Kaplan Reading Comprehension Strategies

Question 1

What is the primary benefit of reading the question stem BEFORE reading a passage in a timed exam?

Accepted Answer

It helps you focus on relevant information while reading

Answer

It allows you to read faster without marking anything

Answer

It eliminates the need to re-read the passage

Answer

It lets you guess the answer before reading

Question 2

Which of the following best describes 'active reading' in a Kaplan test prep context?

Accepted Answer

Engaging with the text by marking key ideas and summarizing paragraphs mentally

Answer

Reading silently at maximum speed without stopping

Answer

Skipping difficult sections and returning to them later

Answer

Reading only the first and last sentences of each paragraph

Question 3

A 'main idea' question on a reading comprehension test is most directly asking you to identify:

Accepted Answer

The central argument or purpose of the entire passage

Answer

A specific detail mentioned in the second paragraph

Answer

The author's personal background and credentials

Answer

A vocabulary word used in an unusual way

Question 4

When using the Process of Elimination (POE) on reading comprehension questions, what is the most reliable criterion for eliminating an answer choice?

Accepted Answer

The answer choice introduces information not supported by the passage

Answer

The answer choice uses complicated vocabulary

Answer

The answer choice is longer than the other options

Answer

The answer choice mentions a topic covered in only one paragraph

Question 5

An 'inference' question in reading comprehension asks you to:

Accepted Answer

Draw a logical conclusion that is implied but not explicitly stated

Answer

Find an exact quote from the passage

Answer

State what is directly defined in the passage glossary

Answer

Identify which paragraph contains the most facts

Question 6

When you encounter an unfamiliar word in a reading passage during a timed exam, the best Kaplan-recommended strategy is to:

Accepted Answer

Use surrounding context clues and word roots to deduce the meaning

Answer

Skip the question entirely and move on

Answer

Assume the word is used in its most common everyday sense

Answer

Immediately look for a definition in another part of the passage

Question 7

What is the purpose of building a 'roadmap' or 'passage map' while reading a test passage?

Accepted Answer

To record a brief note about the purpose of each paragraph for quick reference

Answer

To write out the passage in your own words completely

Answer

To identify every factual detail for memorization

Answer

To outline the passage for a summary essay