Unseen/Untaught passage
1. What Unseen Passage Is (exam format)
Unseen (or untaught) passage = comprehension passage not from textbook, given fresh in exam to test reading comprehension, vocabulary, inference, and writing (not memory). Typically 200–300 words on general/technical topic (e.g., "Importance of discipline", "Technology and society") followed by 5–7 questions.
2. Question Types (exam expects 5)
| Type | Example Question | Skill Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Direct (factual) | "What is the main idea?" "Who is the author referring to?" | Skimming, locating |
| Vocabulary | "Give synonym/antonym for diligent as used." "Find homophone..." | Word in context |
| Inference / Title | "Suggest suitable title." "What can be inferred?" | Interpretation |
| Grammar | "Pick subject-verb agreement error." "Change voice." | Language |
| Summary / Precis | "Summarize in 1/3 words." | Conciseness |
3. Strategy to Answer (exam technique — 5 steps)
- First read quickly (skim) for gist (what, why).
- Second read slowly, underline keywords, difficult words.
- Read questions first, then scan passage for answers (locate).
- Answer in your own words (not copy full sentences) for inference/title; quote for direct.
- For vocabulary: infer meaning from context (read surrounding sentence), not dictionary memory.
Precis: keep 1/3 length, own words, retain main ideas, no example/details, give title.
4. Worked Mini-Passage Example
Passage: "Discipline is the backbone of character. It teaches self-control..."
Q: What is backbone of character? A: Discipline.
Q: Synonym for backbone → pillar, support.
Q: Title? "Value of Discipline"
Precis: 80-word passage → 27-word precis retaining discipline→character→self-control.
Check: Do not add own opinion.
5. Exam Points
- Define unseen passage as comprehension test, not memory — 3 marks, frequent.
- List question types (factual, vocabulary, inference, title, précis) — 5 marks, very frequent (often give pattern).
- State strategy (skim, underline, own words) — 5 marks, frequent.
- Practice précis with title and 1/3 length — 5-7 marks, very frequent (almost certain to ask précis writing).
- Mention time allocation (20 mins for passage) — 3 marks.