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?
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A question asking for the central thesis or primary purpose of the entire passage.- How should you approach a main idea question?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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However, but, yet, in contrast, on the other hand, conversely, despite, although.- What transition words indicate support or addition in passage structure?
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Furthermore, moreover, additionally, also, in addition, likewise, similarly.- What is an argument structure question?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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The author is indicating that something appears one way on the surface but may not be entirely true; suggests irony or contradiction.
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