TEST FORMAT

In the reading component, you will be required to answer 45 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes.

Q1 - 7: Comprehension of non-linear texts

Q8 - 45: Reading comprehension and critical reading consisting of 5 different passages with 7-8 questions per passage

Note that the reading section tests:

1.      Comprehension

2.      Critical reading on four areas : application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation

3.      Contents in two (2) different types of texts : non-linear (graphics) and linear (analytical, descriptive, persuasive, argumentative and narrative)

4.      Contents using 3-option or 4-option multiple-choice questions

GENERAL READING STRATEGIES

Be Prepared

1. Adopt a critical reader attitude – comprehend the author’s ideas as well as apply, analysis, synthesis and evaluate the author’s content, technique and style.
2. Preset your mind with necessary requirements for critical reading and comprehension.
3. Familiarise yourself with the instructions and the types of reading comprehension questions that may appear in the test before the day of the test. This will mentally prepare you for any type of format and test items. Be prepared for both objective and subjective questions on the following formats :

• comprehension of passages of varying subjects, lengths and levels of difficulty
• information in both linear and non-linear texts

Get an Overview

When you have the test paper before you, read the instructions and skim the test paper quickly to have a general idea of the test format and test items.

Use Contextual Clues and Background Knowledge

Do not worry if the question or a passage is on unfamiliar topic. Remember that in most cases, answers are obtained from the passage. For passages that do not provide answers directly, be confident to evidence of suggestions, hints and contextual clues in the passage together with your background knowledge to infer the answers.

Read the Passage Carefully

• Read the passage first before the questions. Concentrate when you read and try to understand the contents as much as you can on the first reading. If you feel the need to read more than once to understand the content, then you should continue reading it until you are confident that you have understood it well enough to tackle the questions.
• Another important thing you have to remember is that questions can be tricky, thus, you need to understand the ideas very clearly.
• Question yourself continuously as you read from first paragraph to the last paragraph. Read purposefully by using WH-questions (What/Why/Who/When/Where/How) to guide you to ask yourself some important and relevant questions.

Some questions are:

(a)    What is the topic and/or subject?

(b)   What kind of writing does this paragraph or passage reflect? Analytical? Descriptive? Persuasive? Argumentation? Narrative?

(c)    How is the information organized? Cause/effect? Comparison/contrast? Problem/solution? Argumentation? Narration? Description?

(d)   What is the focus of the question? Comprehension? Application? Analysis? Synthesis? Evaluation?

Do Not Be Preoccupied with the Time

Do not worry about the time element when you are reading the passage or the questions as this might cause you to panic and you might begin to take short cuts and miss important ideas which could be tested.

Tackle Familiar Subjects First

Tackle the passage with the familiar subjects before the unfamiliar ones.

Read All Options and Answer All Questions

·         If you find difficulty answering the question, read the three- or four-answer options. Otherwise, read the text again and use your background knowledge to help you eliminate wrong answers.

·         Be sure that you read or skim through all the answer options before deciding which is correct.

·         Answer the easy questions first. Get as many of them correct as you can.

·         If you plan to skip certain difficult questions, do not forget to come back to them later.

Annotating the Ideas

• Underline only main words or sentences necessary to explain the central or main points of the paragraph or passage.

Example : 

Participative leaders share decision-making with group members. Participative leadership encompasses so many behaviors that it can be divided into three sub-types consultative, consensus and democratic. Consultative leaders confer with group members before they make a decision. However, they retain the final authority to make decisions. Consensus leaders strive for consensus. They encourage group discussions about an issue. They make a decision that reflects general agreement and will be supported by group members. Workers involved in consequences of a decision have an opportunity to provide input. A decision is not considered final until all parties involved agree with the decision. Another criterion of the consensus is that the group members are willing to support the final decision even if they group do not agree with it totally. Democratic leaders confer final authority on a group. They function as collectors group opinion. They take a vote before making a decision. Some observers see very little differentiation between democratic leadership and free-rein leadership.

·         Write effective notes alongside the paragraph or passage in the margins of the paragraph or passage to help highlight the main idea and supporting details. Refer to the example Refer to the example of ‘Population Growth’, on pages 99 to 100.

( Adapted from : Helen Chuah, Celestina Paul-Evanson & Dr Fatimah Dinna. (2014). Malaysian University English The Complete Text & Guide MUeT. Kuala Lumpur : Global Mediastreet Sdn Bhd. )