PREPARE FOR READING COMPREHENSION TESTS – Flashcards

Knowing typical reading comprehension questions like: A. Questions based on the entire passage usually target... · the main point of the text · the author's intention · the passage's main ideas · the passage's content B. Questions based on sections of the passage usually targets the test-takers ability... · to identify and understand the main points in each paragraph · look for cue words (i.e.. advantages, disadvantages, similarities, differences, in contrast with, in comparison to, most importantly, primarily, and on the other hand) · to deal with inferences, applications, and implications of the information C. Questions based on particular words, phrases or sentences usually target... · the reasons for using the information · the meanings of the information

Looking over the questions before reading the passage does help to focus your attention on specific information; however, on timed standardized tests this practice is probably a waste of time. On timed tests, therefore, it is more important to move through the passages and questions efficiently. If you are familiar with the common types of questions asked on standardized tests, as described above, you will already know what to expect. If you read the questions first, you will be tempted to move too quickly through the passage looking for the answers. As a result, the intentions and tone of the author may be missed. It is likely that you will misunderstand the general theme of the passage.

One of the best ways to prepare for reading comprehension tests is to practice. It is relatively easy to find reading materials appropriate for standardized test preparation. You might also team with a friend, finding passages and making up questions for each other. Locate passages of text about three to six paragraphs in length from the following sources: newspaper stories, newspaper editorials, newspaper political columns, essays and columns in news magazines (i.e. Time or Newsweek), science fact magazines, encyclopedia articles, nonfiction books, and general interest magazines (i.e. Reader's Digest). Read a passage, keeping in mind the common types of standardized test questions discussed previously. After completing the reading, make up questions based on the entire passage, on sections of the passage, or on specific words or sentences. Then answer your own questions.

-underlining key words and numbering the main ideas or key points as you reads a passage -check each answer after selecting it to see if: > all parts of the question are answered > the answer is contained in the text -learn, practice and use all the strategies listed in the "DURING TEST" section for: > "reading each question and all answers carefully " > "making logical, educated, reasonable answer choices"

Acrostics are phrases or poems in which the first letter of each word or line functions as a cue to help you recall the words that you are trying to remember. One popular example is the phrase "Every good boy does fine". This acrostic is used to remember the order of musical notes on a musical scale.