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Reading comprehension questions measure your ability to read with understanding, insight and discrimination. This type of question explores your ability to analyze a written passage from several perspectives. These include your ability to recognize both explicitly stated elements in the passage and assumptions underlying statements or arguments in the passage as well as the implications of those statements or arguments.

Because the written passage upon which the questions are based presents a sustained discussion of a particular topic, there is ample context for analyzing a variety of relationships.

Pay attention to the following as you review the passage:

• The function of a word in relation to a larger segment of the passage
• The relationships among the various ideas in the passage
• The relationship of the author to the topic or to the audience.

You will find six types of reading comprehension questions to answer:

1. Information explicitly stated in the passage
2. Information or ideas implied or suggested by the author
3. Possible applications of the author's ideas to other situations, including the identification of situations or processes analogous to those described in the passage
4. The author's logic, reasoning, or persuasive techniques
5. The tone of the passage or the author's attitude as it is revealed in the language used.

In each edition of the General Test, there are three or more reading comprehension passages, each providing the basis for answering two or more questions. The passages are drawn from different subject matter areas, including the humanities, the social sciences, the biological sciences, and the physical sciences.

Here are some approaches that may help you in answering reading comprehension questions:

• Since reading passages are drawn from many different disciplines and sources, you may not be familiar with the material in every passage. Do not be discouraged if you encounter unfamiliar material. Questions are to be answered on the basis of the information provided in the passage, and you are not expected to rely on outside knowledge of a particular topic.
• You should analyze each passage carefully before answering the accompanying questions. As with any kind of close and thoughtful reading, look for clues that will help you understand less explicit aspects of the passage. Try to separate main ideas from supporting ideas or evidence. Try also to separate the author's own ideas or attitudes from information he or she is presenting.
• Note transitions from one idea to the next, and examine the relationships among the different ideas or parts of the passage. For example, are they contrasting? Are they complementary? Consider the points the author makes, the conclusions drawn, and how and why those points are made or conclusions are drawn.
• Read each question carefully and be certain that you understand exactly what is being asked.
• Always read all the answer choices before selecting the best answer.
• The best answer is the one that most accurately and most completely answers the questions being posed. Be careful not to pick an answer choice simply because it is a true statement. Be careful also not to be misled by answer choices that are only partially true or only partially satisfy the problem posed in the question.
• Answer the questions on the basis of the information provided in the passage. Do not rely on outside knowledge. Your own views or opinions may sometimes conflict with the views expressed or the information provided in the passage. Be sure that you work within the context of the passage. You should not expect to agree with everything you encounter in reading passages.