Reading Comprehension
What to master
Reading comprehension asks for the main idea, supporting details, sequence, comparison, cause and effect, the author's purpose and tone, and the meaning of a word from context. Separate what the passage states from what you infer. The main idea is broad enough to cover the whole passage; a detail question points to one sentence; an inference must follow logically from the text.
Traps
- An answer that is true in real life but not supported by the passage.
- Extreme wording: always, never, all, only. Correct answers are usually measured.
- Confusing the main idea with the first sentence or with one example.
- Choosing a detail answer for a main-idea question.
- Tone questions where the passage is neutral but an option sounds dramatic.
Worked example
A passage describes how an office reduced errors by introducing a double-check system, then lists three steps. Question: What is the main idea? A choice such as Double-checking reduced errors covers the whole passage; Step two is to initial each page is only a detail.
Rule of thumb
Read the questions first, then the passage. For each option, ask: Where in the text is this supported? If you cannot point to a line, eliminate it.