Reading Comprehension Explanation
Reading comprehension in an assessment works differently from everyday reading: every question can be answered from the passage alone. Bringing in outside knowledge is the most common mistake.
The three question types
1. Main idea — what is the passage essentially about? Pick the option that covers the whole text: not too narrow (one detail) and not too broad (more than the text claims).
2. Detail questions — the answer is stated (almost) literally. Locate the sentence; distractors often combine one correct with one incorrect element.
3. Inference — what follows logically without being stated? Beware of options with 'always', 'never' or 'completely': overly strong claims are rarely right.
Approach under time pressure
Skim first (±30 seconds), then read the question and search the passage. Torn between two options? Choose the one that stays closest to the literal text. Practise this rhythm with the free practice sets.
Worked example
More and more municipalities are replacing their street lighting with LED lamps. They cost more to buy than traditional lamps, but LED lamps last longer and use less electricity. Within a few years the extra cost is recovered. Even so, some municipalities postpone the switch, because replacing thousands of fixtures requires a large one-off investment.
What is the main idea of this passage?
A. LED lamps cost more to buy than traditional lamps.
B. Switching to LED lighting pays off in the long run but requires a substantial upfront investment.
C. Municipalities are required to switch to LED lighting.
D. Traditional street lighting uses hardly any electricity.
Answer B is correct. Eliminate the rest:
- A is true, but it is a detail — not what the passage is essentially about (too narrow).
- C is not in the passage: no obligation is mentioned anywhere. Classic trap — an option that goes beyond the text.
- D contradicts the passage: traditional lamps use more electricity than LED.
Only B covers the whole passage: the long-term benefit and the upfront-investment hurdle.
