English Language and Reading Comprehension
What this domain tests
The English Language and Reading Comprehension section checks whether you can read a short passage and answer literal, inferential, and vocabulary-in-context questions, and whether you control standard written English. Expect main-idea, detail, inference, tone, pronoun-reference, and grammar/usage items.
Core rules
- Read the passage once for structure: who or what, the central claim, and how each paragraph supports it.
- Answer detail questions by locating the exact sentence; do not rely on memory.
- Treat vocabulary-in-context as a substitution test: replace the word with each option and check fit.
- For grammar, match subject and verb, keep tense consistent, and place modifiers next to the word they describe.
- For 'EXCEPT' and 'NOT' questions, eliminate the three options supported by the passage.
Worked example
Passage: 'Although the town had built a new clinic, many residents still traveled to the capital for treatment. The clinic lacked a full-time doctor, and its laboratory opened only twice a week.' Question: Which statement is best supported? A. The clinic was never used. B. The clinic could not provide all needed services. C. Residents preferred the capital's weather. D. The laboratory was closed permanently.
Reasoning: A is too absolute; the passage says 'many,' not all. C introduces weather, which is absent. D contradicts 'twice a week.' B is supported by the missing doctor and limited laboratory. Answer: B.
Traps
- Choosing a true statement that is not in the passage.
- Confusing the main idea with a supporting detail.
- Missing qualifiers such as 'some,' 'most,' and 'only.'
- Ignoring antecedent agreement in pronoun questions.
- Selecting an extreme answer when the passage is moderate.