Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension on the SQU English Placement asks you to work with short academic and general passages under time pressure. Questions typically target the main idea, explicitly stated detail, inference, vocabulary in context, pronoun reference, and the writer’s purpose or tone. The test rewards evidence from the text, not outside knowledge.
Read the question before the passage
Identify the task: detail questions need a line reference; main-idea questions need the whole paragraph; inference questions need a conclusion that is strongly supported but not stated. Underline scope words such as mainly, some, all, except, and the writer suggests.
Match meaning, not words
Correct answers usually paraphrase the passage. A choice that repeats an exact phrase is often a distractor. For inference, reject options that are true in general but not supported by the text.
Worked example
Passage: “Urban trees lower street temperatures, but their benefits depend on maintenance. Young trees need watering for at least two summers; without it, survival rates fall sharply.” Question: What does the passage imply about planting trees? A. Urban trees always reduce temperatures. B. Watering is unnecessary after planting. C. Survival depends partly on care after planting. D. Mature trees need the most water. Reasoning: A is too absolute (“always”) and ignores “depend on maintenance.” B contradicts “need watering.” D is not stated. C follows from “survival rates fall sharply” when young trees are not watered. Answer: C.
Traps that cost marks
- Choosing an option because it contains a repeated word from the passage.
- Over-inferring: adding a cause, opinion, or prediction the text does not support.
- Ignoring contrast and concession signals (but, although, however), which often carry the answer.
- Missing negative or exception questions (“NOT”, “EXCEPT”).
- Spending too long on one item and losing easier detail questions later.