The reading comprehension test is created to measure how well you understand texts written on general and academic subjects. The test also estimates whether you can differentiate between essential and secondary information and quickly select those sentences that contain answers to questions given below the text. Your reading speed is assessed as well.
On the test, you will be presented with several short texts. To measure your comprehension of what you read, you will be required to answer questions relevant to the information presented in each passage by choosing an answer among four or five alternatives. What is challenging in these questions is that given alternative answers often have only subtle differences in meaning. The reading comprehension test, therefore, does not seek to measure your general understanding of the gist of sentences. Rather, it evaluates your attention to details and your ability to feel the subtlest nuances in the words’ connotations and the logical development of the text’s argument.
This is a speeded test. You will be given only 5 minutes to answer questions about each passage. To answer questions faster and more precisely, it may be helpful to scan them before you start reading the test. Keeping the questions in mind, while you are reading, will help you automatically concentrate on the information relevant to them and will prevent you from erring when choosing an answer.