Comprehension Strategies to Save Time & Score High in Descriptive

The Reading Comprehension (RC) section in PFRDA Grade A Mains – Descriptive English plays a crucial role in determining your overall score. Unlike essays or précis writing, comprehension requires you to understand a given passage quickly, analyze the central ideas, and write precise answers within limited time. Many aspirants lose valuable marks here—not due to lack of knowledge, but due to poor strategy, time mismanagement, or vague answers.

This post provides step-by-step strategies, practical tips, and real exam-style examples to help you save time and maximize marks in this crucial section.

1. Read the Questions Before the Passage

One of the most effective time-saving techniques is to scan the questions first.

  • This primes your mind to look for specific keywords, ideas, or arguments while reading the passage.
  • Instead of reading passively, you’ll be reading with a clear purpose.

Example (PFRDA Grade A Mains (Previous Year) – Memory Based):
A passage on green finance and ESG investment had a question: “What risks are associated with greenwashing in ESG investing?”
👉 If you read the question first, you’ll immediately locate that paragraph in the passage instead of rereading everything.

2. Use Skimming and Scanning Techniques

  • Skimming = Rapidly going through the passage to get the gist (main idea, tone, theme).
  • Scanning = Searching for specific details or keywords asked in the questions.

Tip: First 60–90 seconds should be for skimming. The next few minutes should focus on scanning answers.

3. Identify the Author’s Tone and Purpose

Examiners often check whether you understood the perspective of the writer.

  • Tone may be analytical, critical, persuasive, descriptive, or informative.
  • Purpose may be to explain, argue, highlight a problem, or propose solutions.

Example (PFRDA Grade A Mains 2022):
Passage: On cryptocurrency regulation.
Question: “What is the author’s stance on decentralized finance?”
👉 If you recognized that the author was cautious yet optimistic, you would score full marks.

4. Answer in Your Own Words

Copy-pasting sentences from the passage leads to lower marks.
Instead:

  • Paraphrase the key idea.
  • Keep it concise and relevant.
  • Use simple grammar and vocabulary—examiners value clarity over complexity.

Example:
Passage line: “Green bonds often face challenges of transparency, as issuers may exaggerate their sustainability claims.”
Good answer: “A key challenge with green bonds is the lack of transparency, leading to exaggerated sustainability claims (greenwashing).”

5. Manage Word Limits and Time

Each comprehension answer is usually 30–50 words, depending on the question.

  • Avoid overwriting.
  • Use bullet points if the question demands listing.
  • Allocate 15–18 minutes max for the comprehension section in Descriptive English.

Time Division (suggested for PFRDA Grade A 2025):

  • Skimming passage – 2 min
  • Reading questions – 1 min
  • Scanning for answers – 10–12 min
  • Writing answers – 5 min

6. Distinguish Between Direct and Inferential Questions

  • Direct questions → The answer lies verbatim in the passage. Just paraphrase.
  • Inferential questions → Require you to interpret beyond the text.

Example (Model Question):
Passage Theme: Pension reforms in India.
Q: “What challenges does India face in implementing a universal pension scheme?” (Direct)
A: Funding gaps, demographic imbalance, and coverage limitations.

Q: “Why does the author believe pension reforms are urgent?” (Inferential)
A: Because without reforms, ageing population may strain fiscal resources and social security.

7. Practice with Memory-Based Passages

The best way to prepare is to solve previous years’ descriptive English passages.

  • PFRDA Grade A often picks themes like pension reforms, green finance, digital transformation, financial literacy, or social security schemes.
  • Exposure to such topics sharpens both your reading speed and content familiarity.

8. Revise Grammar & Sentence Clarity

While content is king, presentation is queen.

  • Write complete sentences (avoid telegram-style).
  • Check for subject-verb agreement.
  • Maintain a neutral, academic tone.

Example (Wrong vs Correct):
❌ Author is saying government need reform.
✔ The author argues that the government needs pension reforms.

9. Attempt All Questions

Never leave a comprehension question blank. Even if unsure, write a logical, concise attempt. Partial marks are better than zero.

10. Final Golden Rule – “Read, Think, Write”

  • Read actively (not just for words, but for meaning).
  • Think critically (connect the dots between passage and question).
  • Write smartly (clear, concise, examiner-friendly answers).

Sample Mini Practice Passage & QnA

Passage (Short):
“The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has been working towards expanding pension coverage in India through the National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY). However, challenges such as low financial literacy, lack of trust in formal institutions, and irregular income of large informal sector workers remain obstacles to universal pension coverage.”

Q1. What measures has PFRDA taken to expand pension coverage?
✅ Answer: Through schemes like the National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY).

Q2. Why is universal pension coverage still a challenge?
✅ Answer: Because of low financial literacy, weak trust in institutions, and irregular income among informal workers.

Conclusion

Success in Comprehension for PFRDA Grade A Mains is less about English “knowledge” and more about strategy, speed, and structured answers. By practicing active reading, paraphrasing, and time management, you can convert comprehension into a high-scoring section that boosts your overall descriptive marks.