1. Types of Reading Questions 📖
Know what types of questions to expect and how to approach each one!
Question Categories
| Question Type | What It Asks | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Main Idea | What is the passage mainly about? | Check first/last paragraphs; look for repeated themes |
| Detail/Factual | Specific info from the text | Locate keywords; answer is directly stated |
| Inference | What can be concluded? | Read between the lines; combine clues |
| Vocabulary | Word meaning in context | Replace with choices; which fits the sentence? |
| Author's Purpose | Why was this written? | Inform, persuade, entertain, or describe? |
| Tone/Attitude | Author's feeling toward topic | Look at word choices: positive/negative/neutral |
2. Active Reading Strategy 🎯
Don't just passively read - engage with the text strategically!
The PQRST Method
- Preview: Skim the passage quickly (30 seconds) - get the general idea
- Question: Read the questions BEFORE detailed reading
- Read: Read actively, marking key points mentally
- Summarize: What's the main point? State it in your head
- Test: Answer questions, referring back to passage as needed
Where to Find Answers
Main Idea Clues
- First sentence of first paragraph
- Last sentence of first paragraph
- First or last sentence of passage
- Repeated words/concepts throughout
Detail Clues
- Use keywords from question to locate
- Look for names, dates, numbers
- Transition words mark new points
- Answer is usually paraphrased, not exact
3. Understanding Passage Structure 📝
Recognize how passages are organized to find information faster.
Common Passage Structures
| Structure | Description | Signal Words |
|---|---|---|
| Chronological | Events in time order | first, then, after, finally, before |
| Cause & Effect | What caused what | because, therefore, as a result, consequently |
| Compare/Contrast | Similarities/differences | however, similarly, on the other hand, unlike |
| Problem/Solution | Issue and resolution | the problem is, the solution, to address this |
| Description | Details about a topic | for example, such as, including, specifically |
4. Inference Skills 🔍
Reading between the lines - what does the author IMPLY but not directly say?
How to Make Inferences
- Gather clues from the text
- Think about what you already know
- Make a logical conclusion based on both
- Verify: Is your inference supported by evidence?
Valid Inferences
- Supported by text evidence
- Logical and reasonable
- Not contradicted by passage
- Based on author's tone/purpose
Invalid Inferences
- Too extreme ("all," "never")
- Based on outside knowledge only
- Contradicts stated information
- Not connected to the passage
5. Vocabulary in Context 📚
You don't need to know every word - context helps you figure out meanings!
Context Clue Types
| Clue Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Meaning is directly stated | "The arid, or dry, climate..." |
| Synonym | Similar word nearby | "He was elated, happy beyond words." |
| Antonym | Opposite word nearby | "Unlike the timid mouse, the bold cat..." |
| Example | Examples given | "Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons..." |
| Experience | Your own knowledge | "The marathon runner felt fatigued..." |
Strategy
- Read the sentence containing the word
- Look at surrounding sentences for clues
- Predict what the word might mean
- Try each answer choice in the sentence
- Choose the one that makes the most sense
6. Author's Purpose & Tone 🎭
Understanding WHY the author wrote and HOW they feel about the topic.
Common Author's Purposes
To INFORM
Presents facts objectively
Found in: textbooks, news articles, reports
To PERSUADE
Convinces reader of a viewpoint
Found in: editorials, ads, speeches
To ENTERTAIN
Engages reader emotionally
Found in: stories, novels, humor
To DESCRIBE
Creates vivid mental images
Found in: travel writing, nature pieces
Common Tones
7. DLSUCET Reading Tips & Practice 🎯
Exam Strategies
- Read Questions First: Know what to look for before reading
- Don't Read Every Word: Skim for main ideas, scan for details
- Stay With the Passage: Answer based on text, not your opinions
- Manage Time: Don't spend too long on one passage
- Eliminate Extremes: Answers with "all," "never," "always" are often wrong
- Trust Your First Instinct: Don't change answers without good reason
Practice Questions
Q1: Where is the main idea usually found?
Answer: Usually in the first or last paragraph, often in the first or last sentence of those paragraphs.
Q2: What's the difference between stated and implied information?
Stated = directly written in the text. Implied = suggested but not directly said; requires inference.
Q3: If a passage uses words like "furthermore," "additionally," what structure is it?
Answer: Addition/Description structure - adding more information on the same topic.