3. Reading Comprehension Strategy and Keywords

RC Method Step 1: Read the Passage Strategically includes what actions?

Highlight/underline Keywords, Identify and jot down the purpose of the paragraph, and Track the author’s Topic/Scope/Purpose/Main Idea.

RC Method Step 2: Read the Question Stem

Identify the question type, characterize the correct and incorrect answers, and look for clues to guide your research

RC Method Step 3: Research the Relevant Text

Reference your paragraph notes, use highlighted keywords to analyze the information in the passage, relevant to the question, keeping the Main Idea in context 

RC Method Step 4: Predict the Correct Answer

Predict the context of the correct answer based on the paragraph notes, Main Idea, and any research of specific text

RC Method Step 5: Evaluate the Answer Choices

Select the choice that matches your prediction of the correct answer or eliminate the four wrong answer choices

Emphasis/Opinion Keyword

Words that signal what the author wants to call attention to, or words that signal the author has a positive or negative opinion/evaluative language

Contrast Keyword

Words indicating a change in direction of the logical flow of the passage, such as between two opinions or points

Logic Keyword

Words that indicate an argument, either the author’s or someone else’s (E.g., thus, therefore, because)

Sequence/Chronology Keyword

Words showing an order to certain steps in a process or to developments over time (E.g., traditional, in the past, recently)

Continuation Keyword

Words indicating that “more of the same” is coming: another reason, example or detail that is related to the previous idea (E.g., moreover, in addition, and, also, further)

The “Big Picture” SCOPE

The particular aspect of the Topic on which the author focuses

The “Big Picture” TOPIC

The overall subject of the passage

The “Big Picture” PURPOSE

The author’s reason for writing the passage (Express this as a verb – e.g., to refute, to outline, to evaluate, to critique)

The “Big Picture” MAIN IDEA

The author’s conclusion or overall takeaway