Reading Comprehension
"UPCAT Reading Comprehension? Basahin nang intindi, hindi lang basta-basta! This tests your ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written passages. Let's master the strategies, besh!"
1. Understanding Main Ideas
Every passage has a main idea - the central point the author wants to convey. This is the most tested skill in reading comprehension!
How to Find the Main Idea
Step 1: Read the First and Last Paragraphs
The main idea is often stated in the introduction and restated in the conclusion.
Step 2: Look for Topic Sentences
The first sentence of each paragraph often contains the key idea of that section.
Step 3: Ask "What is this passage mostly about?"
The answer should be general enough to cover the whole passage, not just one part.
UPCAT Tip:
Main idea answers are usually moderate - neither too specific nor too broad. If an answer only covers one paragraph, it's too specific. If it goes beyond the passage, it's too broad.
2. Supporting Details
Supporting details are specific pieces of information that back up the main idea.
Types of Supporting Details
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Facts & Statistics | Specific data or numbers | "85% of students passed..." |
| Examples | Specific instances | "For instance, Maria..." |
| Reasons | Explanations of why | "This occurs because..." |
| Descriptions | Detailed characteristics | "The process involves..." |
| Expert Opinions | Quotes from authorities | "According to Dr. Santos..." |
Detail Question Keywords
- • "According to the passage..."
- • "The author states that..."
- • "Which of the following is mentioned..."
- • "The passage indicates that..."
Strategy
- • Locate key words from the question in the passage
- • Read the surrounding sentences carefully
- • The answer should be directly stated
- • Watch out for paraphrased answers
3. Making Inferences
Inferences require you to read between the lines - understanding what the author implies but doesn't directly state.
Types of Inference Questions
Logical Inference
"It can be inferred that..." - Draw conclusions based on evidence in the text.
Author's Attitude/Tone
"The author's tone is..." - Identify the emotional quality (critical, supportive, neutral, sarcastic).
Purpose
"The author's purpose is to..." - Why did the author write this? (inform, persuade, entertain, describe).
Inference Rule:
Valid inferences must be supported by evidence in the passage. If you can't point to specific text that supports your inference, it's probably wrong.
4. Vocabulary in Context
These questions ask you to determine word meaning based on how it's used in the passage.
Context Clue Types
| Clue Type | Signal Words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | is, means, refers to | "Photosynthesis is the process..." |
| Synonym | or, also known as | "...lethargic, or tired..." |
| Antonym | but, however, unlike | "...not timid but bold" |
| Example | such as, for instance | "...tools such as hammers..." |
| General Context | (surrounding sentences) | Use overall meaning of passage |
Strategy
- • Read the sentence with the word
- • Read sentences before and after
- • Substitute each answer choice
- • Choose the one that makes sense in context
Warning
- • Don't choose the most common meaning!
- • Words often have multiple meanings
- • Context determines which meaning applies
- • "Bank" can mean riverbank or financial institution
5. Text Organization & Structure
Understanding how a passage is organized helps you locate information quickly.
Common Organizational Patterns
| Pattern | Signal Words | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Chronological | first, then, after, finally | Events in time order |
| Compare/Contrast | similarly, however, but, while | Showing similarities/differences |
| Cause/Effect | because, therefore, as a result | Explaining why things happen |
| Problem/Solution | the problem is, one solution | Issue and response |
| Classification | types of, categories, groups | Organizing into categories |
6. Reading Strategies for UPCAT
Time is limited! Use these proven strategies to read efficiently.
Strategy 1: Skim First
- • Read first sentence of each paragraph
- • Get the general idea in 30 seconds
- • Note key terms and structure
Strategy 2: Read Questions First
- • Know what to look for
- • Underline key words in questions
- • Focus your reading
Strategy 3: Active Reading
- • Mentally summarize each paragraph
- • Note the author's opinion
- • Mark important information
Strategy 4: Process of Elimination
- • Cross out obviously wrong answers
- • Look for extreme words (always, never)
- • Choose the best remaining option
7. Practice Questions
1. What type of question is: "The author would most likely agree that..."?
Show Answer
This is an INFERENCE question about author's opinion. Look for the author's tone and perspective throughout the passage.
2. "In line 15, the word 'novel' most nearly means..." - What type of question is this?
Show Answer
VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT. "Novel" could mean a book OR something new/innovative. Read the surrounding sentences to determine which meaning fits.
3. Which is NOT a valid inference strategy?
A) Looking for evidence in the text
B) Using your own outside knowledge
C) Considering the author's tone
Show Answer
B is NOT valid. Inferences must be based on the passage itself, not your outside knowledge. Stick to what the text says or implies.
4. What organizational pattern uses words like "therefore," "because," and "as a result"?
Show Answer
CAUSE AND EFFECT. These signal words show the relationship between an action and its consequence.
UPCAT Reading Comprehension Tips
- • Practice with timed reading - you have about 1.5-2 minutes per passage
- • Read a variety of texts: science, social science, arts, humanities
- • Don't let unfamiliar topics intimidate you - all answers are in the passage
- • For main idea questions, eliminate answers that are too specific or too broad
- • For detail questions, find the exact location in the passage
- • For inference questions, look for evidence that supports your answer
- • Never choose an answer without checking it against the passage
Test Your Knowledge! 🧠
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