1. Reading Comprehension
Introduction and Strategies

5. 3 types of questions Standard M/C, one correct answer
M/C, one or more correct answers
Select the sentence from the passage

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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…)

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.