Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension tests locating detail, understanding main idea, following argument, guessing vocabulary from context, and recognising cohesion. Texts may be notices, articles, adverts, or short extracts. Questions often ask for True/False/Not Given, matching headings, or multiple choice.
Core rules
- Read the questions first, then scan for the relevant paragraph. Do not read every text at the same speed.
- For main-idea questions, identify the topic sentence of each paragraph.
- For detail questions, find the exact line; the answer must be supported by the text, not by general knowledge.
- For vocabulary-in-context, substitute each option into the sentence and check logic and collocation.
- For reference questions, trace pronouns backward to the nearest logical noun.
- Use cohesive devices as signposts: “however” signals contrast, “therefore” signals result, “for instance” signals example.
Worked example
Text: “The council’s decision was welcomed by cyclists, though shopkeepers argued that removing parking spaces would reduce footfall.” Question: How did shopkeepers react? A) They supported the decision. B) They were worried about trade. C) They were indifferent. Reasoning: “argued that removing parking spaces would reduce footfall” means concern about customers and trade. “Welcomed” applies to cyclists, not shopkeepers. Answer B.
Traps
- Using outside knowledge instead of the passage.
- Matching exact words while missing the meaning.
- Ignoring “EXCEPT” or “NOT” in the question.
- Confusing Not Given with False: Not Given means the text does not say either way.