Scan for keywords from the question; the relevant line usually contains synonyms or the exact phrase.

2. Inferential Questions

These ask what the passage implies but doesn't say outright. You combine clues from multiple sentences. The wrong answers often quote the text directly (a trap — inference means reading between the lines).

3. Vocabulary in Context

You're given a word from the passage and asked its meaning as used there. The word may have multiple dictionary meanings; context eliminates all but one. Read the sentence before and after.

4. Tone / Purpose / Style

These ask about the author's attitude (neutral, critical, admiring) or intent (to inform, persuade, entertain). Adjectives, sentence structure, and examples reveal tone. Extreme options ("angry," "sarcastic") are rarely correct unless the passage is obviously heated.

5. Title / Main Idea

The best title captures the passage's central focus, not a side detail. If the passage spends 70% on topic X and 30% on topic Y, the title must reflect X.

6. Reference Questions ("The word 'this' refers to…")

Pronouns and demonstratives point backward (occasionally forward). Substitute each option into the sentence; only one makes logical and grammatical sense.

Step-by-Step Approach

Skim the passage first (30–45 seconds).

Get the gist: topic, structure (narrative? argumentative?), tone. Don't memorize details yet.
Read the questions before re-reading.

Now you know what to hunt for. Underline keywords in each question.
Re-read the passage actively.

As you encounter a keyword or relevant idea, mark it. Most answers cluster in specific paragraphs.
Answer in order of difficulty.

Factual questions are fastest. Inferential and tone questions take longer. If you're choosing 6 out of 7, skip the hardest one.
Eliminate wrong answers.

In objective questions, three options are usually flawed:
- Too extreme ("always," "never," "completely")
- Out of scope (true in general, but the passage doesn't discuss it)
- Contradicts the text
Quote selectively in short answers.

If the question asks "Why did the author…?", lift the relevant phrase but frame it as a sentence. Don't copy three lines verbatim.

Tip

For "choose any 6 out of 7" formats, attempt all 7 lightly in pencil, then finalize the six you're surest about. You lose nothing by surveying all options first.

Watch out

Common mistake: Answering from general knowledge instead of the passage. Even if you know the topic well, the answer must be supported by the text. Examiners penalize outside information.

Scoring Strategy

Question Type	Time per Q	Difficulty	Priority
Factual	30–45 s	Easy	High
Vocabulary in context	30–45 s	Easy	High
Reference ("this/it")	45–60 s	Medium	Medium
Inferential	60–90 s	Medium	Medium
Tone / Main idea	60–90 s	Hard	Low

Allocate roughly 8–10 minutes total for a 6-mark comprehension (including reading time). If a question stumps you beyond 90 seconds, move on and return if time permits.

✓Final answer

Without the passage text, we've outlined the universal method for unseen comprehension: skim first, read questions, re-read actively, eliminate wrong options, and answer from the text alone. Apply this framework to any passage, and you'll systematically capture the 6 marks.

CBSE 2022Set 1/2/16 marks

Q. Reading comprehension — unseen passage 2 (Section A). The copyrighted passage is omitted; candidates answered ANY SIX of the SEVEN objective/short comprehension questions based on it worth 6 marks.

›Reveal solution

This is a reading comprehension task based on an unseen passage where you select and answer any six out of seven questions. Success depends on close reading, identifying question types, and extracting precise textual evidence.

Reading comprehension questions test your ability to process unfamiliar text under exam conditions and demonstrate understanding through accurate, concise responses. The "any six of seven" format gives you strategic choice: you can skip the question you find hardest or most ambiguous.

Approach to Unseen Passage Questions

The key is methodical engagement with the text. Comprehension questions typically fall into predictable categories, and recognizing the type helps you locate the answer efficiently.

Common question types you'll encounter:

Type	What it asks	Where to look
Factual/Direct	Explicit information stated in the passage	Scan for keywords; answer is verbatim or paraphrased
Inferential	Implied meaning, tone, or author's attitude	Read between lines; combine clues from context
Vocabulary	Meaning of a word/phrase in context	Examine surrounding sentences; substitute options
Purpose/Function	Why the author included a detail or example	Consider the paragraph's main idea and flow
Global	Main idea, title, or overall theme	Synthesize across the entire passage

Tip

Always read the questions before diving deep into the passage. This primes your brain to notice relevant details as you read, saving time on re-reading.

Step-by-Step Strategy

Skim the passage first (30–45 seconds)

Get the gist: What is this about? What's the tone (argumentative, descriptive, narrative)? Note any structural markers (however, for example, in contrast).
Read all seven questions quickly

Identify which six look most straightforward. Mark the one you'll skip—usually the most abstract or the one requiring the longest written response if you're short on time.
Read the passage carefully with questions in mind

Underline or mentally note where each answer likely sits. For factual questions, the passage order often mirrors question order (though not always).
Answer in order of confidence, not question number

Knock out the easy ones first. This builds momentum and ensures you don't lose marks on questions you know while wrestling with a tricky one.
Use exact textual evidence

For objective questions (MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks), the correct answer is almost always supported by specific words in the passage. For short answers (2–3 marks), quote or closely paraphrase; don't editorialize.
Check word limits and mark allocation

A 1-mark question wants a phrase or single sentence. A 2-mark question may need two points or a point with brief explanation. Don't over-write.

Watch out

Common mistake: Answering from general knowledge instead of the passage. Even if you know the topic, your answer must reflect what the passage says, not external facts. Examiners check for textual fidelity.

Maximizing Your Six Answers

Since you choose six of seven, play to your strengths:

Skip questions that are ambiguous or require heavy inference if you're unsure—go for the ones with clear, locatable answers.
If two questions seem equally hard, skip the lower-mark one (if marks vary) or the one requiring the longest written response.
Budget roughly 1 minute per mark: a 6-mark section (six 1-mark questions) should take about 6–7 minutes total, including reading time.

Important

Accuracy over speed. Six correct answers earn full marks; seven rushed, half-wrong answers do not. Quality beats quantity here.

Example Question Types and How to Tackle Them

Factual: "According to the passage, what year was the treaty signed?"

Scan for the keyword "treaty." The year will be stated nearby. Write it exactly.

Inferential: "The author's tone in paragraph 3 can best be described as…"

Look at word choice (critical, enthusiastic, neutral?). Eliminate extreme options first.

Vocabulary in context: "The word 'resilient' in line 12 most nearly means…"

Substitute each option into the sentence. Which preserves the meaning?

Purpose: "Why does the author mention the 1947 study?"

Check what claim precedes or follows it. The study is evidence or illustration for that claim.

Global: "Which of the following best summarizes the passage?"

Wrong answers are too narrow (one paragraph only) or too broad (introduce ideas not in the text). The right one captures the main thread without distortion.

✓Final answer

To score full marks, read the passage and questions strategically, choose the six questions you can answer most confidently with direct textual support, and write precise responses that reflect exactly what the passage states—avoiding both under-explanation and irrelevant elaboration.

CBSE 2022Set 1/3/16 marks
$Q. Reading comprehension — unseen passage 2 (Section A). The copyrighted passage is omitted; candidates answered any six of the seven objective/short comprehension questions based on it worth 6 marks.$
›Reveal solutionSolution
This is a reading comprehension task from Section A of an exam. Candidates read an unseen passage and answered any 6 out of 7 objective/short questions based on it, for a total of 6 marks. The passage itself is not provided here, so the focus is on explaining the general approach to such questions.

The Concept: How to Tackle Unseen Passage Comprehension

Reading comprehension in exams tests two things: your ability to extract explicit information from a text, and your ability to infer meaning that is implied but not directly stated. The key is to read actively, not passively.

When you face an unseen passage, you are essentially being asked to become a detective. The text holds all the clues — your job is to find them without adding your own opinions or outside knowledge. Every answer must be justified by something in the passage itself.

The "any 6 out of 7" format is a gift. It means you can skip the trickiest question if you want, so never waste time struggling. Pick the six you are most confident about.

Step-by-Step Approach

Skim the passage first, not the questions.

Read the passage quickly to get the gist — the main topic, the tone (is it factual, persuasive, narrative?), and the overall structure. Do not try to memorise details yet. This takes about 1–2 minutes for a typical exam passage.

Now read the questions carefully.

Identify what each question is asking. Some will be literal (e.g., "According to the passage, what did X do?") and some inferential (e.g., "What does the author imply about Y?"). Mark the ones you find easiest.

Go back to the passage with each question in mind.

For a literal question, scan for keywords from the question. The answer will be in the text, often in the same words or close synonyms. For an inferential question, look for clues — the author's choice of adjectives, cause-effect relationships, or contrasts.

Eliminate obviously wrong options first.

In objective questions, three options are usually wrong. Look for options that:

Contradict the passage directly

Use extreme words (always, never, all) that the passage does not support

Introduce ideas not mentioned at all

Are true in general but not supported by this passage

Verify your chosen answer against the text.

Point to the exact sentence or phrase that supports your choice. If you cannot find it, reconsider. This step prevents careless errors.

Watch out

A common mistake is to answer based on what you think you know about the topic, rather than what the passage actually says. For example, if the passage says "some scientists believe," do not choose an option that says "all scientists agree." The passage is your only authority.

Select your six best answers. If you are unsure about one question, skip it. It is better to answer six correctly than to guess on all seven and risk losing marks on ones you knew.

Tip

For "tone" or "attitude" questions, look for emotionally charged words (e.g., "unfortunately," "remarkably," "shockingly"). These reveal the author's stance. A neutral, factual passage will lack such words.

The Final Answer

✓Final answer
$Since the passage is not provided, the correct approach is to answer any 6 of the 7 questions by extracting evidence directly from the text, eliminating distractors, and verifying each choice against the passage. The final score will be 6 marks if all six answers are correct.$

Q.Reading comprehension — unseen passage 2 (Section A), a case-study/factual passage with a data table on causes of road accidents. The passage is omitted; candidates answered 8 objective/short comprehension questions based on it worth 10 marks.

Concept understanding — Reading Comprehension (Section A)

Core Question Types

Step-by-Step Approach

Scoring Strategy

Approach to Unseen Passage Questions

Step-by-Step Strategy

Maximizing Your Six Answers

Example Question Types and How to Tackle Them

The Concept: How to Tackle Unseen Passage Comprehension

Step-by-Step Approach

The Final Answer

Q.Reading comprehension — unseen passage 2 (Section A), a case-study/factual passage with a data table on causes of road accidents. The passage is omitted; candidates answered 8 objective/short comprehension questions based on it worth 10 marks.

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