Finding and Retrieving Information
What this domain tests
Finding and retrieving information asks you to locate specific details inside a text and pull them out accurately. The key concepts are explicit information (stated directly), signal words (names, dates, numbers, headings, bold words), scanning (moving the eyes quickly to find a target word), and close reading (slowing down to confirm the exact wording). A strong reader first reads the question, decides what kind of detail is needed, then scans for that detail before reading the surrounding sentence fully.
Traps to watch for
- Similar-but-different details. A text may mention two people, two dates, or two places. Check which one the question actually asks about.
- Paraphrase traps. The answer may use different words from the text ("began" instead of "started"). Match meaning, not just spelling.
- Order traps. Questions do not always follow the order of the text, so do not assume the first mention is the answer.
- Distractor numbers. Times, prices, and ages are easy to confuse. Re-read the sentence that contains the number.
Worked example
Question: According to the text, when does the library close on Saturdays? The text says: "The library opens at 9 a.m. every day. On weekdays it closes at 8 p.m., but on Saturdays it closes at 5 p.m." Scanning for "Saturday" leads to the final clause, so the answer is 5 p.m. The 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. times are distractors.
Rule of thumb
Underline the exact words in the text that answer the question, then check them against every option before choosing. If you cannot point to the words, the answer is probably wrong.
Building speed
Practise scanning for a single target (a name, a number) without reading every word. Then zoom in on the sentence around it. This two-step habit saves time and reduces errors on longer passages.