Critical Reading & Comprehension Flashcards
What is the best way to identify the main argument in a passage?
Focus on topic sentences, conclusion paragraphs, and repeated themes or key terms.
How do you determine the author’s tone in a passage?
Look for emotional language, descriptive words, or persuasive techniques used.
How do you make logical inferences from a text?
Combine the evidence presented with implied meaning; consider what the author assumes but does not directly state.
What are the main types of questions in the LNAT multiple-choice section?
Main idea, detail, inference, assumptions, and tone/purpose questions.
How can you identify key supporting details in a passage?
Look for specific facts, examples, or data that back up the main argument or a point made by the author.
How do you distinguish facts from opinions in a passage?
Facts are verifiable and objective, while opinions are subjective statements that reflect personal beliefs or interpretations.
How do context clues help you determine the meaning of unfamiliar words?
Analyze the surrounding text for definitions, examples, or contrasts that help explain the word.
What is the best way to identify implicit meanings in a text?
Pay attention to the tone, nuances in word choice, and ideas that are hinted at but not directly stated. Consider what the author assumes or implies without explicitly saying it.
How do you distinguish between main and subordinate ideas?
The main idea is the central argument of the passage, while subordinate ideas are supporting points or explanations that reinforce the main argument.
How do you identify an author’s assumptions in a passage?
Look for unstated beliefs or ideas that the author takes for granted without providing direct evidence, often underlying the reasoning.
How can you evaluate the quality of the evidence presented in a passage?
Check if the evidence is relevant, reliable, sufficient, and directly supports the argument. Also, consider whether it comes from credible sources.
How do you make an inference from a passage?
Use clues from the text combined with your reasoning to reach a logical conclusion that is not explicitly stated by the author.
How do you identify the author’s conclusion in a passage?
The conclusion is usually found towards the end of the argument, summarizing the main point the author is trying to make after presenting evidence and reasoning.
How do you predict outcomes based on information in a passage?
Consider the cause-and-effect relationships, trends, or implications of the arguments, and think about what might logically happen next.
How do you recognize contrasting viewpoints in a passage?
Look for phrases like “on the other hand,” “however,” or “in contrast,” and focus on how different arguments or opinions are presented and supported.
