Reading Comprehension: Question Stem Subtypes

Question 1

Main Point Questions (MP)

Answer 1

Like in LR, Main Point questions in RC asks you to find the answer choice that best summarizes the author’s viewpoint.

Question 2

Main Point LR v. Main Point RC

Answer 2

Main Point questions operate very differently in logical reasoning than they do in reading comprehension.

In logical reasoning, the main point can most easily be found at the conclusion of an argument in the stimulus. Once you’ve identified the conclusion, you can Prephrase, quite easily circumvent wrong & trap answers, and come upon the right answer.

In reading comp, however, the main point usually not stated in one sentence. The main point, while it can be found near the conclusion of the passage, is oftentimes based on an overall read of the passage.

You should try to prephrase for main point questions in RC, but understand your prephrase may be unlike the answer choices, meaning you need to keep an open-mind and be flexible with what the answer choices present.

Question 3

Incorrect Answers for MP questions

Answer 3

1. Answers that talk about something from the text that is not the Main Point.
2. Answers that repeat quotes from the text that are not the main point.

Question 4

Main Point Question Stem Examples

Answer 4

“Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage?”

“Which one of the following statements best expresses the main idea of the passage?”

Question 5

Purpose / Function Questions (P)

Answer 5

Specific Reference / Concept Reference:

• When purpose / function questions take place in specific or concept reference questions, the question stem is asking you to find the answer that reflects the purpose of the author including a certain sentence, phrase, paragraph etc..
• This of course means gaining context first by reading above and below the cited portion, and paying attention to the structure of the passage.

Global Reference:

• When purpose questions appear in Global reference questions, the question is asking what was the primary purpose for the author writing the passage.
• The answer can most easily be found near the main point (or is at least in agreement with the main point).

Question 6

Purpose / Function Questions Stem Examples

Answer 6

“The author of the passage uses the phrase “clearly insufficient” (last sentence of the passage) primarily in order to…”

“The author’s discussion of feline maternal instinct in the second paragraph functions primarily to…”

“The author’s discussion of increased erosion over the last decade serves primarily to…”

Question 7

Perspective Questions

Answer 7

Perspective Questions are the combination of two of the VIEWSTAMP elements: viewpoint and tone.

Perspective questions are divided into those that talk about the perspective of the author, and those that talk about the perspective of other group members.

Question 8

Author Perspective Questions (AP)

Answer 8

Ask for the answer choice that reflects the author’s viewpoint or attitude on a certain subject.

Question 9

Author Perspective Questions Stem Examples

Answer 9

“The author of the passage would most likely agree with which one of the following statements?”

“It can be inferred that the author of the passage believes which one of the following about the history of modern art?”

“It can be reasonably inferred from the passage that the author’s attitude is most favorable toward which one of the following?”

Question 10

Subject Perspective Questions (SP)

Answer 10

Ask for the answer choice that reflect the viewpoint or attitude of other group members in the passage, on a certain subject.

Question 11

Subject Perspective Question Stem Examples

Answer 11

“Given the information in the passage, which one of the following is Kantor most likely to believe?”

“It can be inferred that Peter Goodrich would be most likely to agree with which one of the following statements concerning common law.”