Read for the claim, the evidence and the question

Know what you are practicing

UP identifies reading comprehension in English and Filipino as part of the UPCAT. Other examinations publish their own scopes. The following is a general practice routine, not a promise about the exact questions in any test.

Give each paragraph a job

After a short passage, summarize its main point in one sentence. Then identify whether each paragraph introduces a claim, gives an example, offers a reason, qualifies an earlier statement or presents a different view. Check your summary against the text rather than adding background knowledge that the passage never supplies.

Distinguish a statement from an inference

Consider this original sentence: “After the library extended its hours, evening attendance increased.” It reports a sequence and an increase. On its own, it does not prove that longer hours were the only cause. When comparing answer choices, ask which one the passage actually supports.

• Underline the exact words that support your answer during practice.
• Treat absolute words such as “always” and “only” carefully.
• For an unfamiliar word, test a possible meaning in the surrounding sentence.

Sources & further reading