Reading Comprehension
What the section tests
Reading tasks assess main-idea grasp, explicit detail location, inference, vocabulary in context, and the writer's attitude or purpose. Passages may be notices, articles, letters, or advertisements. The skill is efficient scanning plus careful checking against the text - never against your own knowledge.
Concepts to master
- Skimming for structure: read the first and last sentence of each paragraph to map the argument.
- Scanning for keywords: locate names, dates, and terms, then read the full surrounding sentence.
- Inference vs. statement: an inference is supported by the text but not stated word-for-word.
- Reference words: this, it, they, such - know what each points back to.
- Vocabulary in context: the meaning of a word depends on its sentence, not its dictionary list.
- Attitude words: unfortunately, surprisingly, admittedly reveal the writer's stance.
Traps to expect
- True-but-not-asked: an option repeats a real detail but does not answer the question.
- Overstatement: choices with always, never, all, only often distort a cautious text.
- Half-right options: the first clause matches, the second contradicts the passage.
- Paraphrase traps: the correct answer rarely copies the passage wording; it rephrases it.
Worked rule of thumb
For "The writer suggests that…" questions, find the sentence, then ask: Is this option stated, supported, or contradicted? Eliminate contradicted first, then unsupported, and keep the one the text actually backs. Example: passage says "Few students finish the optional course." Option A "The course is compulsory" - contradicted. Option B "Most students do not complete it" - supported (few = not most). Option B wins.
Practice habit
Time yourself: one pass for gist, one pass for questions, returning to the text to justify each answer with a line.