Reading Comprehension Skills Flashcards

On the VCLA Reading subtest, what is the primary purpose of identifying the main idea of a passage?

Answer: To determine the central point the author is communicating

Identifying the main idea means determining the central point or argument the author is communicating throughout the passage.

A reader encounters an unfamiliar word in a VCLA passage. Which context clue strategy is most effective first?

Answer: Look at surrounding sentences for meaning clues

Using surrounding sentences and context is the most effective first strategy for determining the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

Which type of text structure presents events in the order they occurred?

Answer: Chronological order

Chronological order presents events sequentially from first to last as they occurred in time.

On the VCLA, a passage states that 'the new policy reduced absenteeism.' What type of relationship does this sentence illustrate?

Answer: Cause and effect

The sentence illustrates a cause-and-effect relationship where the policy (cause) led to reduced absenteeism (effect).

When the VCLA asks you to make an inference, you are expected to:

Answer: Draw a logical conclusion based on evidence and reasoning

Making an inference requires drawing a logical conclusion that is supported by evidence in the text combined with your own reasoning.

Which signal word most commonly indicates a contrast relationship between two ideas in a VCLA reading passage?

Answer: However

'However' is a transitional word that signals a contrast or opposing idea between two statements.