Reading Strategies for English Comprehension
To succeed in English reading sections of the entrance exam, you need both understanding and a smart approach. Here are proven strategies to help you read faster, find answers more easily, and avoid common mistakes.
1. Read the Questions First
- Why: Knowing the questions helps you focus on what information to look for.
- How:
- Skim all the questions quickly.
- Underline keywords (names, times, places, actions).
- Keep these questions in mind as you read the text.
2. Skim for the Main Idea
- Why: Understanding the general topic saves time and reduces confusion.
- How:
- Read the title, first sentence, and last sentence of the passage.
- Ask yourself: "What is this text mostly about?"
3. Scan for Details
- Why: Many questions ask for specific facts (numbers, names, dates).
- How:
- Move your eyes quickly through the text to spot keywords from the questions.
- Don’t read every word—jump to the needed part.
4. Use Context Clues for Unknown Words
- Why: You won’t always know every word.
- How:
- Look at the sentence before and after.
- Use pictures (if any), headings, and related words to guess the meaning.
- Don’t panic—understand the general meaning.
5. Eliminate Wrong Answers
- Why: Multiple-choice questions often have tricky options.
- How:
- Cross out answers that do not match the information in the passage.
- Double-check for words like “always”, “never”, or “only”—these are often wrong.
6. Answer in Simple Sentences
- Why: Short, clear answers get full points and save time.
- How:
- Use information from the text.
- Avoid copying long sentences—paraphrase if possible.
7. Check Your Answers
- Why: Simple mistakes can cost points.
- How:
- Re-read your answers to be sure they make sense.
- Check spelling and grammar for written answers.
8. Practice with Timing
- Why: The real exam is limited in time.
- How:
- Set a timer when practicing.
- Try to finish each passage and questions in the allowed time.
9. Sample Mini Practice
Read the passage and answer the questions:
"Tom likes apples and oranges. He eats fruit every morning before school."
- What does Tom eat before school?
- Does Tom like apples?
10. Summary Table of Strategies
| Strategy | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Read questions first | Know what to look for |
| Skim for main idea | Get the general topic |
| Scan for details | Find specific information quickly |
| Use context clues | Guess meanings of unknown words |
| Eliminate wrong answers | Narrow down choices in multiple-choice |
| Simple answers | Write short, clear responses |
| Check answers | Review for mistakes before finishing |
| Practice timing | Improve speed and confidence |