READING COMPREHENSION

I. Vocabulary question

In context

Context clues: Examples, synonyms, antonyms, general sense of the sentence/passage

Examples

As teenagers grow up, they face many adversities, including loneliness and unknown future. ‘Adversities’ means:

a. challenges b. hardships c. decision

Synonyms

Peter must have innate musical talent; playing violin so well at his age requires an inborn gift.

adjective

adjective

Antonyms

The teacher would have achieved if she had been so quick to commend students for their successes as she was to criticize them for their failures. ‘commend’ means:

a. blame b. grade c. praiseverb

General sense of the sentence

Ask a question from the sentence: One argument against capital

punishment is that if an innocent person is executed, the mistake cannot be rectified.

(What cannot be done about a mistake if an innocent person is executed?)

a. remembered b. predicted c. corrected

II. Main ideas

In para 1, the writer thinks…

Which sentence best expresses the main idea in Para 2?

Topic ( general subject)Topic ( general subject)

A main idea ( the primary A main idea ( the primary point being made about the point being made about the subject)subject)

Specific ideas ( supports and Specific ideas ( supports and develop the main idea)develop the main idea)

Something that is not too Something that is not too broad nor too narrow to be broad nor too narrow to be the main ideathe main idea

Is this statement supported Is this statement supported by all or most of the other by all or most of the other materials in the paragraph?materials in the paragraph?

In later adulthood, we begin to come to terms with our own mortality.Stages of human developmentAdolescence is typically a time of identity crisis.According to psychologists, we pass through various stages of human development throughout our lives.

III. Supporting details

Reasons/examples/ steps/ factual evidenceMajor details ( explain and develop the main idea)Minor details ( help fill out and make clear the major detailsPrepare outlines/ map/ diagramLook for list words: several kinds of, four steps, a few reasons…Look for works that introduce major details: one, first, first of all, moreover, next…Look for transition words

IV. Summarising

Condensing

Pick up a point or example

Condense ( make the sentence shorter)

V. Implied main idea

Selection of supporting ideas- suggest the main point‘who or what is this paragraph about?’‘what is the main point the author is trying to make about that topic?’‘does all or most of the material in the paragraph support this idea?’Won’t be too narrow not too broad.

VI. Title/ Central points

List outline of the passage

Look at the main idea of the paragraphs

VII. Patterns of organisations

Transition words : words that show addition, words that show time, words that involve illustration, words that involve illustration, words that involve cause & effect

Words that show addition

AlsoIn addition moreoverOneFurtherFurthermoreFirst(of all)For one thingSecond(ly)Third(ly)AnotherNextFinal(ly)Last(of all)

words that show timeBeforePreviouslyFirst, second, thirdNext, last,Then, now, immediatelyLater, afterEventually, finallyWhile, during, as, whenSoon,untilSince, often, frequently

words that involve illustration

For example, for instance, such as

Including, one

Specifically, to illustrate

Once, as an illustration

To be specific

words that involve illustration

But, instead, still, even though

Yet, in contrast, are opposed, different(ly)

However, on the other hand, in spite of, differs from

Although, on the contrary, despite, unlike

Nevertheless, conversely, rather than, while

Difference, opposite

Words that involve cause and effect

Therefore, so, result,

because(of), thus, as a result,

effect, reason, consequence, results in , cause,

explanation, consequently, leads to,

if..then, accordingly,

due to,since, affect, owing to

VIII Fact and opinionFact: information that can be proved true through objective evidenceOpinion: belief, judgement, or conclusion that cannot be objectively proved true. ‘value words’Statement of fact may be found to be untrueOpinions may be masked as factsValue words often represent opinions(best, worst, better, worse, great, terrible, lovely, disgusting, beautiful, bad, good, wonderful)‘should’ ’ought to’ – signal opinionsOpinions 9 realistic, meaningful support) – solid support – made up of facts base on direct observation, expert opinion and research.

IX. Inferences(drawing conclusion)

- Reading between the lines

Pick up ideas that are no indirectly stated

You used your experience and general knowledge of events and people’s behaviour- clues provided by the writer + our own experience + logic

You made informal guesses based on the facts you observed- facts- supports, background information

X. Purpose and toneThe reason why the author writesTo inform? – give information about a subject ( facts – explain or illustrate a situation, topic)To persuade? – convince the reader to agree with the author’s point of view on a subject, may include numerous facts, but only those who support his/her point of view – should, ought toTo entertain – to amuse and delight? To appeal to the reader’s senses and imagination

Expression of author’s attitude and feelingReveals the attitude he/she has towards a subjectExpresses through the words and details the writer selectsIrony – ironic tone means it says one thing but means the opposite

Some words that describe tone

Admiring, affectionate, cruel, grateful, respectful, amused, curious, hopeful, humorous,, sorrowful, calming encouraging joyous, sympathetic, caring , enthusiastic, loving, threatening, cheerful, excited, playful, fair-minded, positive, warm, forgiving , praising,

critical, frightened, regretful, self-pitying, angry, doubtful, serious, ashamed, egotistical, insulting, tragic, conceited ,confused, worried

More words that describe tone – with their meanings

Ambivalent – uncertain about a choiceArrogant – full of self-importance; conceitedBewildered – confused, puzzledBitter – angry; full of hateCompassionate – deeply sympatheticDepressed – very sad or discouragedDetached – emotionally uninvolvedDisbelieving – unbelievingDistressed – suffering sorrow, misery, or painHumble – showing no arrogance; modestHypocritical – falseImpassioned – filled with strong feelingIndignant– angry about something unfair or meanInstructive – teachingIronic- meaning the opposite of what is expressed

More words that describe tone – with their meanings

Lighthearted – happy and carefree

matter-of-fact – sticking to facts; unemotional

Mocking – making fun of or looking down upon something

Nostalgic – longing for something or someone in the past

objective – not influenced by feelings or personal prejudices

Optimistic- looking on the bright side of things

Pessimistic- looking on the gloomy, unfavorable side of things

Pleading – begging

Prideful – full of pride or exaggerated self-esteem

Remorseful – guilty over a wrong one has done

Revengeful – wanting to hurt someone or something

More words that describe tone – with their meanings

Sarcastic – sharply critical and often ironic; mocking Scheming- trickyScornful – looking down on someone or somethingSelf-mocking- making fun of or looking down on oneselfSentimental – showing tender feelings; romantic;overly emotionalSolemn- involved with serious concernsStraightforward – direct and honestSuperior – looking down on othersTolerant – respectful of other views and behaviour; patient about problemsUncertain - doubting

XI. Arguments

A/CA/R

Look for phrases to identify whether it’s the writer’s argument or just a /CA/

Identify arguments from supporting information.

Quick tips

Read the title, 1st, last paragraph, understand the standpoint and structure of the passage.

Then read the first and lst sentence of every paragraph. (*)

Number the paragraphs

Label the question no. next to the passage

Change the statement into a question

Look for transition words