Reading comprehension questions measure your ability to read with understanding, insight and discrimination. This type of question explores your ability to analyze a written passage from several perspectives. These include your ability to recognize both explicitly stated elements in the passage and assumptions underlying statements or arguments in the passage as well as the implications of those statements or arguments.

Because the written passage upon which the questions are based presents a sustained discussion of a particular topic, there is ample context for analyzing a variety of relationships.

Pay attention to the following as you review the passage:

1. The function of a word in relation to a larger segment of the passage.
   
2. The relationships among the various ideas in the passage.
   
3. The relationship of the author to the topic or to the audience.

Types of Reading Comprehension Questions

1. Information explicitly stated in the passage.
   
2. Information or ideas implied or suggested by the author. Eg. “He turned abruptly and left without a word” implying that he was unhappy with the situation.
   
3. Possible applications of the author's ideas to other situations, including the identification of situations or processes analogous to those described in the passage. Eg. Text describes a scenario where the author witnessed a crime and the subsequest actions taken. Question asked “You saw a pickpocket in action on the MRT, what would you do?”.
   
4. The author's logic, reasoning, or persuasive techniques. Eg. Why did he do that?
   
5. The tone of the passage or the author's attitude as it is revealed in the language used. Eg. What kind of person do you think the author is?

Tips on Answering Reading Comprehension Questions

1. Since reading passages are drawn from many different disciplines and sources, you may not be familiar with the material in every passage. Do not be discouraged if you encounter unfamiliar material. Questions are to be answered on the basis of the information provided in the passage, and you are not expected to rely on outside knowledge of a particular topic.
   
   
2. Read the passage once through to get a general idea of the text. Do not get bogged down if there is a word or sentence you do not understand. You may get the main idea without knowing the individual word or sentence. Sometimes you can sense the meaning of the word from the context. Picture what you read. Try to form a picture in your mind as you read.
   
   
3. Analyze each paragraph carefully. Look for clues that will help you understand less explicit aspects of the passage. Try to separate main ideas from supporting ideas or evidence. Try also to separate the author's own ideas or attitudes from information he or she is presenting.
   
   
4. Note transitions from one idea to the next, and examine the relationships among the different ideas or parts of the passage. For example, are they contrasting? Are they complementary? Consider the points the author makes, the conclusions drawn, and how and why those points are made or conclusions are drawn. Know where the author stands.
   
   
5. Read each question carefully and be certain that you understand exactly what is being asked.
   
   
6. Identify all the answer choices before selecting the best answer. The best answer is the one that most accurately and most completely answers the questions being posed. Be careful not to pick an answer choice simply because it is a true statement. Be careful also not to be misled by answer choices that are only partially true or only partially satisfy the problem posed in the question.
   
   
7. Answer the questions on the basis of the information provided in the passage. Do not rely on outside knowledge. Your own views or opinions may sometimes conflict with the views expressed or the information provided in the passage. Be sure that you work within the context of the passage even if you think that the information given is wrong. You should not expect to agree with everything you encounter in reading passages.