Introduction
The NABARD Grade A exam’s Descriptive English section includes Precis Writing and Reading Comprehension (RC), two essential areas requiring both precision and comprehension skills. In this guide, we’ll break down step-by-step strategies to master both sections, helping you score high with efficiency.
Step 1: Understand Precis Writing Essentials
Precis Writing involves summarizing a lengthy passage into a concise version without losing its core message. Here’s how to get started:
1.1 Read the Passage Thoroughly
- Carefully read the passage to understand its main ideas and underlying message.
- Look for key points, themes, and the author’s tone.
1.2 Identify Main Points
- Separate key points from examples, anecdotes, and additional explanations. The objective is to capture only the essential message.
1.3 Craft a Strong Opening Sentence
- Begin your precis by restating the main idea in one sentence, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
1.4 Use Your Own Words
- Avoid copying phrases directly from the passage. Rephrase the content while keeping the message intact.
1.5 Maintain a Formal Tone
- Use a neutral, formal tone to reflect the passage’s essence without altering its meaning.
1.6 Stick to the Word Limit
- NABARD Grade A Precis requires strict adherence to word limits, generally around one-third of the original passage. Practice condensing information while keeping important details intact.
Step 2: Approach to Reading Comprehension (RC)
Reading Comprehension in NABARD tests your ability to understand complex passages and answer questions accurately. Here’s an approach to tackle RC effectively:
2.1 Skim for Structure
- Skim through the passage to get an idea of the structure—notice the introduction, supporting paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Identify whether it’s informative, argumentative, or descriptive to anticipate the types of questions you may face.
2.2 Read the Questions First
- Review the questions before diving into a detailed read. This way, you know what information to focus on, saving time and reducing rereading.
2.3 Read Closely for Details
- Once familiar with the questions, read the passage closely, noting answers as you go. Highlight or underline important information to refer back easily.
2.4 Answer in Context
- Ensure that answers are rooted in the context of the passage rather than personal knowledge. RC questions test your ability to interpret information from the text, so stick closely to the material provided.
2.5 Manage Your Time
- Time management is crucial in RC. Allocate time for each passage based on length and question count, moving on if a particular question takes too long.
Step 3: Practice Techniques for Both Sections
3.1 Practice Summarizing News Articles for Precis
- Select newspaper editorials or journal articles and try condensing them. This is excellent practice for identifying main points and crafting concise summaries.
3.2 Attempt Diverse RC Passages
- Practice with passages from various fields (e.g., economics, agriculture, and environment) to become comfortable with diverse subjects.
3.3 Time Yourself
- Precis and RC require swift thinking and accuracy, so practice timing each task to build speed and confidence.
Step 4: Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Over-elaborating in Precis: Avoid including examples, quotes, or personal interpretations.
- Answering Out of Context in RC: Stick to the passage’s information; guessing based on prior knowledge can lead to inaccuracies.
- Ignoring Word Limits: Precision is key in both sections. Adhere strictly to word limits to meet NABARD’s expectations.
Conclusion
Success in Precis and RC sections of the NABARD Grade A exam comes down to structured practice, clarity, and precision. Regularly practicing these strategies will help you develop the skills to summarize complex information and answer comprehension questions efficiently. Good luck, and remember: consistency is key!