Two things need your attention when you prepare to face the comprehension test.
[1] The passages are taken from different disciplines and sources. It is likely you are not familiar with the topic discussed. Do not allow an unfamiliar subject discourage you. Read the passage one more time to absorb the information and the arguments. Questions will be drawn from the passage, so answering them cannot be beyond your scope. You do not need outside knowledge to tackle the questions.
[2] The language could be convoluted, and the sentences could be long. The following tips should help to overcome this.
[a] Analyze the passage carefully. Do thoughtful reading, looking out for clues to help you understand less clear portions of the passage. Try to separate main ideas from supporting ideas or evidence. Try also to separate the author’s own ideas or attitudes from information he or she is presenting.
[b] Note places where the author moves from one idea to the next. Understand the relationships among the different ideas or parts of the passage. Which are the contrasting ideas? Which ones complement one another?
[c] Note the points the the author makes. Note his conclusions. Note where he makes them and why.
How to answer:
[a] Read each question carefully and be certain that you understand exactly what is being asked.
[b] Always read all the answer choices before selecting the best answer.
[c] The best answer is the one that most accurately and most completely answers the question.
[d] Don’t choose an answer choice simply because it is a true statement. Ask: Does it answer the question completely?
[e] Reject answer choices that only partially answer the problem posed in the question.
[f] Answer questions strictly on the basis of information provided in the passage. Your opinion or your outside knowledge is irrelevant here. Always it is “According to the author…”
[g] Work within the context of the passage. You are not expected to agree or disagree with arguments given in the passage.
Go to Quiz Time for a sample comprehension test.
