Major
Question Types
Main
Idea
The best statement of the main idea is
. . .
The best title for the passage is . .
.
The author is primarily concerned with
. . .
The central theme of the passage is .
. .
The
main idea is neither too broad (a response that suggests that the passage
includes more than it does) nor too narrow (a response that focuses on
details within passage that support main idea). Check first and last sentences
and scan for repeated words/ideas.
Detail
The author states
that . . .
According to the
author . . .
According to the
passage . . .
All of the following
are true except . . .
A person, term,
or place is . . .
Note
a key word in the question and then scan the passage for that word or synonym.
Reread the sentence for clarification.
Inference
The author implies
. . .
The author believes . . .
It can be inferred . . .
The passage suggests . . .
It can be concluded that . . .
An
implied meaning is suggested but not directly stated. Look for clues in
the passage and then use your own reasoning skills and knowledge. Consider
the author's tone and purpose. Reject responses that are false statements,
that lack logic, or that are directly stated in the passage.
Purpose
The purpose of
this passage is to . . .
The author's primary
purpose is . . .
This passage is
primarily concerned with . . .
The
purpose is not usually stated. It is implied and is related to the main
idea. The type of reading passage suggests the purpose: factual
passages inform, explain, describe, and enlighten;
opinion
passages persuade, argue, condemn, and ridicule;
and fiction passages
entertain, narrate, describe, and shock.
Vocabulary
As used in this
passage, the best definition of ____ is . . .
Vocabulary
items test your general word knowledge and your ability to figure out meaning
with context clues. A context clue may be a contrast clue (antonym for
word), a restatement clue (synonym for word), an example clue (illustration
of word), or a general knowledge clue (your own experience with the described
situation).
