SLE Reading study plan
SLE Reading · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Main Idea and Gist Comprehension
Identify the main idea of 20 short passages (150-250 words) by writing a one-sentence summary for each without looking back at the text
Distinguish main idea from supporting detail by labeling every sentence in 10 passages as main, support, or aside
Write thesis statements for 10 opinion-style passages and check each against the passage's conclusion paragraph
Build a running list of 15 recurring gist-question stems and note what each one actually asks for
Your checkpoint
A gist log of 20 passages with one-sentence summaries, sentence labels, and a 15-item question-stem glossary
Main Idea and Gist Comprehension & Explicit Detail and Factual Information
Summarize 15 longer passages (300+ words) in under 60 seconds each to build speed on main-idea items
Locate and record 30 explicit facts (names, dates, figures, definitions) from passages without inferring
Match 20 detail questions to the exact sentence that answers them and highlight the keyword overlap
Separate paraphrased answer choices from distorted ones by flagging 15 traps such as reversed cause, scope shift, and swapped numbers
Your checkpoint
A 30-item fact table with source sentences plus a 15-example trap catalogue
Explicit Detail and Factual Information & Text Structure, Cohesion, and Organization
Map the structure of 12 passages by outlining paragraph function (claim, evidence, counterpoint, conclusion)
Identify 20 cohesive devices (pronoun reference, transition words, repeated key terms) and state what each one connects
Predict the content of a missing or following paragraph in 10 texts and verify against the actual text
Answer 25 explicit-detail items under a 90-second-per-item limit
Your checkpoint
A structure map set for 12 passages with annotated cohesive devices and a timed detail-question score sheet
Inference and Implied Meaning & Vocabulary in Context
Draw 20 valid inferences and write the textual evidence that supports each one
Reject 15 unsupported inferences by naming the missing assumption
Infer 20 word meanings from context before checking a dictionary, then record the context clues used
Classify 25 vocabulary items by clue type (definition, contrast, example, tone) and note the distractor pattern in each
Your checkpoint
An inference-and-vocabulary log of 40 items, each with evidence lines, clue type, and a self-check result
Inference and Implied Meaning & Author Purpose, Tone, and Attitude
Identify the author's purpose (inform, persuade, entertain, critique) in 20 passages and justify each choice with two textual signals
Label tone in 20 passages using precise adjectives rather than good or bad, and cite the wording that creates the tone
Detect 10 shifts in attitude within a single passage and mark where the turn happens
Distinguish author attitude from quoted or reported views in 15 passages
Your checkpoint
A purpose-and-tone chart covering 20 passages with quoted evidence for each label
Author Purpose, Tone, and Attitude & Critical Evaluation of Arguments and Claims
Evaluate 15 arguments by extracting the claim, the evidence, and the hidden assumption behind each
Flag 10 flawed reasoning patterns such as hasty generalization, false dilemma, and appeal to authority
Rate the strength of 15 evidence types and write one sentence explaining why each rating holds
Write 10 short critiques (60-80 words) judging whether the passage's conclusion is warranted
Your checkpoint
An argument audit of 15 passages with claim-evidence-assumption breakdowns, flaw labels, and written critiques
Main Idea and Gist Comprehension & Explicit Detail and Factual Information & Inference and Implied Meaning & Vocabulary in Context & Text Structure, Cohesion, and Organization & Author Purpose, Tone, and Attitude & Critical Evaluation of Arguments and Claims
Complete two full timed practice sets and log every wrong answer by domain and error type
Re-derive the correct answer for 20 missed items without re-reading the answer explanations first
Drill the two weakest domains with 30 targeted items each
Cut average time per item to the target pace while keeping accuracy above 75 percent
Your checkpoint
An error-analysis spreadsheet covering two full practice sets with error categories and a targeted re-drill record
Main Idea and Gist Comprehension & Inference and Implied Meaning & Critical Evaluation of Arguments and Claims
Run three full-length timed simulations under exam conditions and record per-domain accuracy
Review the top 10 recurring error patterns and write a one-line correction rule for each
Rehearse a 3-step routine (predict, locate, verify) on 25 mixed items to lock in a consistent process
Confirm readiness by hitting a stable accuracy threshold across all three simulations
Your checkpoint
A final simulation report with per-domain accuracy, a 10-rule correction sheet, and a go/no-go readiness verdict
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80 percent on a 20-item main-idea and detail mini-test and summarize any 300-word passage in one accurate sentence
Week 4: Explain the evidence behind every inference you draw, and define 18 of 20 context vocabulary items correctly before checking a dictionary
Week 6: Correctly label purpose, tone, and argument flaw in at least 80 percent of a 25-item mixed set
Week 8: Hold at least 75 percent overall accuracy across three full timed simulations with no domain below 65 percent