Reading Comprehension
"DLSUCET Reading? Don't get bored. Find the main point quickly. Animo La Salle! This section tests your ability to understand, analyze, and draw conclusions from written passages."
1. Types of Reading Questions 📖
Know what types of questions to expect and how to approach each one!
Question Categories
| Question Type | What It Asks | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Main Idea | What is the passage mainly about? | Check first/last paragraphs; look for repeated themes |
| Detail/Factual | Specific info from the text | Locate keywords; answer is directly stated |
| Inference | What can be concluded? | Read between the lines; combine clues |
| Vocabulary | Word meaning in context | Replace with choices; which fits the sentence? |
| Author's Purpose | Why was this written? | Inform, persuade, entertain, or describe? |
| Tone/Attitude | Author's feeling toward topic | Look at word choices: positive/negative/neutral |
2. Active Reading Strategy 🎯
Don't just passively read - engage with the text strategically!
The PQRST Method
- Preview: Skim the passage quickly (30 seconds) - get the general idea
- Question: Read the questions BEFORE detailed reading
- Read: Read actively, marking key points mentally
- Summarize: What's the main point? State it in your head
- Test: Answer questions, referring back to passage as needed
Where to Find Answers
Main Idea Clues
- First sentence of first paragraph
- Last sentence of first paragraph
- First or last sentence of passage
- Repeated words/concepts throughout
Detail Clues
- Use keywords from question to locate
- Look for names, dates, numbers
- Transition words mark new points
- Answer is usually paraphrased, not exact
3. Understanding Passage Structure 📝
Recognize how passages are organized to find information faster.
Common Passage Structures
| Structure | Description | Signal Words |
|---|---|---|
| Chronological | Events in time order | first, then, after, finally, before |
| Cause & Effect | What caused what | because, therefore, as a result, consequently |
| Compare/Contrast | Similarities/differences | however, similarly, on the other hand, unlike |
| Problem/Solution | Issue and resolution | the problem is, the solution, to address this |
| Description | Details about a topic | for example, such as, including, specifically |
4. Inference Skills 🔍
Reading between the lines - what does the author IMPLY but not directly say?
How to Make Inferences
- Gather clues from the text
- Think about what you already know
- Make a logical conclusion based on both
- Verify: Is your inference supported by evidence?
Valid Inferences
- Supported by text evidence
- Logical and reasonable
- Not contradicted by passage
- Based on author's tone/purpose
Invalid Inferences
- Too extreme ("all," "never")
- Based on outside knowledge only
- Contradicts stated information
- Not connected to the passage
5. Vocabulary in Context 📚
You don't need to know every word - context helps you figure out meanings!
Context Clue Types
| Clue Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Meaning is directly stated | "The arid, or dry, climate..." |
| Synonym | Similar word nearby | "He was elated, happy beyond words." |
| Antonym | Opposite word nearby | "Unlike the timid mouse, the bold cat..." |
| Example | Examples given | "Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons..." |
| Experience | Your own knowledge | "The marathon runner felt fatigued..." |
Strategy
- Read the sentence containing the word
- Look at surrounding sentences for clues
- Predict what the word might mean
- Try each answer choice in the sentence
- Choose the one that makes the most sense
6. Author's Purpose & Tone 🎭
Understanding WHY the author wrote and HOW they feel about the topic.
Common Author's Purposes
To INFORM
Presents facts objectively
Found in: textbooks, news articles, reports
To PERSUADE
Convinces reader of a viewpoint
Found in: editorials, ads, speeches
To ENTERTAIN
Engages reader emotionally
Found in: stories, novels, humor
To DESCRIBE
Creates vivid mental images
Found in: travel writing, nature pieces
Common Tones
7. DLSUCET Reading Tips & Practice 🎯
Exam Strategies
- Read Questions First: Know what to look for before reading
- Don't Read Every Word: Skim for main ideas, scan for details
- Stay With the Passage: Answer based on text, not your opinions
- Manage Time: Don't spend too long on one passage
- Eliminate Extremes: Answers with "all," "never," "always" are often wrong
- Trust Your First Instinct: Don't change answers without good reason
Practice Questions
Q1: Where is the main idea usually found?
Answer: Usually in the first or last paragraph, often in the first or last sentence of those paragraphs.
Q2: What's the difference between stated and implied information?
Stated = directly written in the text. Implied = suggested but not directly said; requires inference.
Q3: If a passage uses words like "furthermore," "additionally," what structure is it?
Answer: Addition/Description structure - adding more information on the same topic.
Test Your Knowledge! 🧠
Ready ka na ba? Take the practice quiz for Reading Comprehension to reinforce what you just learned.
Start Practice Quiz 📝