Reading Comprehension
How to Approach a Reading Comprehension Text
In the CESS exam, you will be given texts in English (or Dutch) and asked to demonstrate your understanding. Here is a proven strategy.
Step-by-Step Method
- Read the questions first: Before reading the text, look at the questions. This tells you what to look for.
- First reading: Read the entire text quickly to get the general idea (gist). Don't stop at unknown words.
- Second reading: Read more carefully. Underline key information related to the questions.
- Answer the questions: Use evidence from the text. Don't rely on your own opinion.
Common Question Types
- Main idea: "What is the text mainly about?" Look at the title, introduction, and conclusion.
- Detail questions: "According to the text, ..." Find the specific sentence that answers the question.
- Vocabulary in context: "What does the word X mean in paragraph 3?" Read the sentence around the word for clues.
- Inference: "What can we conclude from the text?" The answer is not stated directly but implied.
Useful Vocabulary
- However, nevertheless, although = introduce a contrast
- Moreover, furthermore, in addition = add information
- Therefore, consequently, as a result = show cause and effect
- For instance, such as, for example = give examples