Intro to Reading Comprehension

Question 1

Levels of Reading Comprehension

Answer 1

Question 2

of Reading Comprehension Questions

Answer 2

Likely 4 passages, each with 3-4 questions, for a total of 12-16 questions

Question 3

Short vs. Long

Answer 3

• Short: 1-2 paragraphs, < 50 lines of text, 200-250 total words, usually 3 questions
• Long: 3-4 paragraphs, > 50 lines of text, > 300 total words, usually 4 questions

Question 4

Pacing Strategy

Answer 4

• Short: 5 min total → 2 min read, 1 min per question
• Long: 7-8 min total → 3-4 min read, 1 min per question

Question 5

RC Strategy and Tips

Answer 5

• Be interested: Treat RC passages as an opportunity to learn something new
• Comprehension, no memorization: We DO need to read at a pace that allows for full comprehension of the passage and its main points, but we DO NOT need to read at a pace that allows for fully capturing every single detail of the passage.
• Imagery: Make a movie out of what you read to help make things clearer.
• Take notes: Figure out your own note-taking strategy. Write concisely.
• Don’t read the first question: Don’t read the first question before reading the passage. (I personally think I prefer to. Just need to be careful.)

Question 6

My RC Note-Taking Strategy

Answer 6

WASP

(This hasn’t been as helpful)

Question 7

10 Types of Reading Comprehension Questions

Answer 7

1. Primary Purpose (Main Idea)
2. Passage Structure
3. Specific Purpose
4. Author’s Opinion and Tone
5. Detail
6. Inference
7. Application
8. Identify the Assumption
9. Weaken the Argument
10. Strengthen the Argument

Question 8

3 things to practice when reading

Answer 8

1. Retention: After reading each paragraph, are you able to recite a short summary of what you just read?
2. Understanding: After reading a particular paragraph, are you able to explain why the author wrote that paragraph and how that paragraph connects to the preceding text?
3. Main Idea: Are you able to determine the main point of the article? What was the main idea of or driving force behind the article, as a whole?

Question 9

4 things for Reading Comprehension success

Answer 9

1. Understanding passages
2. Understanding questions
3. Finding in passages the right info for answering questions
4. Telling trap choices from correct answers

Question 10

Basic Ingredients

Answer 10

• Types: (1) argument (viewpoint), (2) description, (3) explanation, (4) combination (THINK: “CADE”)
• Theories, opinions, or viewpoints: Short passage (1 theory), long passage (multiple theories)
  
  • Myth structure: A group of people believe something. Author doesn’t.
• Supporting evidence: Ask big picture questions
  
  • What evidence does the author provide to support his/her viewpoints?
  • What evidence is offered in support of any opposing viewpoints?
  • Is the evidence strong?
• Descriptive info: Some passages don’t present opinions and simply describe topics.
• Explanation: In RC passages somewhat or mostly made up of explanatory information, our job will be to understand the logic of what’s explained while avoiding getting bogged down in details.

Question 11

Tricky Things about RC

Answer 11

• “Present data” → “Data” strictly refers to “statistics and specific numerical evidence,” so this isn’t correct if the passage presents little #s.
• Whose opinion → Distinguish whether an opinion is the author’s own opinion or someone else’s opinion
• Meaning of words → Be VERY careful with the meaning behind individual words