It is crucial to not only read and understand the text but also respond to the text by formulating your opinions on it. While formulating opinions, one should start by reading the text carefully and pay special attention to subject matter,context and tone of the passage concerned. To answer the question related to the passage, pay attention to the type of question asked, whether it's an objective or subjective question. While answering objective questions look for specific words in the passages, in case of subjective questions focus on the question and idea you have to respond to in your answer. You can use the technique of skimming (fast reading the text) and scanning (looking for specific words, phrases and ideas) the text to get a better idea. While responding to poems, make sure to read them adequately keeping in mind all the punctuations.
Living in the internet age, we also discussed how to understand and respond to infographics by focussing on the picture and information presented in a visual manner.