Lecture Notes on Passage ID/Main Point and Reading Comprehension Strategies

Module 1: Passage ID/Main Point

Understanding Main Point and Main Purpose

• Main Point and Main Purpose are parallel concepts;
  • Main Point: What the author argues.
  • Main Purpose: Persuade the reader of the Main Point.
• Main Point is foundational:
  • It aids in understanding other parts of passages and answering inference questions.

Types of Passages

• Problem
  • Author’s Solution: Author presents a problem and offers their solution.
  • Someone’s Solution (Viewpoint): Introduces a problem and conveys someone else's solution.
  • Exploration: Discusses the nature of the problem without offering a solution.
• Clash: Features conflicting views.
  • Author's Position
    • Affirmative: Asserts their view positively.
    • Critical: Criticizes others' viewpoints.
    • Support: Backs up a viewpoint in the passage.
  • Subtypes
    • Critiques a viewpoint.
    • Introduces their viewpoint.
    • Takes sides among multiple viewpoints.
• Explain
  • Development: Discusses new developments contrasting with older ideas.
  • Profile: Highlights key aspects of a person’s work.
  • Question and Answer: Centers around a question and its answer.

Additional Considerations

• System leeway: Passages may fit various patterns.
• Correct Main Point (MP) Answer Choices (AC) might not summarize the entire passage but focus on the essential part.

Summary

• Recognize and leverage recurring patterns to connect Main Point and Main Purpose.
• Homework includes reviewing module notes, visualization drills, and practice with Spreeder.

Module 2: RC Passages and Thesis-Driven Reading

Thesis-Driven Structure

• Passages are driven by a main thesis; every sentence contributes to it.
• Key tasks include identifying and internalizing the gist of key chunks.

Chains of Expanding Sentences (CoES)

• Each sentence builds on previous ones via reiterating, clarifying, or elaborating.
• Identifying CoES helps in comprehension.
• Look for CoES triggers like parent sentences, structure language, referential language, and parenthetical statements.

Chunk Relationships

• Understand how chunks relate to each other and the main point.
• Points of Emphasis (PoE) approach for passages with early thesis statements.
• Tasks include identifying key chunks and making notes; profile passages require clarification.

Practice

• Module 2.1: Passage practice with objectives to reinforce the chains of expanding sentences.
• Module 2.2: Focus on Authorial Moves & Major Move Approach (MMA).

Authorial Moves

• Major move approach fits for unpredictable passages where thesis emerges late.
• Authorial Moves include Viewpoint Moves and Descriptive Information.
• Major moves are often linked to Viewpoint Moves.

Intro Tips

• Passage comprehension relies on understanding the big picture and gist of key chunks with Main Point.
• Major move chunking involves identifying significant authorial moves and relationships among sentences.

Homework Assignments:

• Review module notes.
• Conduct visualization drills and practice using specified passages.
• Engage in memorization and spreeder activities for improved comprehension and retention.