Unit 5: Reading Comprehension

1. Introduction to Reading Comprehension Questions

Reading Comprehension (RC) is the ability to process text, understand its meaning, and integrate it with what the reader already knows. In the context of verbal ability assessments, RC measures the ability to analyze written information and answer questions based logically on that information.

1.1 The Objective of RC

Examiners use RC to test three specific cognitive skills:

• Retention: The ability to recall specific details mentioned in the passage.
• Analysis: The ability to break down complex sentences and arguments to understand the author's flow of logic.
• Synthesizing: The ability to draw conclusions, understand the tone, and grasp the "big picture."

1.2 Types of Reading Techniques

To handle RC effectively, one must master different reading speeds and styles:

• Skimming: Reading rapidly to get a general overview of the material. Useful for understanding the structure and main theme.
• Scanning: Reading rapidly to find specific facts (dates, names, figures). Used for detail-oriented questions.
• Intensive Reading: Reading in detail with specific learning aims and tasks. This is required for inference-based questions.

1.3 Anatomy of an RC Passage

Most academic or competitive passages follow a logical structure:

1. The Hook/Premise: Introduces the topic.
2. The Pivot: A transition word (e.g., "however," "nonetheless") that introduces the main conflict or argument.
3. Supporting Evidence: Data, examples, or citations backing the argument.
4. Conclusion: A summary or a look forward/implication.

2. Identifying the Main Idea

The "Main Idea" is the central point or thought the author wants to communicate to the reader. It is the "thesis statement" of the passage. Identifying the main idea is crucial because it acts as an anchor for answering almost all other questions.

2.1 Topic vs. Main Idea

It is vital to distinguish between the topic and the main idea.

• Topic: What the passage is about (General).
  • Example: "Global Warming."
• Main Idea: What the author is saying about the topic (Specific argument).
  • Example: "Global warming is primarily accelerated by industrial carbon emissions and requires immediate policy intervention."

2.2 Strategies for Locating the Main Idea

1. The First and Last Sentence Rule: In many academic texts, the main idea is introduced in the first paragraph (introduction) and reiterated in the last paragraph (conclusion).
2. The "Umbrella" Theory: The main idea must cover the content of all paragraphs. If an idea only applies to one paragraph, it is a supporting detail, not the main idea.
3. Signal Words: Look for conclusive transition words like consequently, therefore, in summary, clearly, the most important factor is...

2.3 Common Traps in Main Idea Questions

When selecting an answer for "What is the primary purpose of the passage?", beware of:

• Too Narrow: The option focuses on a specific detail from paragraph 2, missing the rest of the text.
• Too Broad: The option makes a sweeping generalization that the text does not support.
• The "Distractor": An option that is factually true based on the text but is not the central focus.

3. Drawing Inferences from the Text

Inference is the process of deriving logical conclusions from premises known or assumed to be true. In RC, an inference is something that is not explicitly stated in the text but is strongly implied.

3.1 The Logic of Inference

An inference is not a guess. It must hold up to the "Evidence Test." If you cannot point to a line in the text that justifies your conclusion, it is an assumption, not an inference.

3.2 Types of Inference Questions

1. Author’s Implication: "The author implies that..."
2. Logical Extension: "If the arguments in the passage are true, which of the following would also likely be true?"
3. Tone and Attitude: "The author’s attitude toward the subject can best be described as..." (Tone is inferred from word choice).

3.3 The "Outside Knowledge" Trap

This is the most common error in inference questions.

• Rule: You must answer questions based ONLY on the information provided in the passage.
• Scenario: If a passage discusses the American Civil War but does not mention Abraham Lincoln, and a question asks, "Who was the President during the events described?", the answer (in the context of strict RC) cannot be assumed unless the text provides clues, even though you know it implies Lincoln factually.
• Strategy: Avoid answers that rely on your personal opinion or external facts not found in the text.

4. Contextualizing Vocabulary

Vocabulary in context questions tests the ability to deduce the meaning of a difficult word or phrase based on the surrounding text. The definition required is rarely the primary dictionary definition; it is the definition as used in that specific sentence.

4.1 Context Clues Strategies (The I.D.E.A.S. Method)

When encountering an unknown word, look for the following clues:

• I - Inference: The meaning is not given, but the logic of the sentence clarifies it.
  • Example: "The box was so ponderous that five men could not lift it." (Logic suggests ponderous means heavy).
• D - Definition: The author defines the word immediately after using it.
  • Example: "He was a misanthrope, a person who dislikes humankind."
• E - Example: The text provides a list of items that fit the category of the unknown word.
  • Example: "Bovine creatures, such as cows, bison, and buffalo, grazed." (Bovine refers to cattle).
• A - Antonym (Contrast): Signal words like but, however, unlike, or despite indicate the opposite meaning.
  • Example: "Unlike his gregarious brother, John was shy and withdrawn." (Gregarious must mean the opposite of shy/withdrawn -> sociable).
• S - Synonym (Restatement): The author repeats the idea using a familiar word.
  • Example: "The logic was fallacious; it was simply a misleading argument."

4.2 Polysemy (Multiple Meanings)

Many English words have multiple meanings. Contextualization requires identifying the correct one.

• Word: Current
  • Context A: "The boat moved against the current." (Flow of water).
  • Context B: "The current situation is volatile." (Present time).
• Strategy: Use the Substitution Method. Replace the target word with the answer choices. The one that maintains the sentence's logic and tone is the correct answer.

Summary Checklist for Solving RC

To maximize accuracy in Unit 5, follow this workflow:

1. Read the Question Stem First (Optional but recommended): Identify if you are looking for a specific detail, a main idea, or an inference.
2. Active Reading: Read the passage. Mentally summarize each paragraph in 3-4 words.
3. Identify the Tone: Is the author objective, critical, enthusiastic, or neutral?
4. Eliminate Wrong Answers: Look for:
   • Extreme language (always, never, everyone).
   • Out of scope (irrelevant info).
   • Direct contradiction to the text.
5. Verify Evidence: For inference and detail questions, put your finger on the sentence in the text that supports your choice.