PrepareComprehension Skills · 4 min read
Reading for the main idea
In comprehension, read the questions first so that you know what to look for, then read the passage once at normal speed to grasp the general idea.
The main idea of a paragraph is usually in its first or last sentence. Supporting details are examples, statistics and explanations that back up that idea.
When asked for the meaning of a word 'as used in the passage', never give the dictionary meaning you already know. Replace the word with each option in the actual sentence and see which keeps the meaning unchanged.
Key points
- •Skim the questions before reading the passage.
- •Topic sentences usually open or close a paragraph.
- •Vocabulary answers must fit the sentence in the passage.