Basic Concepts
Reading Comprehension
Understanding What You Read
Reading comprehension is the ability to read a passage, understand its meaning, and answer questions about it. This skill is crucial for success on the GED and in everyday life.
Key Elements to Focus On
- Main Idea: What is the author really trying to say?
- Supporting Details: What evidence or examples does the author use?
- Inferences: What can you figure out even if it isn’t directly stated?
- Author’s Purpose: Is the text meant to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain?
Tips for Better Comprehension
- Skim the passage first to get the gist.
- Highlight or underline key points.
- Ask yourself questions as you read.
- Summarize each paragraph in your own words.
Why It Matters
Strong reading comprehension skills help you understand news articles, instructions, contracts, and more.
Examples
After reading a news article, you can explain the main point and identify the evidence supporting it.
You read a recipe and understand not just the steps, but why certain ingredients are used.
In a Nutshell
Reading comprehension is understanding and interpreting what you read.