02 Reading Comprehension
Learn how to identify a passage’s central point, interpret its clues, recognize the author’s purpose and tone, and support answers with textual evidence.
Understanding passages
involves understanding what a passage says, how its ideas connect, and what the author intends. Strong readers distinguish ideas stated by the author from conclusions they draw, then support their answers with evidence from the text.
Main ideas and
The is the central point developed by a passage or paragraph. It may be stated directly, often near the beginning or end, or implied across several sentences. To identify it, ask: What single idea do these details mostly explain? Avoid choosing a topic that is too broad or a detail that is too narrow.
explain, illustrate, or provide evidence for the . They can include examples, reasons, descriptions, facts, or comparisons. The is broader than any one supporting detail.
For example, a paragraph might describe a clinic sending appointment reminders, offering evening hours, and helping patients arrange transportation. The might be that the clinic uses several strategies to help patients keep appointments; each service is a supporting detail.
Drawing justified inferences
An is a conclusion drawn from clues in the passage and reasonable background knowledge. It is not a guess: the text must make the conclusion likely, even if it does not state it directly. Test an by asking, Which words or details support this conclusion? Reject conclusions that depend on assumptions the passage does not justify.
For example, if a passage says a patient arrives before the clinic opens and checks the appointment time twice, you may infer that the patient is concerned about being late. You cannot conclude why the patient is concerned unless the passage provides that information.
Purpose, , and
The is what the author aims to accomplish. Common purposes include informing, explaining, persuading, instructing, or entertaining. Consider what the passage mainly does: presents facts, gives directions, defends a claim, or tells a story. A passage can have more than one purpose, but questions usually ask for its primary purpose.
The is the author’s attitude toward the subject or audience. It may be objective, concerned, critical, enthusiastic, reassuring, or humorous. Determine from word choice and phrasing rather than from the subject alone; a passage about a serious subject may still use a calm, factual .
differs from , which is the feeling the passage creates for the reader.
Using
is a specific word, sentence, example, or fact that supports an answer. When asked what a passage states, choose an answer that matches the text. For questions about or purpose, select the answer best supported by the passage as a whole.
Be cautious of choices that sound plausible but lack support, contradict the passage, or exaggerate a limited claim. Evaluating evidence means checking whether the author’s details adequately support the point being made.
A practical reading method
Preview the title and passage structure to anticipate the subject.
Read for the overall point. After each paragraph, briefly state its .
Notice relationships. Identify whether details give examples, reasons, steps, comparisons, or results.
Read the question carefully. Determine whether it asks for a stated detail, , , purpose, , or evidence.
Return to the passage. Find the sentence or details that support the best answer.
Eliminate unsupported choices. Reject options that rely on outside knowledge or go beyond what the passage says.