Reading comprehension involves understanding what is written. The text is written by the writer with a purpose for the reader to discover. The text could contain information that is factual or fictional and it may be hidden in the text. It may relate to the reader’s experience or to the writer’s experience. Here is an example:
‘When told about the show being held at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Raghav shook his head and just murmured to himself.’
This is text that is factual because you know where the show takes place. It is also text that raises some doubt in you. If you are aware of Chowdiah Memorial Hall, it will immediately bring memories of the hall to mind. Your opinion of the hall will make you think about the hall and the kind of show it hosts. Also, the reader will want to know why Raghav shook his head. Could it be because the hall is not good for a show of the kind that is to be held or is the hall too good for the person who is holding the show? The reader could also relate to the text if he has had experience of watching a show at the hall. Likewise, he could also relate to the writer and the person who holds the show.
Reading comprehension is more than just factual information. In the previous quiz we did talk about facts and how they are easy to read and understand. Now, what is a little more difficult is the other information which is not factual but more opinion or positive or negative recommendation. Say, you wanted to watch a movie. Then, you would like to know if the movie has received a good review. When you check the review you will separate facts from opinion. You will then put all your experience to the test and decide from the review whether the movie is worth seeing or not.
Reading comprehension is the ability to separate facts from non-facts and act accordingly. Test your level of reading comprehension by taking the quiz after reading the text that follows.