1The word 'terse' most nearly means:
- Cheerful
- Brief and to the point
- Confusing
- Lengthy
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Brief and to the point
Terse means concise.
UGC NET PAPER 1 · CODE 00 · UNIT 03
UGC NET Paper 1 Unit 3: Comprehension Notes and MCQs
The comprehension section gives you a short passage and asks questions based only on what it says. It is the most scoring unit for candidates who read regularly and the least dependent on your subject. These notes show how to read a passage, how to separate a stated idea from an inferred one, and how to handle words in context.
- 4 syllabus topics
- 150+ free MCQs
- No sign-up
- Updated 11 October 2026
NET Law 058 is an independent study aid, not affiliated with UGC or NTA. Always check the official UGC NET syllabus and the latest official sources for any data.
What Unit 3 covers
Comprehension improves with regular timed practice, so attempt one passage a day from any reliable newspaper or past paper. The official syllabus lists 4 topics for this unit. Each is explained below with the points examiners most often use.
1Reading comprehension of a passage
- Read the passage once at a steady pace for the overall idea, then read the questions, then return to the lines you need.
- Skimming gives the gist quickly. Scanning finds specific names, dates or details. Re-reading helps with difficult sentences.
- Answer only from the passage. Outside knowledge or personal opinion can lead you to a wrong option.
- Notice the author's tone and purpose: to inform, to persuade, to criticise or to entertain.
2Identification of central theme, arguments and supporting ideas
- The central theme is the main idea the whole passage develops. The title and the first and last sentences often point to it.
- Supporting ideas are examples, reasons or evidence that develop the main idea. They are not the main idea itself.
- Look for signal words: however, but and yet mark contrast; therefore and thus mark conclusions; for example marks evidence.
- A good summary covers the main idea and leaves out minor detail.
3Inference, implication and logical conclusions
- An inference is a conclusion drawn from given information. It must be supported by the passage even if it is not stated word for word.
- Stated (explicit) meaning is written directly; implied (implicit) meaning must be worked out from clues.
- An assumption is an unstated idea the argument depends on. Questions on NOT supported or cannot be inferred ask for the option the passage does not justify.
- Avoid extreme options with words such as always, never and only unless the passage uses them.
4Meaning of words and expressions in context
- Use the surrounding sentences to decode an unfamiliar word. Context clues include synonyms, antonyms, examples and explanations.
- A word can have more than one meaning, so choose the meaning that fits the sentence.
- Know common synonym and antonym pairs, one-word substitutions and idioms. For example, bibliophile means a lover of books.
- Check prefixes, roots and suffixes: for example, in- often shows negation and anti- means against.
Quick reference tables
| Question type | What it asks | How to answer |
|---|---|---|
| Central idea | What is the passage mainly about? | Pick the option covering the whole passage, not one detail |
| Detail | What does the passage say about X? | Find the line and match it closely |
| Inference | What can be concluded? | Choose what the text supports without adding new facts |
| Vocabulary in context | What does the word mean here? | Test each option in the sentence |
| Tone and purpose | What is the author's attitude or aim? | Look at word choice and the closing lines |
Key terms and facts to remember
Central theme
The main idea that the whole passage develops.
Inference
A conclusion drawn from the passage; it must be supported by the text.
Explicit and implicit
Explicit means clearly stated; implicit means implied but not stated directly.
Tone
The author's attitude, such as critical, neutral, optimistic or sarcastic.
Skimming and scanning
Skimming gets the general idea; scanning searches for a specific detail.
Terse
Brief and to the point; opposite of verbose.
Ephemeral
Lasting a very short time; opposite of eternal.
Meticulous
Showing great attention to detail.
Candid, futile, prudent
Frank, useless and careful, respectively.
To burn the midnight oil
To work or study late into the night.
Practise Comprehension MCQs topic by topic
Beyond the six samples, all 168 questions for this unit are on their own pages, grouped by syllabus topic, with the answer key on the page.
- Political Philosophy and Constitutionalism (Part 1) (18)
- Political Philosophy and Constitutionalism (Part 2) (18)
- Economics, Labour and Social Policy (Part 1) (21)
- Economics, Labour and Social Policy (Part 2) (21)
- International Relations and Foreign Policy (Part 1) (15)
- International Relations and Foreign Policy (Part 2) (15)
- History, Knowledge and Colonial Education (Part 1) (15)
- History, Knowledge and Colonial Education (Part 2) (15)
- Mixed Practice Set 1 (15)
- Mixed Practice Set 2 (15)
Try 6 sample questions
Tap “Show answer” after you have tried each one. These come from the 150+ MCQs in this unit.
2Match: A Candid, B Futile, C Prudent with (1) Frank (2) Useless (3) Careful
- A-2, B-1, C-3
- A-1, B-2, C-3
- A-1, B-3, C-2
- A-3, B-2, C-1
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. A-1, B-2, C-3
Word meanings.
3Passage: 'Technology has made information easily accessible, yet the ability to judge its reliability remains rare.' The main point is:
- Reliability is unimportant
- Judging reliability is rare despite easy access
- Technology is harmful
- Information is scarce
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Judging reliability is rare despite easy access
The contrast is access versus judgment.
4Passage: 'Rivers have shaped civilisations, supplying water, fertile soil and transport.' Which statement is NOT supported?
- Rivers influenced civilisations
- Rivers provided water
- Rivers supported transport
- Rivers have no role in agriculture
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Rivers have no role in agriculture
Fertile soil implies a role in agriculture.
5The antonym of 'scarce' is:
- Rare
- Little
- Limited
- Abundant
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Abundant
Scarce means in short supply.
6The idiom 'to burn the midnight oil' means:
- To waste fuel
- To sleep early
- To cook at night
- To work late into the night
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. To work late into the night
Working or studying late.
How to study this unit
- Read the questions before the passage when time is short, then read actively for those answers.
- Eliminate options that go beyond the text. The correct answer is usually the plainest statement the passage supports.
- Build vocabulary through daily reading of editorials, and note each new word with its sentence, not just its meaning.
Planning your time? See the UGC NET Law preparation plans for 6 months, 3 months, 1 month or 2 weeks, or check the cut-off trend to set a target score.
Last updated: . Notes are a revision aid. Check official sources for the latest figures. Spotted a mistake? Write to netlawverse@gmail.com.