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

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. 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. 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. 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. 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

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.