1. paraphrasing
1.1. What is Paraphrasing? Paraphrasing involves rephrasing a statement or piece of content by using different words and sentence structures while preserving the original meaning. The objective is to convey the same information in a new way without directly copying the text.
1.2. Methods of Paraphrasing Using Synonyms Using Antonyms Converting Specific Nouns Converting General Nouns to Specific Nouns Changing the Part of Speech Using Different Sentence Structures
2. SKIMMING
2.1. What is Skimming? Skimming is a reading technique used to quickly gather the main ideas and overall structure of a text without reading it word for word. This skill allows the reader to grasp the essential content of a document in the shortest possible time.
2.2. When to Use Skimming? Skimming is typically used in the following situations: When you need a general overview: When you want to quickly understand the main points of a text to decide whether it requires a more detailed reading. When you're short on time: When you need to process a large amount of information in a short period. When preparing for a specific task: When you need to quickly get background information before diving into a detailed analysis or research. When searching for specific information: When you are looking for a particular piece of information within a long document.
2.3. Steps to Skimming: Read the title, headings, and introduction: Start by reading the title, subheadings, and introductory paragraph to get a general idea of the text’s topic. Glance at the first and last paragraphs: Read the first and last paragraphs of each section or chapter, as they often contain the main ideas. Look for keywords and highlighted phrases: Focus on keywords, bold or italicized phrases, or bullet points, as these usually summarize or emphasize the key content. Focus on topic sentences: Read the first or last sentence of each paragraph, as they often summarize the paragraph's main point. Ignore details: Skip over detailed explanations, examples, or statistics unless you’re searching for specific information. Scan the entire text: Quickly move your eyes over the text to grasp the layout and general content, pausing at sections you deem important. Read the summary or conclusion (if available): Summaries or conclusions often highlight the key points of the text, reinforcing the information you've gathered through skimming.
3. SCANNING
3.1. What is Scanning? Scanning is a rapid reading technique used to locate specific details or pieces of information in a text. Instead of reading the entire content, you focus on finding keywords, numbers, or crucial details. This skill is particularly useful when you know exactly what information you are looking for and want to find it quickly.
3.2. When to Use Scanning? Scanning is useful in the following situations: When you need to find specific information: For example, when looking for a number, a name, a date, or specific details in a long document. When referencing materials like dictionaries or reference books: When you need to find a definition, an entry, or specific information without reading the entire text. When answering questions based on a text: When you need to answer a question that requires finding specific information within a passage. When verifying information: For instance, when you need to double-check a number or a detail in a report or article.
3.3. Steps to Scanning: Identify the information you need: Before starting, clearly define what you are looking for, such as a keyword, a number, or a specific name. Focus on keywords or specific markers: Look for keywords related to the information you need, such as bolded, italicized words, or numbers. Quickly glance over the text: Move your eyes quickly over the text, pausing only when you spot markers related to the information you're seeking. Check headings, subheadings, and lists: Headings, subheadings, and lists often contain key information and can help you quickly find the sections that are most relevant. Pause and read carefully when you find the needed information: When you locate the keyword or relevant section, pause and read the surrounding text more carefully to extract the necessary information. Carefully read the section containing the information: Once you identify the section where the information is located, read it thoroughly to ensure you have captured the details accurately.
4. Basic Question Types in English
4.1. Main Idea Questions
4.1.1. Main idea and purpose
4.1.1.1. Techniques for Identifying the Main Idea and Purpose of a Text Examine the Title and Subheadings: Start by analyzing the title and any subheadings to grasp the overall topic and intent of the text. Locate the Main Point in Each Paragraph: Find the topic sentence or key point in each paragraph, typically located at the start or end, which often represents the core idea. Summarize Paragraphs: Briefly summarize each paragraph to capture the main point and understand how it contributes to the central theme. Observe Repeated Themes: Identify recurring words or themes throughout the text, as these can indicate the main idea. Determine the Author's Intent: Assess whether the author aims to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain, as this will reveal the text’s overall purpose. Analyze the Conclusion: Review the concluding section for a recap of the main points and insights into the purpose of the text. Consider Contextual Clues: Use any provided background information or context to better understand the main idea and the author’s objective.
4.1.2. general organization or attitude
4.1.2.1. Text Structure: Sequential Order: Information is organized based on time or the sequence of events. Indicators: Terms like "first," "subsequently," "later," "finally." Cause and Effect: Details reasons for occurrences and their results. Indicators: Phrases such as "because of," "thus," "due to." Definition and Examples: Provides definitions of terms followed by examples to explain concepts. Indicators: Expressions like "is defined as," "for instance," "such as." Comparison: Highlights similarities or differences between items. Indicators: Words like "likewise," "contrarily," "in comparison." Problem and Solution: Outlines a problem and offers solutions. Indicators: Terms such as "issue," "solution," "addressing," "resolving."
4.2. Specific Information and Inference Questions
4.2.1. stated detail
4.2.1.1. Types of Questions According to the passage,... It is stated in the passage... The passage indicates that... Which of the following is true...
4.2.1.2. Answers The answer is found in the reading passage.
4.2.1.3. Methods Underline Keywords and Important Points: Highlight the key terms and important ideas in the question. Use Scanning Techniques: Apply scanning to locate the relevant section of the passage to read more closely. Read Carefully: Pay close attention to sentences containing keywords and ideas mentioned in the question. Eliminate Incorrect Answers: Dismiss answers that are definitely incorrect and choose the best option from the remaining choices.
4.2.2. untated detail
4.2.2.1. Question Types Which of the following is not mentioned...? Which of the following is not discussed...? Which of the following is not stated...? All of the following are accurate except... Which of the following statements are incorrect...?
4.2.2.2. Answers The correct answer is the information that is absent from the passage or an option that is incorrect based on the text.
4.2.2.3. Steps to Follow Carefully Review the Question and Options: Identify and underline key terms in the question and answer choices. Scan for Relevant Sections: Perform a quick scan of the passage to locate sections related to the key terms. Analyze the Choices: Read closely the sentences that contain the options to verify their correctness based on the passage. Discard Correct or Mentioned Choices: Eliminate options that are mentioned or correct as per the text. Choose the Unmentioned or Incorrect Option: Select the option that is not discussed or does not match the passage.
4.2.3. where question
4.2.3.1. Frequently Asked Questions Where in the passage...?
4.2.3.2. Answers The answer will be a few consecutive lines in the passage containing the information referenced in the question.
4.2.3.3. Steps to Follow Identify Keywords or Main Ideas: Determine the key terms or main points in the question. Quickly Review the Options: Look at the provided options briefly. Scan the Passage: Quickly skim through the passage to find the section containing the keyword information. Select the Relevant Section: Choose the option that corresponds to the location in the passage where the information is found.
4.2.4. inference
4.2.4.1. Common Question Types It is suggested in the passage that... From the passage, it can be inferred that... It is most likely that... What is likely to have happened...?
4.2.4.2. Answers The response usually depends on your interpretation of the passage and should follow the order of information presented in the text.
4.2.4.3. Approach Identify Key Terms: Find the essential keywords and main concepts in each question. Skim the Passage: Quickly scan the text to locate sections related to the key terms and ideas (generally in the sequence they appear). Read Carefully: Focus on the sentences that contain these key terms and concepts. Determine the Best Answer: Select the option that best aligns with the information in the passage. Apply Process of Elimination: Remove the least likely answers and choose the most appropriate option from the remaining ones.
4.2.5. reference
4.2.5.1. Common Question Type The word "X" in the passage refers to...
4.2.5.2. Answers The answer is typically a phrase found in the sentences preceding or within the same sentence as the word being referred to.
4.2.5.3. Approach Read the Question and Options: Examine the question and available answer choices. Scan the Passage: Quickly look through the text to find the word being referred to in the question. Analyze Context: Read the sentence containing the referred word and the sentences before it to identify phrases listed in the answer choices. Eliminate Incorrect Options: Discard clearly incorrect answers. Choose the Most Accurate Option: Select the answer that best fits the context of the referred word in the passage.
4.3. Vocabulary Questions
4.3.1. vocabulary
4.3.1.1. Common Question Types What is the meaning of "X" in line "Y"? The word "X" in line "Y" could be replaced by...? Which of the following words has the closest meaning to the word "X" in line "Y"? Which of the following has the opposite meaning of the word "X" in line "Y"?
4.3.1.2. Answers Determine the meaning of the word based on its surrounding context in the passage.
4.3.1.3. Approach Locate the Word: Find the word in the passage, specifically in the designated line. Read the Sentence Carefully: Examine the sentence containing the word to understand its usage. Look for Contextual Clues: Use hints from the surrounding text to infer the meaning of the word. Select the Contextually Appropriate Answer: Choose the option that aligns with the context provided in the passage.