Reading Passages questions

Fact

A statement or though that can be proven to be true.

opinion

An assumption that is not based in fact and cannot be proven to be true.

Descriptive

An idea, object, person, or other item is described in details.

Primary source

An unaltered piece of writing that was composed during the time when the events being described took place; these texts are often written by the people involved. Example: A book written by a political candidate to inform people about his or her stand on an issue is a primary source

Summary Sentence

At the end of a passage. As its name suggests, this summary sentence sums up the passage, often by restating the main idea and the author's key evidence supporting it.

Figurative languages

Author's might make use of figurative languages, which is the use of a word to imply something other than the words literal definition. This is often done by comparing two things.

Text Structure

Authors can structure passages in a number of different ways. These distinct organizational patterns, referred to as text structure, use the logical relationships between ideas to improve the readability and coherence of a text.

Signal words

Can also help you rule out sentences that are not the main idea or topic sentence: if a sentence begins with one of these phrases: it will likely be two specific to be a main idea.

Examples of common themes

Ideas like the importance of family, the dangers of technology and the beauty of nature.

Examples of inferences

In a non-fiction passage, for example, you might be asked which statement the authors of the passage would agree with. In an excerpt from a fictional work, you might be asked to anticipate what the character would do next.

Making Inferences

In addition to understanding the main idea and factual content of a passage, you'll also be asked to take your analysis one step further and anticipate what other information could logically be added to the passage.

Expository Writing

Informs people (newspaper and magazine articles)

Topic Sentence

Introduces the main idea to readers. It indicated not only the topic of a passage; but also the writer's perspective on the topic.

Topic

Is usually a specific person, place, thing, or issue, the theme is an idea or concept that the author refers back to frequently. The subject of the passage

Two Major indicators of the main idea of a paragraph or passage follows:

It is a general idea; it applies to the more specific ideas in the passage. Every other sentence in a paragraph should be able to relate in some way to the main idea. It asserts a specific viewpoint that the author supports with facts, opinions, or other details. In other words, the main idea takes a stand.

Word Structure

Many words can be broken down into three main parts: Prefix-Root-Suffix

Secondary Source

Might address the same topic but provides extra commentary or analysis. These text can be written by people not directly involved in the event. Example: an online article written by a journalist analyzing how that position will affect the election is a secondary source.

Vocabulary

On the reading section, you may also be asked to provide definitions or intended meanings for words within passages

Supporting Details

Provide more support for the author's main idea

Theme

Similar to, but distinct from the passages topic. An idea of concept the author refers to repeatedly

Prefixes

Syllables added to the beginning of a word

Suffixes

Syllables added to the end of the word.

Narrative writing

Tells a story (Novel, short story, play)

Comparison-Contrast

The author presents two situations and then discusses the resulting effects

Roots

The building blocks of all words. Every word is either a root itself or has a root. The root is what is left when you strip away all the prefixes and suffixes from a word. Example: the word unclear, if you take away the prefix-un, you have the root clear.

Context Clues

The most fundamental vocabulary skill is using the context in which a word is used to determine its meaning.

The main Idea

The purpose behind why a writer would choose to write a book, article, story, etc. Being able to find and understand the main idea is a critical skill necessary to comprehend and appreciate what you're reading. The argument the writer is making about the topic.

Questions about the author

The questions will ask about the author's attitude, thoughts, and opinions. When encountering a question asking specifically about the author, pay attention to context clues in the article. The answer may not be explicity stated, but instead conveyed in the overall message.

Additional Information

These questions will have you look at what kind of information could be added to or was missing from the passage. They may also ask in what statement could be added to strengthen the author's statement, or weaken it; they may also provide a fill-in-the-blank option to include a statement that is missing from, but fits with the rest of the passage.

Persuasive writing

Tries to convince the reader of something (opinion column on a blog)

Passage Facts

You must distinguish between facts and opinions presented in the passage. You may also be asked to identify specific information supplied by the author of the passage.

Signal words

can be helpful in identifying supporting details. These signal words tell you that a supporting facts or ideas will follow, and so can be helpful in identifying supporting details.

Examples of signal words

for example, specifically, in addition, furthermore, for instance, others, in particular, some.