Passage structure recognition and question type strategies tested on the GRE reading comprehension question type.
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- What is a main idea question in GRE reading comprehension?
- A question asking for the central thesis or primary purpose of the entire passage.
- How should you approach a main idea question?
- Read the passage carefully, identify the key argument early, and note the author's stance to select the broadest accurate option.
- What distinguishes a detail question from a main idea question?
- Detail questions ask about specific facts mentioned in the passage; main idea questions ask about the overall thesis or author's primary purpose.
- What is an inference question?
- A question requiring you to draw a logical conclusion based on passage information, rather than identifying explicitly stated facts.
- How do inference questions differ from detail questions?
- Detail questions ask what the passage explicitly states; inference questions ask what must be true based on the passage's information.
- What transition words indicate a contrast in passage structure?
- However, but, yet, in contrast, on the other hand, conversely, despite, although.
- What transition words indicate support or addition in passage structure?
- Furthermore, moreover, additionally, also, in addition, likewise, similarly.
- What is an argument structure question?
- A question asking how the author builds their argument, such as what role a particular statement plays in the overall logic.
- How should you identify an author's tone?
- Look for word choice, descriptive language, and how the author discusses the subject to determine if the tone is critical, supportive, neutral, or dismissive.
- What does author's purpose mean in GRE reading comprehension?
- The reason the author wrote the passage, such as to explain, argue, critique, defend, or inform the reader.
- What is a common distractor in main idea questions?
- An option that is accurate but too specific or narrow, covering only a minor detail rather than the passage's central thesis.
- How do you distinguish between a primary purpose question and a main idea question?
- Primary purpose focuses on the author's intent (why it was written); main idea focuses on what the passage is fundamentally about.
- What is an application or analogy question?
- A question asking you to apply the passage's logic or concepts to a new, hypothetical scenario not explicitly mentioned.
- What passage structure pattern uses a question as an organizing device?
- Some passages open with a question or problem, then use the rest of the passage to explore or answer it.
- What does it mean when an author uses the word ostensibly?
- The author is indicating that something appears one way on the surface but may not be entirely true; suggests irony or contradiction.