Reading Comprehension Skills Flashcards

When identifying the main idea of a passage, a reader should primarily focus on:

Answer: The central point the author wants to communicate

The main idea is the central point or argument the author intends to convey, which may be stated or implied throughout the text.

Which reading strategy involves previewing headings, subheadings, and visuals before reading a text in detail?

Answer: Surveying

Surveying (or previewing) involves reviewing structural elements like headings and images before reading to build a mental framework for the text.

An inferential question requires a reader to:

Answer: Draw conclusions from information implied in the text

Inferential questions require readers to use clues from the text combined with prior knowledge to draw conclusions not explicitly stated.

In reading comprehension, 'context clues' are best described as:

Answer: Surrounding words and sentences that help determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word

Context clues are words, phrases, or sentences surrounding an unfamiliar word that provide hints about its meaning.

A reader who distinguishes between facts and opinions in a text is demonstrating which comprehension skill?

Answer: Critical reading

Critical reading involves evaluating text content, including the ability to distinguish objective facts from the author's subjective opinions.

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a topic sentence?

Answer: To introduce the main idea of a paragraph

A topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph, typically appearing at or near the beginning to guide the reader.

When a text uses a 'cause and effect' structure, readers should look for:

Answer: Signal words such as 'because,' 'therefore,' and 'as a result'

Cause and effect text structures are signaled by connective words like 'because,' 'therefore,' 'consequently,' and 'as a result.'