The 5 Question Types
Main Idea
"The primary purpose…" / "This passage mainly discusses…"
Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph. The main idea is usually stated, not implied.
Detail / Fact
"According to the passage…" / "The author states…"
The answer is in the text. Go back and find it. Never answer from memory.
Inference
"It can be inferred…" / "The passage suggests…"
The answer is NOT directly stated — it must follow logically. Stay close to what the text supports.
Vocabulary in Context
"As used in line X, the word ___ means…"
Plug each answer choice back into the sentence. Choose the one that fits the sentence's meaning, not the dictionary definition.
Tone / Author Purpose
"The author's attitude is…" / "The passage is primarily…"
Look for charged language, word choice, and what details the author chose to include or omit.
Active Reading Method
- 1. Skim the questions first — 15–20 seconds. Know what information to hunt for.
- 2. Read the passage once, actively — underline the topic sentence of each paragraph.
- 3. Note transitions — "however," "therefore," "in contrast" signal key relationships.
- 4. Answer main idea questions last — you'll understand the whole after reading the parts.
- 5. Return to the text — every detail question has a line reference. Use it.
Eliminating Wrong Answers
✗ Too broad
Goes beyond what the passage actually covers. Common trap for main idea questions.
✗ Too narrow
Only describes one paragraph, not the whole passage.
✗ Contradicts the text
Directly opposite to what the passage says. Easy to eliminate.
✗ Not supported
May be true in the real world but the passage doesn't say it.
✗ Half right / half wrong
First clause is correct; second distorts it. Read the full answer.
✗ Extreme language
"Always," "never," "all," "none" — usually wrong unless the text uses that word.
Time Management
Most civil service reading sections allow approximately 60–90 seconds per question.
- • Spend no more than 2 min reading the passage
- • Spend 30–60 sec per question
- • Skip difficult questions, mark them, and return at the end
- • Never leave a question blank — there is usually no penalty for guessing
Practice what you've reviewed
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