1 · The reading section
The Middle Level reading section has 6 passages with 6 questions each, in 35 minutes. Passages come from science, history, the arts, and biographies, and some are fiction or poetry.
That is just under 6 minutes per passage: about 2 to read and the rest for the questions.
2 · Read for the structure
On the first read, notice what each paragraph does: introduces a problem, gives an example, describes a change, answers an objection. A few words in your head are enough ("history of the idea", "the experiment", "what it means now").
You do not need to memorize facts. The questions will tell you where to look, and you can always go back.
3 · The main idea
The main idea is what the whole passage is mostly about. In an argument, it is the author's central claim. It often appears in the first paragraph and returns at the end, but it may be in the middle.
Test each choice: does it fit every paragraph? If it fits only one, it is a detail.
4 · Too narrow, too broad, slightly off
In a passage about how a city fixed its air pollution, "Buses switched to electric engines" is too narrow. "Cities around the world face many problems" is too broad.
Also watch for choices that are slightly off: they use the passage's topic but change the claim, such as "the city banned all cars" when the passage says it limited them.
5 · Titles and summaries
A best-title question is a main-idea question. The best title covers the whole passage without promising more than it delivers.
A summary question asks which sentence a reader could use to describe the passage to a friend. It should include the main point and leave out small facts.
6 · Supporting details
"According to the passage …" means the answer is stated, often in different words. Go back and find the sentence before you answer.
The right answer usually paraphrases the passage. A choice that copies the passage word for word but changes one part is a common trap.
7 · Detail traps
True in real life but never said in the passage. Said in the passage but answers a different question. Takes the passage's words and twists them ("some" becomes "all", "may" becomes "will").
If you cannot point to the line that proves your answer, look again.
8 · EXCEPT and NOT questions
"The passage mentions all of the following EXCEPT …" Three choices are in the passage. Check each one and cross it out when you find it; the one left is the answer.
Ready to practice?
The quiz gives you new questions each time and explains every answer. You'll also find more quizzes and full practice tests.