Home | Writing | Reading | Social Studies | Math | Science

READING TIPS

1. Before you read the selection, look at the purpose question, which is printed in bold, so that you will have a focus and purpose in mind as you start reading. 
2. Some test-takers will benefit from briefly looking over the test questions before starting to read the text; others prefer to read the selection first. You should try both methods to see which works best for you.
3. Read the passage before you start answering the questions. Most of the questions demand an overall understanding of the text, even when a very specific question is asked.
4. If you come to a word you don't know, use the meaning of the whole sentence to guess at the meaning of the word. Remember, contextual clues are often all you need to understand the meaning of the word. Remember also that contextual clues may come after the word in the sentence, so don’t stop reading when you hit the difficult word.
5. Pay attention not only to the actual excerpts themselves, but also to any explanatory notes, which are set off in square brackets. In excerpts from plays, the stage directions are printed in italics; make sure to pay attention to these sections in addition to the dialogue because the stage directions often contain important information about the setting and characters' actions and emotions.
6. Some questions refer to line numbers in the text. When answering these questions, make sure to go back to the passage to reread those words in their correct context. Do not rely solely on your memory! 
7. Make sure to select the answer that best and most completely answers the question. Do not select a choice just because it is a true statement.
8. The excerpts and questions are arranged in order from easiest to hardest.

Back: Reading Index | Next: Reading Lesson 1

Signup! It's Free! | Language Arts | Reading | Social Studies | Math | Science