Reading Comprehension Introduction and Strategies

3 types of questions Standard M/C, one correct answer M/C, one or more correct answers Select the sentence from the passage

Not looking for facts/definitions Testing your ability to recognize relationships among words and concepts

Method for Reading Comp 1- Read the passage strategically 2- Analyze the question stem 3- Research the relevant text in the passage 4- Make a prediction 5- Evaluate the answer choices

1-Read passage strategically Identify the topic (general subject matter and main points) Identify the scope (aspect of the topic, author’s focus) Map the passage- take brief notes on each paragraph- summarize main points, argument, etc. Identify author’s purpose (author’s tone/attitude) primarily informative or argumentative

Step 1 continued Comparisons and/or recommendations = persuasion Straightforward reporting style, no judgment= information *Author’s tone inseparable from judgment* Look for ‘road signs’: however, but, despite

2- Analyze the question stem Generally 1-6 questions per passage If only 1 question, read question before passage Read entire passage first if more than 1 question

Most common stems Main Idea (The best title for this passage is…) Hunt/Peck (According to the author, which…) Organization (The 3rd paragraph plays which of the following roles…) Inference (The author implies that critics mostly likely object to…) Vocabulary in context (The word “anachronism” most nearly means…in passage context…)

3- Research relevant text in passage Research, not reread Use passage map to target area Try not to consider more of text than is necessary to answer question

4- Make a prediction Before reading answer choices, try to form a response or target section of the passage If inference is required, use evidence found in passage to infer. Correct answer will be supported by passage

5- Evaluate answer choices For single M/C, use process of elimination For multiple M/C, try to match prediction, eliminate choices Possible for all choices to be correct For multiple M/C and ‘select all that apply’, you must check all of the choices. No partial credit! Select in passage-eliminate incorrect sentences, contradictions, distortions, etc.