Read between the lines

2) Skim read the text

On this first reading of the text, you are aiming to get just the general meaning.

3) Identify key words

Return to the questions and underline key words in them. These will help you find the location of the correct answer in the text. I’ve underlined them in question 1 below as an example.

This is question 1 from the sample test we'll be working on in a minute.

In the text, synonyms will almost certainly be used for some of them, so think about what these might be as you pick out the key words.

4) Think about meaning

Your other task while looking at the answer options is to try and work out the difference in meaning between them. Two may be very similar. Don’t spend too much time on this but doing it will save you precious minutes in the next step.

READING STRATEGIES

Reading Strategies

Reading is a skill that is used in all subject areas and can greatly increase or decrease a student’s success in the classroom. Reading strategies can be used to vary the approach students are given of any given text. Some reading strategies are summarized below.