Reading Unseen Passages and Making Notes: Class 9 Study Guide
Good readers look for the main idea and the supporting details, and note them down.
An unseen passage is a text that you have not read before, and you must answer questions on it. The passage may be a story, an essay or a news report. Skim it first for the topic, read it again carefully, then answer. Look for the main idea (what the passage is mostly about) and supporting details (facts and examples).
Questions test whether you can find facts, make inferences (read between the lines), understand vocabulary in context and sum up.
Types of question
| Type | How to answer |
|---|---|
| Fact | Find the sentence and copy the key words |
| Inference | Use clues in the passage to work out the meaning |
| Vocabulary | Use the sentence around the word |
| Main idea / title | Choose what covers the whole passage |
Making notes
Notes are short and clear. Give a title, use headings and sub-headings, and write key points as phrases, not full sentences. Use abbreviations such as govt., approx. and e.g., and use a consistent numbering or bullet style. After the notes, write a short summary of about a third of the length of the passage.
Skim, then read closely.
Underline them.
In short phrases.
In your own words.
Tips for the exam
Read the questions first so you know what to look for. Answer in your own words unless a question asks you to quote. Check your spelling and grammar. Do not add facts that the passage does not give.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: A passage on the monsoon could be titled 'The Monsoon and Indian Farming'. Example: Notes: 1. Cause: land heats faster. 2. Effect: winds bring rain. Common mistakes: copying whole paragraphs, writing notes as long sentences, and giving an opinion when the question asks for a fact.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. What the whole passage is mostly about. 2. For example e.g. or approx. 3. So that you know what to look for while reading.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Skim, read closely and read the questions first.
- Find the main idea and supporting details.
- Notes use headings, short phrases and abbreviations.
- A summary is much shorter and in your own words.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- What is the main idea of a passage?
- Write one sample abbreviation you may use in notes.
- Why should you read the questions first?