1. Here are some key features of reading test passages.
The Reading Test
Here are some key features of reading test passages.

2. 1. Genre and 2.  Purpose
Literary texts will have a theme. They tell a story.
Informational texts will give information such as…
explain a process
explain a concept
convince you to accept an idea
convince you to do something.

3. 3. Subject - The reading passages will have the following subjects:
Classic and contemporary American literature
Classic and contemporary world literature
History - selections from U.S. founding documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address
Social Studies - economics, sociology, and political science
Science - information, concepts and experiments in the fields of earth science, biology, chemistry and physics.

4. 4. Complexity The passages will vary on difficulty.
Yet remember, the test assesses your ability to read texts that you will see in college or the work place.

5. 5. Paired passages Some passages are paired with another passage.
These may differ in opinions.
They may present different information on the same topic.
One passage might be a general overview while the other zeroes in on one particular element. 
The questions on the test will ask about each passage separately as well as both passages together.

6. 6. Informational graphics
Some passages include one or more tables, graphs, charts, etc.
You might have to
locate information in the graphic
draw reasonable conclusions
make connections between the graphic and the passage
Graphics appear along with…
one of the history/social studies passages
one of the science passages

7. Remember!
All of the information you need to answer the questions can be found…
In the passages
In the graphics
In the footnotes. 
You won't be tested on your background knowledge of the specific topics. 
In fact, be careful not to apply outside knowledge.
It may skew your interpretation of the text.