Reading Skills · Class 10 English · Words and Expressions: quick revision, 24 bites

What Question 1 Is

Ten marks, one unseen argument.

Takeaway. You cannot revise the passage, but you can practise the method.

Discursive, Defined

Stories tell; this kind of passage argues.

For every paragraph, ask **what job it does in the argument**.

Takeaway. Read for the argument, not just the information.

The Method

Five moves, about twenty minutes.

Takeaway. Sharp Questions Reward Accurate Checking.

Main Idea or Detail?

The example is not the point.

Takeaway. If it fits only one paragraph, it is a detail.

Stance and Tone

Where the writer stands, and how the writer sounds.

Takeaway. Name two loaded words before you pick a tone.

The Inference Rule

A clue, then one step.

An inference = **a clue in the text + one reasonable step**.

Takeaway. Every inference must be traceable to words on the page.

Evaluating an Argument

Does the evidence really prove it?

Takeaway. Facts can be checked; opinions should rest on them.

The Substitution Test

Put it back and listen.

Takeaway. Meaning in context beats meaning in the dictionary.

Connectives as Signposts

Small words steer big arguments.

Takeaway. Name the contrast or link the connective creates.

Reference Words

Trace 'this' to its noun.

"The canteen stopped selling fried snacks in June. **This** surprised the students more than the teachers."

Takeaway. A reference word points back to a whole idea as often as to a single noun.

The 30 to 40-Word Answer

Point, then reason. Stop.

Takeaway. P-R: Point, then Reason.

One Option Only

Hedging costs the whole mark.

Eliminate what the text contradicts, decide, and commit. Leave no objective item blank.

Takeaway. A reasoned single choice beats a safe-looking pair.

What Question 2 Is

Short passage, dense numbers.

Takeaway. The English is easier; the care must be greater.

Read the Frame

Four questions before any number.

Takeaway. WHO-HOW MANY-WHEN-WHAT UNIT.

Reading a Table

Headings first, cells second.

Say it aloud: **rows are clubs, columns are years, figures are members**. Chess grew by 9; drama fell by 6.

Takeaway. Name the rows and columns before you read a single cell.

More Means Minus

One word, one operation.

Takeaway. More means minus, times means divide.

Percentage Points

The trap that catches the most students.

The same change is a **50 per cent** rise, because 10 is half of 20.

Takeaway. Points measure the gap; per cent measures the growth.

Percentages as Fractions

Learn five fractions by heart.

Takeaway. Passages mix words and numbers; you must move between them.

Groups of Different Sizes

Bigger number, smaller share.

Class B has **more** yes-votes; Class A has the **higher share**.

Takeaway. Compare shares when the groups are not the same size.

Reading a Trend

Describe the path, not just the end.

Visitors: 2020 – 40, 2021 – 35, 2022 – 50, 2023 – 70.

Takeaway. A trend can change direction; say so.

Linking Words and Numbers

Size in the table, reason in the text.

Takeaway. Quote the figure and give the reason.

What Data Cannot Show

Some questions have no answer in the data.

Takeaway. If the data cannot settle it, the answer is 'not stated'.

True or False with Data

Test every word, not the general feel.

Statement: "Most students walk to school." Data: walk 44%, bus 36%, cycle 20%.

Takeaway. Words like most, all, twice and fell must be literally true.

The 30 to 40-Word Data Answer

Point, figure, meaning.

Takeaway. A quoted figure proves you read the table.