Correct Option: C. skim through Explanation of the Correct Answer The sentence reads: "You cannot have a vague idea of the content of this comprehension text unless you first .... the whole passage for few minutes, said the teacher to his pupils." To understand why "skim through" is the correct answer, let's break down the meaning of the phrase and the context of the sentence.

1. Understanding "skim through":
2. To "skim through" a text means to read it quickly, focusing on the main ideas rather than every detail. This is often done to get a general understanding of the content without delving deeply into specifics. In the context of comprehension, skimming allows readers to grasp the overall message or theme of the passage.
3. Contextual Fit:
4. The teacher is instructing the pupils that they need to have at least a basic understanding of the text before they can discuss or analyze it further. Skimming is a common strategy used in reading comprehension to achieve this initial understanding.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect Now, let's examine the other options and why they are less suitable: A. digest - Meaning: To "digest" something means to thoroughly understand or absorb information, often after careful consideration. - Why it's wrong: While digesting a text implies a deep understanding, the sentence suggests that the pupils only need a vague idea initially. Digesting requires more time and effort than simply skimming, making it an inappropriate choice for the context of quickly grasping the content. B. decipher - Meaning: To "decipher" means to interpret or make sense of something that is difficult to understand, often involving complex or coded information. - Why it's wrong: Deciphering implies that the text is challenging and requires careful analysis to understand. The context of the sentence indicates that the teacher is encouraging a quick reading to get a general idea, not a detailed analysis of difficult content. D. chew through - Meaning: To "chew through" something means to work through it slowly and carefully, often implying a laborious process. - Why it's wrong: Similar to "digest," this phrase suggests a thorough and detailed examination of the text. The teacher's instruction is about getting a vague idea quickly, which does not align with the connotation of "chewing through" a passage. Summary of Key Points

• Correct Answer: C. skim through
• Skimming is a quick reading strategy to grasp the main ideas of a text.
• Digesting and chewing through imply a deeper understanding, which is not needed for a vague idea.
• Deciphering suggests complexity and difficulty, which is not the focus of the teacher's instruction.

Revision Summary

• "Skim through" means to read quickly for main ideas.
• The context requires a quick understanding, not a deep analysis.
• Other options imply thoroughness, which is not suitable for the task.
• Understanding reading strategies is crucial for effective comprehension.