Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension in ORT English assesses how accurately you extract and interpret written meaning under timed conditions. Tasks typically ask for main idea, explicit detail, inference, vocabulary in context, reference, and the writer's purpose or tone. Treat every answer as evidence-based: locate the line or paragraph that supports it, then check whether the option matches the wording and scope of that evidence.
Core rules
- Separate stated detail from inference. A detail is directly written; an inference is a logical conclusion the text supports but does not state.
- For main idea, choose the option that covers the whole passage, not one vivid paragraph.
- For vocabulary in context, substitute each option into the sentence and test the surrounding logic, not your first dictionary meaning.
- Track pronouns and discourse markers such as however, therefore, and although because they control contrast, cause, and reference.
- Note quantifiers and modality: all, some, may, must, only. These often decide correctness.
Worked example
Passage: 'Maya reached the station at 8:10. The 8:05 train had gone, and the next one was cancelled. She opened her phone and texted her manager: "I'll be late for the 9:30 meeting."' Question: What can be inferred about Maya? A She missed her meeting. B She expects to arrive after 9:30. C She usually takes the 8:05 train. D She is canceling the meeting. Reasoning: The text says she will be late for the 9:30 meeting, so she expects to arrive after it starts, not that she missed it or cancelled it. C is plausible background but unsupported. Answer B.
Traps
- True-but-irrelevant options: a statement may be true in the passage but not answer the question.
- Extreme wording: all, never, and only often overstate.
- Copy-paste traps repeat passage words but distort meaning.
- Confusing inference with assumption: if the text does not support it, reject it.