Overview
This lecture covers strategies for answering reading comprehension questions, specifically those requiring identification of information not mentioned or incorrectly stated in a passage.
Directly Answered vs. Inference Questions
- Some reading questions can be answered directly from the text without inference.
- Other questions require students to draw conclusions based on the information given.
Skill 4: Identifying "Not Mentioned" or "Not True" Answers
- "Not mentioned" questions require finding an option not discussed in the passage.
- If an answer is not mentioned, the other three choices are correct or stated in the text.
- "Not true" questions involve identifying statements that contradict the text.
Strategies and Tips for Reading Comprehension
- Focus on keywords in the question to locate the relevant paragraph quickly.
- Use the process of elimination: verify which options are supported by the text, then select the one not mentioned or not true.
- To save time, skip verifying all correct options if you are sure of the wrong one.
- Reading the questions first can help target the search for answers within the passage.
- Beware of spending too much time reading irrelevant paragraphs.
Example: The Word "Gadget" and Star Movement
- The word "gadget" was first used by British sailors in the mid-19th century (not the early 19th century).
- "Gadget" is one expression used for something with an unknown name.
- The origin of "gadget" may be from the French word "gacente," meaning hook.
- In star observation, it is a misconception that stars do not move; their movement is just not noticeable due to distance.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Directly answered question — a question whose answer is explicitly stated in the text.
- Inference question — a question requiring conclusions based on the reading.
- Not mentioned/not true question — a question where the answer is information absent from, or contradicted by, the text.
- Keyword — a significant word in a question that helps locate relevant text information.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice identifying "not mentioned" or "not true" statements in sample reading passages.
- Apply keyword strategies during reading exercises.
- Complete assigned classwork related to this skill.