IBPS PO Mains is going to be conducted soon. Along with the objective paper, there is one descriptive paper as well. In the descriptive paper, two types of questions will be asked. One is essays and the other is comprehension. These are the topics that students practice at the end, and often commit certain mistakes that cost them their selection. So in order to prevent that situation. In this blog, we are going to discuss the mistakes to avoid in comprehension for IBPS PO Mains Exam.
Descriptive test format- comprehension for IBPS PO Mains Exam
The Descriptive Test in IBPS PO Mains contains an essay and comprehension. Here is a detailed descriptive pattern format based on the official notification.
| Topic | Marks | Time |
| Essay (any two topics given, you have to choose one to write) under 250-300 words | 25 marks | 30 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension, along with 5 questions based on the RC only ( you have to write answers via typing in an objective format) |
Mistakes to Avoid in Comprehension for IBPS PO Mains
There are certain mistakes to avoid in comprehension for the IBPS PO mains section. Read on to learn how to point out mistakes while practising. Before moving ahead, keep in mind that if you are also one of those who commit mistakes while practising, then you need to start correcting them, from the very beginning of your practice, as they may cost you your selection.
Here are the mistakes that you must avoid:
Not reading the Passage carefully
Generally, students just skim through the passage and mark the keywords, and then start solving using those keywords. Or sometimes they just read the passage like a novel. But this is not the right approach. Of course, you’ve to read the passage, but to get clarity on what the author is trying to convey through the passage. You need to understand the tone of the given passage. While reading the passage, you need to read it with the sole purpose of what the passage is about and the meaning it portrays.
Ignoring the question before reading the passage
One of the mistakes that students often commit is to read the passage without reading the questions. They read the passage like a story. But you need to understand what things have been asked in the questions. You have to read the passage, keeping the question in mind. Reading questions before heading towards the passage will help your brain to spot relevant information while reading the passage.
Do not assume what’s not written in the passage
Do not assume anything that is not written in the passage. Most of the time, students use their own knowledge to answer the question. But this is not the right way. You need to stick to what’s written in the passage. If the asked facts or any such information that can support your answer logically are absent, then do not write them.
Not focusing on the author’s tone or intent
Often, students commit mistakes that make them miss the author’s tone or intent. Usually, they misjudge sarcasm, criticism, or neutrality. Therefore, you should find adjectives and adverbs and transition words like however, although, clearly, as these connectors help in knowing the intent of the author.
Copy-paste exact statements from the passage
Many times, students paste the exact answers from the passage, instead of writing them in their own words. Understand, sometimes the answers require a bit of twist and turn, and this copy-paste procedure does not work here. So, avoid it!
Answering inference-based questions by guesswork
In inference-based questions, you have to do a logical extension of what is written in the passage in terms of the asked question, and not your personal opinion. Stick to what the passage conveys and do not put your personal opinion into this.
Conclusion
Now you’ve got a list of the most common mistakes that students generally commit in the IBPS PO descriptive test, but if you go through them beforehand and observe that you may also follow the same, then correct them before the examination and ace it with flying colours. To get an evaluation of your RC answers, get our IBPS PO descriptive course and test for better performance in the exam centre.
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FAQs
No. Skimming without understanding the passage’s tone, structure, and key ideas can lead to misinterpretation. Always read the passage carefully first to grasp the central theme and the author’s intent.
Absolutely not. Comprehension questions must be answered based solely on the information provided in the passage. Injecting outside knowledge can lead to incorrect assumptions and answers.
IBPS often places tempting but incorrect options first. Always evaluate all choices critically and eliminate those that contradict the passage or lack evidence.
Not necessarily. Some questions are more straightforward than others. Prioritise accuracy over speed, but don’t get stuck, mark the tough ones and return if time permits.
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