Paragraph-based questions are a regular feature in the RBI Grade B exam. These questions test your comprehension ability and reading speed. They usually appear in the English Language section of Phase 1, and sometimes in Descriptive English of Phase 2 as well. Each paper may have 4–6 questions based on one or two paragraphs. So, this topic contributes 4 to 6 marks directly. Scoring well in paragraph-based questions not only improves your English section score but also boosts your overall confidence. A smart and focused approach can help you master this topic easily.
Tips to Master Paragraph-Based Questions Quickly
Many aspirants struggle with paragraph-based questions due to slow reading, weak understanding, or confusion between options. The tips below will help you tackle such questions with more accuracy, speed, and clarity.
1. Improve Reading Speed with Focus
To answer paragraph-based questions quickly, you must read fast and understand clearly. Regular reading can improve your speed and help you grasp the meaning better.
Here’s what you should do:
- Read editorials daily from newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express
- Practice reading one passage every day
- Highlight keywords while reading
- Time your reading with a stopwatch
- Avoid re-reading unless needed
2. Focus on First and Last Lines
The first and last lines of each paragraph often contain the main idea. They guide you toward the theme and tone of the paragraph.
Follow these steps:
- Read the first and last lines first
- Look for the main message or conclusion
- Match questions with these lines
- Use them to eliminate wrong options
- Save time by skipping unnecessary lines
3. Understand the Question Type
These questions can be based on facts, tone, inference, or vocabulary. Knowing the type helps you locate the answer quickly.
Here’s how to handle them:
- Identify if the question is direct or indirect
- For fact-based, look for exact lines
- For inference, think beyond the lines
- For tone, note the emotion or attitude
- For vocab, check the word’s meaning in context
4. Use Elimination Method Smartly
If you’re confused between two options, eliminate the clearly wrong ones first. It improves your accuracy.
Try this approach:
- Cancel the odd-one-out options
- Compare the remaining options
- Match them with paragraph meaning
- Avoid overthinking minor differences
- Re-read only if unsure
5. Practice with Timed Quizzes
Regular timed practice helps you manage time and pressure in the real exam.
Take these actions:
- Use online quizzes and apps
- Solve RBI Grade B previous papers
- Time each question set
- Focus on weak question types
- Take mock tests weekly
Takeaway
Paragraph-based questions can be your scoring area if you follow the right techniques. Read regularly, understand the question types, and practice daily to improve both speed and accuracy. With these tips, you’ll be ready to face this section with full confidence.
FAQs
Usually, 4 to 6 appear inthe Phase 1 English section.
No, they are easy if you have good reading habits and regular practice.
Previous year papers and online mock tests are the best sources.
Ideally, 4–5 minutes per passage, including all questions.
Yes, similar comprehension-based questions can appear in Descriptive English.
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