Master CAT Reading Comprehension:  100+ Practice Questions, Tips, and Strategies to Ace the RC Section

Reading Comprehension (RC) is a subset of the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section in CAT.  Typically, RC questions account for about 70% of the VARC section, making it a decisive factor in achieving a high score.

You’ll encounter:

• 4-5 passages in the exam
  
• Each passage ranging from 400 to 500 words
  
• Question types including inference, tone, fact-based, and critical reasoning
  
  

Understanding the importance of this section is the first step toward mastering it.

Essential Strategies for Cracking the CAT RC section

1.  The Active Reading Framework

Through years of research and testing with top-performing candidates, we've developed the Active Reading Framework that has helped countless students improve their RC accuracy from 60% to 85%+:

Skimming for Structure (30 seconds)

• Identify the main idea in the first paragraph
• Locate topic sentences of each paragraph
• Note transition words and argument flow

Strategic Reading (2-3 minutes)

• Focus on understanding author's perspective
• Create mental maps of key arguments
• Mark critical evidence and examples

Question-First Approach (15 seconds per question)

• Read questions before detailed passage reading
• Develop targeted reading goals
• Efficiently locate relevant information
  

2.  Advanced Comprehension Techniques

Critical Reading Skills

• Identifying author's tone and bias
• Recognizing argument patterns
• Understanding implicit assumptions
• Evaluating evidence quality

Time Management Mastery

• 4-minute rule per passage
• 45-second maximum per question
• Strategic passage selection
• When to skip difficult passages
  

Download 100 + Reading Comprehension Questions with Solutions

CAT Reading Comprehension Questions

Passage 5:

Comprehension:  The passage below is accompanied by four questions. Based on the passage, choose the best answer for each question. 

Human beings, have the same relationship to society as organs to the body. Owing to their particular “innate character” or specific natural disposition, they hold a particular natural place within the ‘organism society’, with a specific ergon they ought to perform, so that the entire ‘body’ can function well. Consequently, human beings not only have a natural duty towards themselves, entailing individual felicity, but also towards society and, even beyond, the cosmic order as a whole, contributing both to the proper functioning of their society and to the happiness of the ‘organism cosmos’ and its various parts. Hence, in correspondence with the particular trades and professions implied by the members’ individual skills, society is structured by nature in an at once organic and hierarchical fashion:

The ruling organ in the body is by nature the most perfect and most complete of the organs in itself and in its specific qualification …; beneath it, in turn, are other organs which rule over organs inferior to them …; they rule and are ruled. In the same way, the ruler of the city is the most perfect part of the city in his specific qualification and has the best of everything which anybody else shares with him; beneath him are people who are ruled by him and rule others.

The natural hierarchy underlying a well-ordered society is spelled out in terms of al-Farabi’s distinction between ruling and serving functions. In the excellent city, itself the perfect image of a natural body as well as the cosmos as a whole, the criterion for rulership, in the vein of Plato’s Politeia, is intelligence and wisdom. This is to say that there is a ruler by nature who distinguishes herself by her intimate understanding of the cosmic order, its normative implications, human nature, and how to realize the discovered normative implications in view of the diverse talents and limitations determining the citizens’ “innate characters”. Ruling the city, as was already stated before, consists in providing precisely this kind of guidance: actualizing the various potentials in a well-coordinated manner which faithfully resembles the functioning of organisms, and thus seeking to facilitate every citizen’s pursuit of happiness.

The excellent ruler, as can now be inferred, is not only the most accomplished philosopher possessing a comprehensive theoretical knowledge of all there is. She is also and particularly the one who is able to ensure, first, that every citizen is taught the things they need to do and to know, thus inducing individual felicity; and, second, that everyone is instructed in and carries out those “things which each class knows and does on its own” , in this manner simultaneously bringing about the well-being of the city and contributing to the happiness of the organism cosmos. With this background, al-Farabi’s account of religion, i.e., the art of persuasion or of teaching by virtue of “affinities and symbolic representations” can be addressed.

:Picked & Modified From: Freedom at work from Aeon Essays

Question 5.1 (Theme Based Question)

Which of the following best captures the central idea of the passage?

A) Human beings’ role in society is akin to organs in a body, with individuals fulfilling specific roles that contribute to society's overall well-being.

B) Societies are structured by nature, and people should perform specific tasks according to their innate skills, irrespective of their understanding of the cosmic order.

C) A ruler in an excellent society is primarily someone with practical wisdom and a deep understanding of human nature and the cosmic order.

D) Al-Farabi's view emphasizes that rulers should be primarily concerned with achieving individual felicity through wisdom and intelligence, rather than social harmony.

Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation:

The passage establishes a clear comparison between humans and organs, with the focus on fulfilling individual roles for the collective functioning of society, underlining the importance of wisdom and intelligence in leadership. Option A correctly reflects this core idea.  Option A is correct because it directly reflects the comparison of human beings to organs, with each person fulfilling specific roles in society for the common good.

Option B is misleading  as it ignores the emphasis on wisdom, knowledge, and coordination for societal well-being.  Option C is somewhat correct but narrow;  while rulers must possess wisdom, this answer neglects the broader framework of roles that everyone plays in society.Option D misinterprets the passage by focusing too heavily on individual felicity, neglecting the larger societal and cosmic context.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Question 5.2 (Function Based Questions)

According to the passage, what is the  primary function of a ruler in the "excellent city"?

A) To ensure that the city’s citizens are taught the skills necessary for individual success and happiness.

B) To promote economic growth by encouraging citizens to pursue their own happiness without external guidance.

C) To act as a philosopher, sharing comprehensive knowledge of the universe with the citizens in an abstract way.

D) To oversee the distribution of wealth in the city, ensuring that the rulers and citizens have equal access to resources.

Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation:

The passage emphasizes that the ruler’s primary role is to guide citizens in realizing their potential by providing practical wisdom and teaching what they need to know for individual and societal well-being.  Option A is the correct answer because it reflects the ruler’s role in ensuring that citizens are taught the things they need to know to achieve both personal felicity and contribute to the well-being of the city.

Option B is incorrect because it misinterprets the ruler’s role as a facilitator of individualism rather than societal harmony and coordination.  Option C is partly true (rulers are wise), but it misses the practical aspect of guiding citizens’ actions, which is the core responsibility.  Option D is incorrect  because there is no mention of wealth distribution in the passage; it focuses on wisdom and guidance.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Question 5.3 (Detail Based)

The concept of a  Natural Hierarchy in society as presented in the passage suggests that:

A) Citizens are born into predetermined roles and must accept their place without question.
B) The ruling class possesses inherent qualities that make them best suited for leadership and guidance, ensuring societal harmony.
C) Social status is determined primarily by economic contribution, with rulers being the wealthiest citizens.
D) There is no hierarchy in a well-ordered society; all citizens are equal in status and role.

Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation:

The passage clearly states that society is structured hierarchically, where the ruler is distinguished by wisdom and a comprehensive understanding of human and cosmic order, and other citizens fulfill roles based on their inherent skills and characteristics.  Option B is correct because it directly reflects the passage’s view that the ruling class possesses qualities (wisdom, understanding) that make them best suited to lead and ensure harmony.

Option A is misleading because it suggests an uncritical acceptance of roles, whereas the passage emphasizes that roles align with inherent qualities, not blind submission.  Option C is incorrect because economic contribution is not mentioned as the basis for social hierarchy.  Option D contradicts the passage,  which explicitly describes a hierarchical society.

Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Question 5.4 (Detail based Question)

The passage describes the city as a reflection of a natural body and the cosmos. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the ruler and the citizens in this metaphorical structure?

A) The ruler is the brain, providing guidance and structure, while the citizens are the organs that carry out tasks based on their individual skills.

B) The ruler is the heart, distributing resources equally to all citizens, ensuring that everyone contributes equally to the society’s well-being.

C) The ruler is the liver, cleansing society of corruption, while the citizens serve as various organs that function independently.

D) The ruler is the nervous system, controlling the behavior of all citizens through fear and authority, while citizens are passive participants.

.Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation:

The passage draws an analogy between society and the human body, where the ruler, akin to the most perfect organ, provides direction and ensures the well-being of the whole society. The citizens, as described, perform specific roles based on their unique qualities. Option A is the correct answer, as it accurately reflects the metaphor of the ruler being like the brain, providing guidance and structure, while citizens act like organs performing their specific functions.

Option B misinterprets the metaphor;  while the ruler does guide, they don’t distribute resources equally; the focus is on wisdom and roles.  Option C deviates from the metaphor of coordination and harmony, focusing instead on the ruler as a cleansing agent, which isn't part of the described metaphor.  Option D is incorrect because the ruler is not described as using fear or control, but rather wisdom and understanding.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Click here for detailed and pdf syllabus of CAT 2025

Passage 6:

Comprehension:  The passage below is accompanied by four questions. Based on the passage, choose the best answer for each question. 

Edward Snowden will go down in history as one of America’s most consequential whistleblowers, alongside Daniel Ellsberg and Bradley Manning. He is responsible for handing over material from one of the world’s most secretive organizations – the NSA. In a note accompanying the first set of documents he provided, he acknowledged the impending personal sacrifice: "I understand that I will be made to suffer for my actions," he asserts, revealing a stoic acceptance of the consequences. Yet, his true satisfaction lies in unraveling the enigmatic tapestry of secret laws, unequal pardons, and unchecked executive powers that govern the world he loves.

Despite his resolve to be exposed, Snowden resists the allure of the media spotlight. His steadfast focus is on the substance of the issues at hand, vehemently stating, "I don't want public attention because I don't want the story to be about me. I want it to be about what the US government is doing." Beneath the surface of his composed demeanour lies a man unafraid of the repercussions he may face, driven solely by a profound sense of duty. His comfortable life, replete with a substantial salary, a loving family, and a stable career, becomes collateral as he opts to confront the insidious erosion of privacy and basic liberties orchestrated by the massive surveillance apparatus of the US government.

Snowden's journey unfolds in meticulous detail, from his final preparations in a Hawaii NSA office to his self-imposed exile in Hong Kong. His choice of Hong Kong, with its commitment to free speech and political dissent, reflects a strategic move to defy the dictates of the very government he exposes. The narrative delves into Snowden's anxieties, his meticulous efforts to guard against surveillance, and the palpable risks he faces – from extradition proceedings to the looming presence of the CIA. As he contemplates the potential consequences, a resolute Snowden declares, "I am not afraid because this is the choice I've made." In recounting his evolution from an optimistic enlistee in the US army to a disillusioned CIA operative, Snowden emerges as a man propelled by a profound sense of responsibility. The pivotal realization that waiting for others to act is futile transforms him into a proactive force for change.

For Snowden, principles, not money, guide his actions. The disclosure of classified documents becomes a matter of principle, driven by a fervent belief that the government has overstepped its bounds. His allegiance to internet freedom is not a mere abstraction but is substantiated by stickers on his laptop supporting online rights and anonymity. As he navigates the precarious path of a whistleblower, Snowden remains a study in composure, passion, and unwavering commitment to transparency. The narrative leaves us with a man whose actions, though fraught with uncertainty, are rooted in an unshakable belief that his sacrifice is a catalyst for a crucial global debate.

Picked & Modified From: Whistle blowing Is Broken, The Atlantic

Question 6.1 (Strengthen/Weaken)

Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the argument that Snowden’s actions were driven solely by principles and not personal gain?

A) Snowden harbored resentment toward his superiors, frequently expressing frustration about being overlooked for promotions.

B) Snowden meticulously planned his disclosures while simultaneously negotiating potential opportunities with foreign media outlets.

C) Snowden was motivated by a desire to gain international recognition as a cyber-security expert beyond government circles.

D) Snowden expressed in private communications that he hoped his actions would eventually lead to a lucrative book deal or public speaking career.

Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation:

Option D most seriously weakens the argument because it directly implies a financial or fame-driven motive, contradicting the idea that he acted solely on principle.

Option A hints at personal dissatisfaction but doesn't conclusively show a self-serving motive. Option B introduces strategic planning, which doesn't negate principled intent. Option C implies a desire for recognition, but it could still coexist with genuine principles.

Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Question 6.2 (Purpose Based )

What is the primary purpose of the author mentioning Snowden’s life in Hawaii with a substantial salary and a stable career?

A) To create a contrast between Snowden's privileged background and his radical decisions, questioning his judgment.

B) To illustrate the extent of personal and professional sacrifices Snowden made, highlighting the depth of his convictions.

C) To suggest that his discontent with his comfortable lifestyle may have contributed to his decision to become a whistleblower.

D) To depict him as an ordinary individual, emphasizing that extraordinary actions can come from unexpected places.

Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:

Option B is correct because it emphasizes the personal cost Snowden bore, reinforcing the sincerity of his principles.

Option A implies judgmental bias not present in the passage. Option C contradicts the text, as there's no suggestion he was discontent. Option D adds an interpretation about ordinariness not explicitly supported by the text.

Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Question 6.3 (Detail Based)

Which of the following can be inferred from the passage about Snowden's perception of government surveillance?

A) He believed that unchecked surveillance poses a fundamental threat to civil liberties and democratic principles.
B) He was concerned primarily about the technical vulnerabilities created by mass surveillance programs.
C) He considered government surveillance acceptable only if fully transparent and publicly debated.
D) He believed surveillance technologies should be limited to use within military and intelligence contexts.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation:

Option A is correct because the passage emphasizes Snowden’s belief that mass surveillance erodes privacy and democratic freedoms.

Option B shifts the focus to technical risks, which isn’t highlighted as his main concern. Option C suggests conditional acceptance, which contradicts his fundamental opposition. Option D limits the scope to military contexts, which isn’t supported by the passage.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Question 6.4 (Detail Based)

Which of the following sets of words best captures the overall essence of the passage?

A) Sacrifice, Surveillance, Strategy, Dissatisfaction
B) Transparency, Duty, Defiance, Anonymity
C) Principle, Sacrifice, Responsibility, Privacy
D) Exposure, Career, Risk, Motivation

Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation:

Option C is correct because it reflects the key themes: Snowden's principled stance, his personal sacrifices, sense of responsibility, and fight for privacy.

Option A introduces "Dissatisfaction," which isn’t a primary driver for Snowden. Option B includes "Anonymity," which contradicts Snowden’s openness about his actions. Option D focuses too much on "Career" and "Motivation," missing the broader ethical narrative.

Hence, the correct answer is option C.

Passage 7:

Comprehension:  The passage below is accompanied by four questions. Based on the passage, choose the best answer for each question. 

In the end it was the dust that did it for the dinosaurs. At least that is the finding of computer simulations of the aftermath of the asteroid impact that reshaped life on Earth 66m years ago. The cataclysmic impact in what is now Chicxulub on Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula wiped out 75% of species on Earth, including non-avian dinosaurs. But the precise nature of the deadly blow has kept scientists busy for decades, with soot-spewing wildfires, volcanic eruptions and vast quantities of sulphur all considered culprits.

Writing in Nature Geoscience, researchers in Belgium argue that the “exact killing mechanisms' ' set in train by the impact remain poorly understood and that too little attention has been paid to the role of potentially trillions of tonnes of dust kicked up by the violent event.

Swirling around in the atmosphere for years, soot, sulphur and dust all have the capacity to block out the sun and contribute to a global winter where vegetation fails, with devastating knock-on effects for the animals it supports.To delve deeper into the role of the different factors, the scientists ran simulations of the ancient climate that took into account measurements of fine particles recovered from a site in North Dakota where a layer of dust generated by the Chicxulub impact settled. According to the simulations, dust of the size found in Dakota could have remained in the atmosphere for up to 15 years after being blasted into the sky. By blocking out the sun’s rays, up to 2,000bn tonnes of it could have shut down photosynthesis for nearly two years and cooled the planet by up to 15C.

Created from pulverised granite and other rock at the impact site, the dust “most likely drove the last mass extinction event through the disruption of photosynthetic activity,” said Cem Berk Senel, a researcher on the study at the Royal Observatory of Belgium in Brussels.

The silicate dust emerged from the simulations as the “most efficient blocker of photosynthesis”, added Philippe Claeys, a geologist and planetary scientist at the Free University of Brussels and co-author of the study. “It renders the atmosphere opaque to sunlight, hampering the plants’ photosynthetic process.”According to the computer models, it would have taken two years for photosynthesis to resume.

Steve Brusatte, a professor of palaeontology and evolution at the University of Edinburgh who was not involved in the study, described the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs as “apocalyptic”. He said: “It was the largest asteroid to hit the Earth in the last half a billion years, and it detonated with the force of over a billion nuclear bombs put together. But that’s not what really killed the dinosaurs and the 75% of other species that died out. “What really drove their doom was what happened afterwards, as the dust and grime from the asteroid impact went into the atmosphere and blocked out the sun. The Earth went dark and cold for a few years. The asteroid didn’t kill all the dinosaurs in one go, but it was a more stealthy murderer, which triggered a war of attrition that led three out of every four species to die.

Picked & Modified From: Dust drove dinosaurs’ extinction after asteroid impact from The Guardian

Question 7.1 (Strengthen/Weaken)

Which of the following, if true, would most strongly undermine the claim that silicate dust was the primary driver of the last mass extinction?

A) Fossil evidence suggests that global vegetation began recovering within six months after the asteroid impact.
B) Deep-sea core samples indicate a prolonged sulphuric acid rain event lasting over a decade, coinciding with species collapse.
C) The global cooling event following the impact was significantly shorter than previously estimated, lasting only six months.
D) Isotopic analysis of marine sediments suggests that phytoplankton populations, key to the food chain, remained stable for nearly three years post-impact.

Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation:

Option D is correct because if phytoplankton, the foundation of marine ecosystems, remained stable for years, it contradicts the idea that photosynthesis was shut down for two years due to dust. This weakens the argument that dust was the primary cause of extinction.

Option A weakens the argument but doesn’t fully contradict it—vegetation might have adapted differently. Option B suggests an alternative cause (acid rain), but it doesn’t directly refute the impact of dust. Option C questions the cooling effect but doesn’t disprove the disruption of photosynthesis.

Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Question 7.2   (Inference Based)

Which of the following must be true based on the passage?

A) The asteroid impact was a necessary but not sufficient cause of the mass extinction event.
B) If the asteroid had released only sulphur and soot, the extinction event might not have occurred.
C) The primary cause of extinction was the immediate physical destruction from the asteroid impact.
D) Had photosynthesis resumed within six months, the mass extinction might have been significantly less severe.

Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation:

Option A is correct because the passage emphasizes that it wasn’t the asteroid’s impact itself, but the long-term effects (dust blocking sunlight, cooling, and disrupting photosynthesis) that led to extinction. This implies that while the impact initiated the chain of events, it alone wasn’t sufficient to cause the extinction.

Option B is too absolute—the passage suggests dust was most impactful, but doesn’t rule out other factors. Option C is incorrect because the passage explicitly refutes the idea that immediate destruction caused the extinction. Option D is tempting, but we can’t conclude with certainty that a six-month recovery would have mitigated extinction significantly.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Question 7.3 (Summary Question)

Which statement BEST summarizes the passage’s exploration of mass extinction mechanisms?

Options:

A) Cataclysmic events trigger domino effects, where secondary environmental disruptions outweigh initial violence.
B) The fragility of photosynthesis renders ecosystems vulnerable to atmospheric particulates.
C) Geological records prioritize simplistic narratives over complex multi-causal phenomena.
D) Survival during extinction events depends on species’ tolerance to extreme temperature swings.

Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:

The passage repeatedly contrasts the asteroid’s immediate force with the prolonged, systemic collapse caused by atmospheric dust (“stealthy murderer,” “war of attrition”). This frames mass extinction as a chain reaction where secondary effects dominate.

Why Others Fail:

• Why not option B? Photosynthesis is a sub-topic; the broader theme is cascading consequences.
• Why not option C?The passage doesn’t critique geological narratives; it supports the dust hypothesis.
• Why not option D? Temperature is a detail, not the central mechanism (food chain collapse is key).

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Question 7.4   (Detail/Fact-Based )

If the findings in the passage were misinterpreted, which of the following conclusions would be the most misleading?

A) The asteroid impact instantly wiped out all life forms due to its immense explosive force.
B) The primary cause of dinosaur extinction was the prolonged disruption of photosynthesis caused by atmospheric dust.
C) The mass extinction was not caused by the asteroid itself but by the aftermath of its impact.
D) The cooling of the planet by 15°C was one of the key consequences of the Chicxulub impact.

Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:

This question is deceptively tricky because all options seem factually plausible at first glance, but option A is the most misleading conclusion.

Option A is incorrect because the passage explicitly states that the asteroid did not kill all life instantly but triggered a gradual process that led to extinction over time. The real killer was atmospheric dust and prolonged photosynthesis failure, not the impact’s immediate force.

Option B is true as the passage highlights dust blocking sunlight as the major extinction driver. Option C is true because the study emphasizes that what happened after the impact was more deadly than the asteroid itself. Option D is true because the passage states that the global temperature dropped by up to 15°C due to dust in the atmosphere.

Hence, the correct answer is option C.

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• Real Exam Experience: Our passages mimic the difficulty level and variety seen in actual CAT exams.
  
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Expert Tips for CAT Reading Comprehension

1. Don’t Obsess Over Difficult Passages

If a passage feels too complex, skip it and return later. Time management is key.

2. Identify the Main Idea

Before diving into the questions, summarize the passage’s main idea in your own words. This helps in answering inference and tone-based questions.

3. Use the Question First Approach

Skim through the questions before reading the passage to identify the areas you need to focus on.

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