Reading Comprehension: Reconstructing the Argument
What the section rewards
Reading Comprehension on this exam tests whether you can reconstruct an argument, not whether you recognize isolated words. Passages usually combine a claim, supporting detail, and a qualification. Treat each paragraph as performing a job: introducing a problem, presenting evidence, conceding a counterpoint, or drawing a conclusion.
Core rules
- Find the sentence that states the author's main claim; test every option against it.
- Track pronouns and demonstratives ('this', 'such a policy') to their nearest logical noun phrase, not merely the nearest noun.
- Separate example from claim. A detail can be true and still not answer a main-idea or inference question.
- For inference, choose the smallest conclusion the text forces; reject options that require outside facts.
- When a question asks why the author mentions X, answer with the function of X in the paragraph.
Worked example
Passage: 'Many coastal towns invest in summer festivals, yet their winter economies remain fragile. A festival creates short-term jobs, but it does not train residents for year-round work. Towns that fund off-season apprenticeships, by contrast, report steadier shop revenue.' Question: What is the main point? Reasoning: 'yet' marks the problem; 'by contrast' contrasts festivals with apprenticeships. The claim is that off-season training addresses a weakness that festivals leave untouched. An option saying 'festivals create jobs' is true but is supporting detail, not the main point.
Traps
- Choosing a repeated word over the argument that contains it.
- Ignoring concession markers ('although', 'yet') that reverse emphasis.
- Overreading: adding causes or opinions the passage does not state.
- Confusing the author's view with a view the author reports and disputes.