Reading Comprehension Tests

Improve Reading Test Scores

Reading comprehension tests gauge whether you can interpret information contained in a reading passage. They do not measure what you've learned somewhere else. If you understand what's expected on these tests, you'll have a decided edge. If you've always had trouble with reading comprehension tests, the following suggestions may help you. These tips may seem strange, but if nothing else has worked for you, try them.

Strategy 1: If the instructions tell you to read the passage first and then answer the question, try reading the questions first instead.

If the questions ask for specific factual material contained in the reading, it doesn't always pay to read the entire passage carefully. Skim it to find the facts and then move on. You can save lots of time that way.

Reading comprehension questions often ask you to make conclusions or draw inferences about what the author said in the passage. To supply such answers, you will have to read the entire passage. But if you've read the questions first, you'll have a better idea of what you're looking for.

Strategy 2: Reading comprehension tests are timed tests, so use your time to answer first as many of the easiest questions as possible.

Reading selections are usually arranged with the easier ones first, followed by the more difficult ones last. If a passage looks difficult after reading it, don't skip to the next one and plan to come back later. Skipping around after you've already read the passages wastes your time.

Skim to locate the easiest questions. If you're good at finding factual references, but poor at forming conclusions, do factual passages first. As you read the questions, when you find "inferential" or "conclusive" questions, mark them for later and then skim the next set of questions. (If you don't know these words, look them up. You need to understand these types of questions.)

Strategy 3: Check your answers.

After you've chosen an answer, compare it to the sentence that gave you the answer. Be sure that the answer covers all parts of the question. Be sure you've checked the answer you intended to check - don't lose points by finding the correct answer and then checking the wrong one.

Strategy 4: Don't Add Any Facts

Base your answers entirely on facts contained in the reading passage. Even if you know something about the subject, remember that this is a test of your ability to read and understand a given passage. Trying to applying your outside knowledge may cost you points.

Strategy 5: Forget Your Own Conclusions

Remind yourself that you're being tested on your understanding of the words, sentences, facts, and ideas in the passage -- nothing more. If you think the author's facts or conclusions are wrong, forget it -- and answer questions based only on what the author says. If you know something about the subject, read carefully so you don't lose points by jumping to conclusions based on your own preconceptions. Be sure you can point to the reading passage that supports the conclusions reached in the answer you've selected.