We channelize the skill of effective reading into the area of comprehension. The question is, given a passage how do we tackle it?

Let us start with posing some rhetorical questions!

1. Do we need to read the entire passage to answer the questions?
2. Do we adopt the same approach to reading all types of passages?
3. Is it better the read the passage first or the question first?
4. Should we skim or scam? Won’t that reduce our accuracy?
5. Should we answer some questions from all passages or all questions from some passages?
6. Should we attempt as many questions as possible as fast as we can and get a majority of them correct or attempt a limited number and concentrate on accuracy?
7. Should we underline while reading?
The above mentioned questions cover most of the areas of concern that students have while starting off with reading comprehension.
An answer that summarizes all the above mentioned questions could be

Is there any particular approach that should be followed?

Approach - 1.

Step 1: Read the passage quickly; underline key elements.

Step 2: Answer each question – you can answer either general questions first or begin with specific questions; read back to the passage when in doubt.

Step 3: Attack inferential, except, least, not question (if any); eliminate, guess, move on.

Approach - 2.

Step 1: Read the stem of the question first; use lead words to search for relevant information.

Step 2: when you come across each word referred to the question stem, you can either underline it for further reference or immediately go back to the question and answer it.

Step 3: the remaining questions without clues then can be answered.

Approach - 3.

Step 1: Read the first question.

Step 2: Scan the passage for Answer.

Step 3: Mark the appropriate choice. Continue the method for each question.

Note: This approach can be used when the passage is flooded with facts. Here you need not memorize any information, just locate answers.

Approach - 4.

Step 1: Read the first two paragraphs of the passage.

Step 2: Skim through the questions and answer the questions pertaining to these paragraphs..

Step 3: Read next two paragraphs .go through the remaining questions; answer the questions pertaining to these paragraphs.

Step 4: Read the remaining paragraphs and answer the few question that remain.

Note: This approach is advised for the passage that is very lengthy and memorizing information becomes difficult.