Diploma Exam Preparation-Reading Comprehension

Strategy 2:  Questions tell you a lot.

Above all else, be sure you understand exactly what you are being asked.  Read the stem closely!

Beside each question stem, notice what it tells you about the passage you will read.  Where is the action set?  Who are the main characters?  What are the main symbols in the text?

Reading the questions carefully before reading the passage can introduce you to the text, provide important details in understanding the text, and guide your answers to the questions about the text.

For instance, let’s look at the sample question:

7. The adjectives provided in lines 6–8 and 11–15 most significantly illustrate the development of the mother’s sense of

a. fear 
b. loss
c. weakness
d. hopelessness

Remember:  The question stem always appears above the alternatives.

7. The adjectives provided in lines 6–8 and 11–15 most significantly illustrate the development of the mother’s sense of:

By reading this question stem, we learn that a mother character may be important to the text.  More specifically, her development of a particular quality will be significant to the text.  We also know that adjectives (words that describe nouns) will be the key in helping us identify her development.