Reading Tests

If you are taking a standardized English test or attending English language classes, you will probably be tested on your reading skills. Here are some things that you may be asked to do in a reading test or assignment:

• Find the gist or main idea. Write (or say) one sentence that explains what the reading is about.
  
  
• Summarize. Describe a few of the main points that are presented.
  
  
• Locate details. Find specific information that is provided in a piece of text.
  
  
• Understand inferences. Make assumptions based on information you are given in a text. You may be asked to make inferences about the author.
  
  
• Make predictions. Guess what a reading will be about. Guess what will happen next.
  
  
• Identify genre and style. Name the type or category of writing that you read.
  
  
• Sort information. Organize details in a systematic or chart form, such as creating a chronological timeline or labeling a map.
  
  
• Match information. For example, match dialogue to a character.
  
  
• Paraphrase. Rewrite the text in your own words.
  
  
• Identify parts of speech.
  
  
• Compare and Contrast.
  
  
• Identify key words.
  
  
• Match paragraphs to headings.
  
  
• Write an opinion.
  
  
• Draw conclusions.
  
  
• Write comprehension questions.
  
  
• Decide whether something is True, False or Not Mentioned in a text.