The UPSC civil services main exam consists of nine papers, one of which is the English language paper. It is known as Paper B, and it is of a qualifying nature, which means that the marks obtained in it will not be counted in the final ranking, but you must pass it to advance to the final stage, which is the personality test/interview round. The English Paper in the UPSC Civil Service Main Exam is worth 300 marks and requires a minimum score of 75 to pass. The Civil Services Main Exam's Compulsory English Paper B consists of an Essay, Reading Comprehension, Precis Writing, and Grammar.

Types of Passages

Following are some types of passages you will encounter while solving Reading Comprehension.

1. Descriptive Passages
2. Descriptive Passages
3. Hypothetical Passages

Descriptive Passages

• These are the long passages with less significance. If you encounter any long passage don’t panic there is 90% probability it will be data-driven.
• For solving these passages, it is suggested you should note the important points so that you don’t need to scroll up and down.
• The questions will be direct so you don’t need to bang your head.

Analytical Passages

• These are bit tricky ones, if you aren't an avid reader, they will bore you.
• These types of passages are mainly an analysis of some theory (Scientific, Political, etc.).
• Read them carefully these are the perplexing ones but they won’t ask you much of inference-based questions.
• So just go through the key points, frame the main idea and you will sail through.

Hypothetical Passages

• They kill, difficult ones. If you encounter any passage which is short, there is a high possibility of abstract “philosophical/ fantasy-based passage”.
• You may not be able to decode the main idea. So, I would suggest you to not get biased or form opinions.
• Just believe what the author is saying even if it is drop dead bizarre.

How to Tackle Reading Comprehension?

Tip No. 1

• Start reading different things at a time (editorials are good).
• This will help you to tackle different passages in those 60 minutes.

Tip No. 2

• Attempt it whole-heartedly, like you watch or drink the last cup of your coffee.
• Don’t skip, don’t rush. Take your time, and gradually build up a fast pace.

Tip No. 3

• Learn to skip questions. If you can’t perceive the main idea don’t try to touch the inference-based questions.
• It is a game of negative marking, so, play wisely.

Tip No. 4

• Don’t skip the data-driven questions. Develop the skill to note down the main points so that you don’t need to search again. This requires a lot of practice.

Tip No. 5

• Aim to solve at least 3 to 4 passages per day.
• Mastering reading comprehension is a slow process.
• You cannot complete VARC section in a month or two. So, keep practicing.

Practice Comprehension

Reading Comprehension # 1

Read the passage given below and then answer the questions given below the passage.

Social networking has changed the way we interact with friends and associates. While social networks, like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, FourSquare, and Google+, play a significant role in our lives, they are also a high risk for security threats. With hundreds of millions of users online, these tools not only attract friends and family wanting to stay in touch, but they also attract people wanting to know about you for the wrong reasons.

So, what are the security threats currently out there? Identity thieves gather personal information from social media sites. Even if you have your account on the highest security settings, there are still ways for an identity thief to get your information. Most social network sites have information that is required, such as email address or birthday. It’s common for an identity thief to hack an email account by using social information. For example, a common technique to get personal information is by clicking on “forgot password” and trying to recover the information through email.

Once the thief has access to your email account, they then have access to all information on your social networking sites. So what can you do to protect yourself? You don’t have to delete all your social profiles or hide from the real world; Just take these precautions and it can reduce our troubles to a certain level. Have a strong password. The stronger your password, the harder it is to guess. Use special characters like symbols and capital letters when creating your password. Also, don’t use “common” passwords, like your birthday or your child’s name. We should also be careful with our status updates. Often, we innocently post status updates that would give an identity thief information they need to steal our identity. For example, you may post “Happy birthday to my mother!” and then tag her in the post. Likely, your mother’s maiden name will be associated with that tag now. A popular security question is “What is your mother’s maiden name?” and if you share that online, you run the risks of identity thieves getting the answer to this commonly used question. We can also use a fake location or make one up from another city and state. You may even be able to leave this information blank. Be cautious and never use a city and state where you live. Hackers love social networking, going right to the source to interject malicious code.

The codes hackers use can steal your identity, inject viruses to your computer, and obstruct bank account information, to name a few. Shortened URLs, such as those created on bit.ly, are especially susceptible to hackers. Shortened URLs can trick users into visiting harmful sites where personal information can be compromised because the full URL is not seen. The best advice is to never click on a link until you are sure of the source. Telling the online world where you’re going and when you aren’t at home is inviting burglars to your house. Did you know that a run-of-the-mill burglar can break into your home in less than 60 seconds and spend less than 10 minutes stealing your possessions? By telling the world you are on vacation in Europe, you’re letting potential thieves know where you are, how long you’ll be gone, and where you live. Burglars are fond of constant updates, especially about your travel plans. You wouldn’t stand up in the middle of a crowd and announce you’re going on vacation for a week, would you? Of course not, but that’s what you do when you post your vacation pictures and plans online. One of the biggest threats to online security is overconfidence. Whether at home or at work, many users believe as long as they have a firewall and an antivirus installed, there is no threat to security. Many people also believe that they don’t have anything worth hacking so there’s no need to worry about security. With today’s technology, we are more connected to each other than ever before. When you neglect security, you not only put yourself at risk, but others are at risk as well.

Question: 1

What is the main purpose of the passage?

1. To discuss the potential threats to Facebook and LinkedIn.
2. To discuss on the big social networking sites.
3. To portray the importance of security in social networking
4. To discuss the potential threats to networking sites.
5. To suggest the security measure for using social networking site.

Question: 2

What can be inferred on reading the second paragraph?

1. It is discussing on identity thieves.
2. It is discussing the threat of losing identity information to the hacker.
3. It is suggesting measures on how to safeguard our identity from being stolen.
4. It is warning the social media user for their casual approach.
5. It is talking about breach of social contacts.

Question: 3

What can be inferred on reading the third paragraph?

1. It is trying to warn us on the various malicious attack.
2. It is talking about our lack of knowledge on the potential impact of hacking.
3. It is suggesting ways to prevent our loss of identity and information to the identity thieves.
4. It is talking about the overconfidence of the social network users.
5. It is discussing on the mind-set of the hackers.

Question: 4

What according to the passage has been regarded ‘susceptible to the hackers’?

1. Protocol
2. Bit
3. TCP/IP
4. Shortened URL
5. Location

Question: 5

What according to the passage invites burglars to the house?

1. Using short Password
2. Unprotected URL
3. Shortened URL
4. Sharing Files online
5. Sharing your movement online

Question: 6

What has been regarded as the biggest threat to security as per the passage?

1. Hacking
2. Invasion
3. Forgery
4. Overconfidence
5. Superiority complex

Question: 7

According to the passage, who is fond of constant updates?

1. Hackers
2. Burglars
3. Identity thief
4. Poachers
5. Malware

Reading Comprehension # 2

Directions: Read the passage given below and then answer the questions given below the passage. Some words may be highlighted for your attention. Pay careful attention

The aisles at Lotte Mart in Beijing’s Wangjing district were strangely quiet early this week. A few elderly shoppers pushed trolleys; shop assistants tidied the super market’s shelves. Customers have been scarce since “something happened” a few weeks ago, says one cashier. That event was a deal signed on February 28th by Lotte, a South Korean firm, allowing America to build an anti-missile system on land the company owns in South Korea. China’s government has responded by encouraging an outpouring of public anger directed not just at Lotte, whose shops in China are now being boycotted, but almost anything South Korean.

Nationalism is a familiar weapon in China’s diplomatic armoury. The last time the government made such a sustained effort to whip it up was in 2012, shortly before Xi Jinping came to power, when officials encouraged protests against Japan’s nationalisation of islands it controls in the East China Sea that are also claimed by China. South Korea is not a usual target. But China is furious at its decision to deploy the missile- defence system, known as THAAD (the first components of which arrived in South Korea on March 6th). America says THAAD will help defend the peninsula against North Korea. China says America will use the system’s powerful radar to “snoop” on its missiles too, reducing their potency as a deterrent.

In recent weeks, state media have been publishing daily attacks on South Korea’s “erroneous decision”. The Global Times, a jingoistic newspaper in Beijing, has encouraged Chinese consumers to “become the main force in teaching Seoul a lesson”. It said they should “make it hurt”.

Censors often try to rein in online discussion when it threatens to boil over into real-world protests. But they are allowing netizens to vent rage at South Korea. One group of online nationalists called on “all patriots to unite and show South Korea what we can do”. A famous beauty blogger exhorted the 2.7m followers of her microblog to boycott goods from the country and not to travel to it. A patriotic pop-song has been played more than 3.5m times since its release on March 8th. It includes the lyrics: “Chinese sons and daughters must stand up; everybody, stop buying Lotte; make them get out of China fast.”

Lotte owns about 100 supermarkets in China, as well as other businesses. They have been badly hit. The company has been subjected to sudden and simultaneous tax and safety inspections. Ten of its shops have been shut for violating fire codes. The website of Lotte Duty Free crashed after a cyber-attack. Several e-commerce sites have stopped selling Lotte’s goods and some suppliers have ceased doing business with the company.

The tourism industry has also been disrupted. South Korea is normally a popular destination, but many Chinese travel agencies have recently reduced or halted trips there (seemingly on the government’s orders). Others have been warning customers that it is dangerous to go. Airlines from both countries have been reducing services. On March 11th about 3,000 Chinese tourists refused to leave their ship when it docked at the South Korean resort of Jeju, apparently in protest against THAAD.

But China’s leaders worry about any popular movement that does not involve the Communist Party— even one that is led by nationalists who profess to be on the government’s side. Mr Xi, despite his own nationalist rhetoric, has been wary of letting passions flare too high. Officials tried to dampen them last year when a tribunal in The Hague rejected China’s claims in the South China Sea. Only a few small protests erupted. The party’s main mouthpiece, the People’s Daily, praised the public’s low-key response at the time as evidence of a “brand-new level of patriotism”.

In the case of THAAD, the government clearly believes that a more heated public response may persuade South Korea’s next president, who is due to be chosen in May, to reconsider its deployment. But officials are still anxious. There were more police outside Wangjing’s Lotte Mart this week than customers inside. Some dozed in vans, waiting in case of trouble.

A protest against South Korea on March 5th in the north-eastern city of Jilin conveyed a hint of what the government fears: that protesters may use displays of patriotism to vent other grievances. Some demonstrators in Jilin carried portraits of Mao Zedong (pictured). Despite appearances, these do not necessarily suggest agreement with the party line. People sometimes use them to poke at the current leadership—Mao symbolises an era that was, as some Chinese remember it, a better one for the underprivileged. Mr Xi worries about THAAD, but trouble at home disturbs him more.

Question: 1

What can be inferred about the people of China from their action of protesting against South Korea?

1. The Government is very strong in China and people abide by its rules blindly.
2. The Koreans are underprivileged and the Chinese know very well how to take advantage of it.
3. The people of China are extreme nationalists and are overt about their love for the country without going into deep judgement.
4. The Chinese are being blind or ignorant of their economic drawbacks because of their protests.
5. The Chinese believe in super dominance and in no way would they support any step of USA.

Question: 2

How are the protests affecting Lotte, if at all?

1. The Chinese wanted to make the Korean expansion lesser and strict policies are formed against them.
2. Lotte is being affected financially as the products and shops are being banned and closed.
3. Lotte is being banned all over the world thus it is facing a tough time in its business.
4. The protests have led to the cancellation of the deal thereby affecting the good name of the firm.
5. The protests have strengthened ties between USA and Korea.

Question: 3

What is the concern of the President of China regarding protests of the people?

1. It should not backfire on him and his leadership should not be questioned.
2. The protests should be done in that extent that Korea reconsiders the deal.
3. China does not want its enmity with America to be seen so openly.
4. China does not want to be the target of the missile program because of these protests.
5. The President is worried about the ever slowing economic conditions affected due to banning Korean products.

Question: 4

What is the main objective of China behind all the protests done against Korea?

1. To make USA aware of its powers.
2. To make Korea understand that without China its economic relations would not stabilize.
3. To make Korea understand its supremacy.
4. To make the new President of Korea reconsider the deal with America.
5. To make Korea its permanent ally and weaken USA.

Question: 5

What is the main idea of the passage?

1. Nationalism used as a strong weapon against other countries.
2. Weakening economic ties helps to achieve better supremacy.
3. The strength of USA is indomitable and its influence is still the most.
4. China has started being against USA in an open manner.
5. China has become stronger than USA and its influence in Asia is the greatest.

Question: 6

How would the anti- missile system launched in Korea affect China?

1. It would make South Korea stronger.
2. It would make USA stronger.
3. It would lead to dangerous situations for China.
4. It would cause differences between North Korea and South Korea thereby affecting China.
5. It would lead to economic losses for China.

Question: 7

Which of the following has the opposite meaning of 'wary' as used in the passage?

1. Callous
2. Callow
3. Peaceful
4. Careless
5. Calm

Question: 8

What do you mean by the idiom 'make it hurt' as used in the passage?

1. Make someone cry
2. Make someone repent
3. Cause serious problems for someone
4. Destroy someone completely
5. Be hostile towards someone

Reading Comprehension # 3

Read the passage given below and then answer the questions. Some words may be highlighted for your attention. Read carefully.

Paragraph 1 - The report titled “India Online Grocery Market Outlook to 2019 - High Growth Prospects due to Increasing Internet Coverage and Smart Cities’ Emergence” provides a comprehensive analysis of various aspects such as market size, segmentation and future projections of the online groceries market of India. This report also offers prevalent trends and developments in industry, government regulations, SWOT analysis, external environment analysis, Porter’s five force analysis, and challenges in the industry. The report also covers the competitive landscape of the industry, in which the information related to the players operating in this industry has been comprehensively presented. This has been complemented with the major investment deals that have been finalized in the industry. It also includes information on the major macroeconomic indicators affecting the market. Moreover, the report also offers information regarding the supply chain models operating in the market and the domestic and international trends in the online groceries market. The groceries segment holds a share of 60% out of the total market value of Indian retail market as food is the basic requirement of all the people irrespective of their class or society status.

Paragraph 2 - Online groceries market refers to the purchase and sale of groceries over the internet. Although, this process was initially implemented in the west, but this industry has been an emerging industry in India. The first firms that were founded in this segment of total retail were formed in 2011. Since then, this industry has expanded at a commendable pace and has attracted huge investments by venture capitalists and angel investors alike. The major players in the market that lead from the front are Big Basket, Aaramshop, Zopnow and Local Banya. These firms have been operational for about three years each and have grabbed a large market share in their respective cities of operations. The rise in the public’s demand for convenience shopping as well as the penetration of internet among the population has led to the growth of this industry at a fast pace. The market also thrives as it has been able to offer steep discounts on the prices of the products offered and lure customers away from the brick and mortar shops to online grocery shopping.

Paragraph 3 - Online groceries offer several advantages for the users of their services, according to the service providers. As per them, the customers can enjoy a sense of ease as this service enables them to purchase their monthly top-up of groceries, fruits and vegetables while in the comfort zone of their homes. This also spares the customers from the hassle of carrying their bags, prevents them to face parking and traffic problems, as well as the queues in their local markets or supermarkets. The online stores also promise a wider variety of products to choose from, about 10,000 stock keeping units whereas an average traditional storehouse offers product range below 1,000 SKUs which puts it at a disadvantage to the online grocers. The share of Big Basket has been the largest among the businesses running as the top-line is fuelled by growth in the segment as well as its presence in 4 different cities. The total GMV for Big Basket was INR ~ 50 million in 2014 which is expected to rise in the future. This aided the firm to grab a market share of ~24% and placed it firmly atop the ladder. Zopnow is the second largest player which has been able to capture a large customer base in Bangalore with the help of its active and attractive website and the smart-phone app. Zopnow has a total GMV of INR ~ 46 million in FY’2014. The company is gaining traction in Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Question: 1

In the question below is given a statement from the passage followed by two assumptions numbered I and II. An assumption is something supposed or taken for granted. You have to consider the statement and the following assumptions and decide which of the assumptions is implicit in the statement. (Based on Para 1)

Statement: The groceries segment holds a share of 60% out of the total market value of Indian retail market as food is the basic requirement of all the people irrespective of their class or society status.

Assumptions:

1. People need to eat in order to survive.
2. Class and society dictates the type of food available in a particular area.

1. Only assumption I is implicit.
2. Only assumption II is implicit.
3. Either assumption I or II is implicit.
4. Neither assumption I nor II is implicit.
5. Both the assumptions I and II are implicit

Question: 2

From the given options, choose the correct synonym for the word 'comprehensive' in context of the given passage. (Based on Para 1)

1. complete
2. partial
3. general
4. specific
5. limited

Question: 3

From the given options, choose the correct antonym for the word 'affecting' in context of the given passage. (Based on Para 1)

1. unaffected
2. calm
3. discourage
4. alter
5. uneffected

Question: 4

From the given options, choose the correct synonym for the word 'commendable' in context of the given passage. (Based on Para 2)

1. unworthy
2. creditable
3. blameworthy
4. honourable
5. wicked

Question: 5

In context of the given passage, choose the correct meaning of the phrase 'competitive landscape' as highlighted in Paragraph 1.

1. Competitive landscape is the action of defining, gathering, analyzing, and distributing intelligence about products, customers, competitors, and any aspect of the environment needed to support executives and managers making strategic decisions for an organization.
2. Competitive landscape is a business analysis which identifies direct or indirect competitors and at the same time, it permits the comprehension of their mission, vision, core values, niche market, strengths and weaknesses.
3. A competitive landscape in marketing is one in which your business competes against a number of competitors trying to get their messages out to the same target markets.
4. The competitive landscape, also known as the market structure, is the dynamic system in which your business competes. The state of the system as a whole limits the flexibility of your business.
5. A competitive landscape is a feature or benefit considered key or essential to the promotion of a product or service to its intended market. Because it is perceived as valuable by the customer, it is a value element used to attract buyers.

Question: 6

When were the first online grocery shopping firms founded in India? (Based on Para 2)

1. 1995
2. 2000
3. 2003
4. 2008
5. 2011

Question: 7

According to the passage, which company is the second largest player in the online grocery market in Bangalore? (Based on Para 3)

1. Big Basket
2. Grofers
3. Nature's Basket
4. Zopnow
5. Bazaar Cart

Question: 8

Which of the following options correctly differentiates between online groceries and traditional shops? (Based on Para 3)

1. Online groceries tend to reduce traffic problems in any city effectively and has more stocks than average traditional storehouses.
2. Traditional shops not only provide their customers a hassle free experience in shopping, they also are better stocked than most online groceries.
3. Online groceries not only provide their customers a hassle free experience in shopping, they also are better stocked than most traditional shops and supermarkets.
4. Online groceries allow people to shop from the comfort of their home using the internet, while traditional shops allow the same via phone.
5. Online groceries are modernized versions of traditional shops.

Question: 9

What is the reason behind the fast pace growth of the online groceries industry? (Based on Para 2)

1. Modern urban population leads a lazy lifestyle and online groceries allow them to shop without having to leave the comfort of their house and this has led to a fast paced growth of the industry.
2. Steep discounts, growth of internet usage amongst the urban population and convenience shopping has all contributed to the fast paced growth of the online groceries industry.
3. Steep discounts on products has helped online groceries industry to achieve a fast paced growth.
4. High internet usage in the urban population has allowed the online groceries to create a niche market and achieve fast paced growth.
5. Rapid increase in operational centers have aided the fast paced growth of online groceries industry and it has further benefited from closure of neighborhood shops.

Question: 10

Who has invested in the online groceries industry and why? (Based on Para 2)

1. Venture capitalists and angel investors have made huge investments in the online groceries industry as they have realised that the plain neighbourhood shops are not making any profits for big market players.
2. Venture capitalists and angel investors have made huge investments in the online groceries industry as it is an easy way to hide any black money gained from other business ventures considering the lack of government regulation in the industry.
3. Venture capitalists and angel investors have made huge investments in the online groceries industry as they have realised the potential of the same in making huge profits based on its high expansion and growth rate.
4. Venture capitalists and angel investors have made huge investments in the online groceries industry as the government has provided huge incentives for the same.
5. Venture capitalists and angel investors have made huge investments in the online groceries industry as they want to harvest the initial profits for themselves.

FAQs

Question: What is the significance of Reading Comprehension in the CSAT paper?

Question: How many questions are typically asked from Reading Comprehension in the CSAT exam?

Question: What types of passages are included in the Reading Comprehension section?

Question: What strategies can be used to improve Reading Comprehension skills for the CSAT exam?

Question: Are there negative marks for incorrect answers in the Reading Comprehension section of the CSAT exam?

MCQs

1. What is the main purpose of Reading Comprehension questions in the CSAT exam?

a) To test mathematical skills

b) To assess knowledge of current affairs

c) To evaluate the candidate’s understanding of written texts

d) To test knowledge of historical facts

2. Which of the following is a recommended strategy for tackling Reading Comprehension passages in the CSAT exam?

a) Skimming through the questions before reading the passage

b) Memorizing the entire passage

c) Ignoring difficult vocabulary words

d) Reading only the first and last sentence of each paragraph

3. What should be the primary focus when attempting Reading Comprehension questions in the CSAT exam?

a) Memorizing facts from the passage

b) Identifying the main idea and understanding the author's tone

c) Finding difficult words in the passage

d) Counting the number of paragraphs

4. Which of the following is NOT a common type of question asked in the Reading Comprehension section?

a) Inference-based questions

b) Numerical calculation questions

c) Direct fact-based questions

d) Vocabulary in context questions

5. Which skill is crucial for answering inference-based questions in Reading Comprehension?

a) Ability to summarize the passage

b) Ability to guess based on unrelated facts

c) Ability to read quickly without understanding

d) Ability to draw logical conclusions from the given information

Previous Year Questions on Reading Comprehension

1. UPSC CSE 2020

Q1: In the context of reading comprehension for the CSAT, how does practicing with passages from various subjects help? 

Answer: Practicing reading comprehension with passages from various subjects helps candidates develop the ability to understand diverse topics, styles, and structures of writing. This is essential for the CSAT, where passages may range from scientific and technical content to social, economic, or philosophical discussions. By practicing with varied subjects, candidates can improve their ability to quickly grasp complex ideas, infer meanings, and answer questions accurately under time constraints.

2. UPSC CSE 2019

Q2: Explain the significance of inference-based questions in assessing reading comprehension skills in the CSAT exam. 

Answer: Inference-based questions are crucial in assessing reading comprehension skills as they test a candidate’s ability to understand implied meanings, draw logical conclusions, and interpret information that is not directly stated in the passage. These questions go beyond merely locating information and require deeper analytical skills. In the CSAT, inference-based questions are often used to evaluate a candidate’s critical thinking and ability to process complex information, which is essential for decision-making roles in the civil services.