Things not to be done with RC passages
While ensuring that you strike a fine balance for this area, it is important that you keep a number of things in your mind and ensure you do not fall into the common pitfalls. Some of the things that you should definitely avoid for reading comprehensions are:1. Do not over-emphasize trivial details
Details are important but do not obsess yourself with examples, illustrations and so on. You need to understand the main point, not the examples.2. You do not need to memorize the passage
You do not need to memorize every word in the passage; understand the flow, structure and main points in the passage and you are good to go. For factual or specific point questions, you can always return to the passage.3. Focus on the main idea of the passage
An obvious extension of the above points: make sure you focus on the main points of the passage, and understand the overall flow and structure of the passage.4. Do not dig into the passage at first
Always go through the questions first and then the passage. This prepares you for what should you lookout for in the passage. Remember, focus on question statements alone, and do not need to focus on particular answer options. A quick overview of the questions is sufficient.5. Do not over-emphasize on vocabulary skills for RCs
Having a strong vocabulary is great; it facilitates understanding but remember, being average in the area does not prevent you from understanding the passage. Vocabulary only offers you incremental benefits in the exam. So again do not put yourself under stress in this area, and while reading the passage, make sure you give directives to your brain to understand the gist of the passage and not to get stuck on particular words.6. Do not spend time on RCs that you cannot comprehend at first
At times we discover a passage which we are simply not able to read. If you are struggling with one such passage in the exam, make sure you have the patience to avoid such a passage, and first finish the ones that you can manage easily. Go back to the tricky passage only if you are required to do so, else avoid these. These are time killers that spoil your overall attempt in the exam.