Unseen Comprehension Passages

Comprehension of an unseen passage means a complete and thorough understanding of the passage. The main object of comprehension is to test one’s ability to grasp the meaning of a given passage properly and also one’s ability to answer, in one’s own words, the questions based on the passage. A variety of questions like short answer type questions, completion of incomplete sentences, filling the blanks with appropriate words and exercises based on vocabulary are set forth for the purpose.

Before attempting to answer the questions on a passage, it is necessary to read the passage again and again so that a general idea of the subject of the passage becomes clear. Once the passage is clear, it is easy to answer the answers of the questions.

One should also keep the following points in mind before answering the questions set on a given passage:

1. Read the passage quickly to have some general idea of the subject matter.
2. Read the passage again and underline the important points.
3. Read the questions and try to know what has been asked.
4. Read the passage again and underline the portions where the probable answers may be available.
5. Use, as far as possible, your own words to answer the questions in a precise and brief way.
6. Always use complete sentences while answering a question.
7. If you are asked to give the meaning of some words or phrases, try to express your idea, in your own words, as clearly as possible.
8. Don’t give your own opinions or comments about anything unless you are asked to do so.

Unseen Comprehension Passages  Set I – [01]

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law and four-year old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled of his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped, the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. “We must do something about Grandfather”, said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating and food on the floor.” So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather’s direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, “What are you making?” Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I am making little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so truck the parents that were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks.Though no would was spoken, both knew what must be done.

The evening the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled or the tablecloth soiled.

Now answer the following question:

1. Give a suitable title to the story.
2. How would you feel if someone made you eat separately like the grandfather in the story? Why?
3. Do you spend time with your grandparents? What do you like doing with them?
4. What values do you learn from this story?
5. Have you ever heard of this saying ‘Together is a wonderful place to be’? Can you related it you daily life?