π Reading Comprehension Guide
Think of it intuitively
English reading is the art of intelligent guessing. You do not need to know every word. Use context, sentence structure, and word roots to infer meaning. Scan the questions before reading the passage.
1. Finding the Main Idea
- Main Idea: The central point or argument of a passage. Ask: "What is this mainly about?"
- Topic: The subject of the text (a word or phrase).
- Supporting Details: Facts, examples, or reasons that back up the main idea.
- Stated vs. Implied: The main idea may be directly stated (topic sentence) or implied (you must infer it from the details).
Strategy: Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph first. They often contain the main idea.
2. Making Inferences
An inference is a conclusion you draw by combining what the text says with your own knowledge.
Formula: Text Evidence + Prior Knowledge = Inference
Example: "Maya slammed her books on the desk and stared out the window."
Inference: Maya is frustrated or upset β the text doesn't say it directly, but her actions imply it.
Inference: Maya is frustrated or upset β the text doesn't say it directly, but her actions imply it.
3. Author's Purpose
PIE Framework
- Persuade: Author wants to convince you of something (editorials, advertisements, arguments)
- Inform: Author wants to teach facts or explain (textbooks, news articles, how-to guides)
- Entertain: Author wants to engage emotions or imagination (stories, poems, humor)
4. Text Structures
| Structure | Signal Words | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chronological | first, next, then, finally | Sequence of events |
| Cause & Effect | because, therefore, as a result | Show relationships |
| Compare & Contrast | however, similarly, on the other hand | Show similarities/differences |
| Problem & Solution | the problem is, one solution | Present issue and answer |
| Description | for example, characteristics include | Describe a topic |
5. Critical Reading
- Fact vs. Opinion: Facts can be verified; opinions express a point of view.
- Bias: One-sided presentation of information; watch for loaded language.
- Reliability: Who wrote it? When? What is their expertise? What evidence is cited?
- Logical Fallacies: Hasty generalization, ad hominem, false cause, bandwagon.
Practice Questions
Q1: Read this passage: "Every year, millions of plastic bottles end up in the ocean. Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish. Researchers estimate that over 100,000 marine mammals die from plastic pollution annually."
What is the main idea?
Answer: Plastic pollution is seriously harming marine life.
Answer: Plastic pollution is seriously harming marine life.
Q2: Is this statement fact or opinion? "The Amazon rainforest covers approximately 5.5 million square kilometers."
Answer: Fact β it can be verified with data.
Answer: Fact β it can be verified with data.
π‘ Study Tip: Practice active reading β annotate as you read. Underline main ideas, circle signal words, write questions in the margin. This turns passive reading into engaged learning. For timed tests, read questions first to know what to look for.
Practice
Basic Q. Where do topic sentences most commonly appear in an English paragraph?
Show answer
At the beginning (deductive structure) or at the end (inductive). In academic writing, the first sentence is most common. In TOEFL/SAT texts, always check the first and last sentences first.
Intermediate Q. What type of content typically follows each connector? A) However B) Therefore C) For example
Show answer
A) Contrast/contradiction with the previous idea. B) Conclusion or result. C) A specific example supporting the previous claim. Master these and you can predict text structure.
Advanced Q. Describe a 3-step strategy for answering a vocabulary-in-context question.
Show answer
1) Identify the word in its sentence and note the surrounding context. 2) Look for clues: contrast words (but, however), cause-effect words (so, because), or synonyms nearby. 3) Substitute your predicted answer and verify it fits the logic of the passage.
Spaced Repetition β Ebbinghaus Curve
Review this material at increasing intervals to commit it to long-term memory.
Tomorrow
In 3 days
In 1 week
In 1 month