Exam Question Types and Strategies

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering argument and reading comprehension question types, their tasks, and objectives for exam preparation.

Identify the conclusion

A task that tests the ability to correctly identify the main point or conclusion of an argument as accurately expressed in the stimulus.

Identify the role

A task that requires identifying the role played by a specific part of the argument to test the ability to recognize relationships and read for structure.

Method of reasoning

Identifying the answer choice that most accurately represents the relationship between the support and the conclusion, such as the reasoning technique employed by the argumentor.

Inference

Identifying an answer choice that is supported by the information given in the stimulus, testing the ability to draw conclusions from evidence.

Resolve the Discrepancy

Identifying the most plausible explanation for a conflict or apparent conflict in the argument to test the ability to recognize misunderstandings.

Point of Disagreement

Identifying what the specific arguments do not agree on to test the ability to recognize misunderstandings between different perspectives.

Give an example

Identifying the best example of a stated principle or general rule to test the ability to apply rules accurately.

Primary Purpose

Identifying the author's intention for writing the passage or identifying what the main purpose of the passage is.

Recognition

Identifying something that is explicitly stated, suggested, or supported by information clearly presented in the passage.

Clarifying Meaning

Choosing an answer that provides an alternative but equivalent meaning to a specific word, phrase, or term used by the author in the passage.

Purpose of Reference

Identifying why the author refers to a specific thing or quotes a source, and what function that information serves in the big picture.

Organizing information

Identifying how the passage is structured and the role each paragraph plays in supporting the main idea.

Inferences about views

Choosing the idea, position, or view that can be reasonably inferred the author or a person mentioned would agree or not agree with.

Inferences about information

Identifying which answer choice is most strongly supported or implied by specific pieces of information provided in the passage.