Reading Comprehension Skills Flashcards

When a reader makes an inference, what are they doing?

Answer: Drawing a conclusion based on clues in the text combined with their own knowledge

An inference is a conclusion the reader draws from evidence in the text and their own background knowledge, rather than information explicitly stated.

What is the difference between the 'main idea' and 'supporting details' in a paragraph?

Answer: The main idea is the broad central point; supporting details provide evidence, examples, or explanations that develop it

The main idea is the central message or argument of a paragraph; supporting details back it up with specifics.

What does it mean when a text is described as having a 'formal' tone?

Answer: The text uses professional, impersonal language suited to academic or professional contexts

A formal tone uses professional, objective language — avoiding slang, contractions, and first-person perspective — appropriate for academic, legal, or business writing.

A reader who identifies the author's purpose is recognizing:

Answer: Why the author wrote the text — to inform, to persuade, or to entertain

Author's purpose identifies why a text was written — the three main purposes are to inform (give facts), to persuade (change minds), or to entertain (engage or amuse).

What is a synonym for the word 'ambiguous' as used in a sentence like 'The contract contained several ambiguous clauses'?

Answer: Open to more than one interpretation; unclear

'Ambiguous' means having more than one possible meaning, making it unclear or open to different interpretations.

In a text, what is the function of a subheading?

Answer: To organize the text by labelling sections and helping readers navigate content

Subheadings divide a text into labelled sections, helping readers understand its structure and locate specific information quickly.