Reading comprehension isn't just about knowing enough words — it's a strategy skill. Two readers with the same vocabulary can perform very differently depending on how they approach a text.
Two core strategies: skimming and scanning
| Strategy | Purpose | How to do it |
|---|---|---|
| Skimming | Get the general idea quickly | Read the title, first and last paragraphs, and the first sentence of each remaining paragraph. |
| Scanning | Find a specific detail (a date, name, or number) | Move your eyes quickly down the text looking only for that specific piece of information, ignoring everything else. |
Extensive vs. intensive reading
- Extensive reading: reading a lot, for enjoyment or general understanding, at a comfortable level where you understand roughly 95%+ without a dictionary. Builds vocabulary and reading speed over time.
- Intensive reading: reading a shorter, harder text carefully, analysing structure, vocabulary, and grammar in detail. Builds precision and exam-style comprehension.
Both matter — extensive reading builds the foundation; intensive reading sharpens the specific skills exams and academic work require.
Using context clues for unfamiliar words
You can often guess a word's meaning without a dictionary by looking at the words and sentences around it:
- Definition clues: the meaning is explained nearby — "The company went bankrupt, meaning it could no longer pay its debts."
- Contrast clues: a word like "but" or "however" signals an opposite meaning — "Unlike her reserved colleague, she was quite gregarious." (gregarious ≈ outgoing)
- Example clues: examples reveal the category — "Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are rich in vitamin C." (citrus = a fruit category)
- Word parts: prefixes and suffixes carry meaning — "unbreakable" = un- (not) + break + -able (capable of being)
Finding the main idea vs. supporting details
The main idea is usually stated in the first or last sentence of a paragraph, with the sentences in between providing evidence, examples, or explanation. A reliable test: if you removed a sentence and the paragraph's core point still stands, it was a supporting detail, not the main idea.
Common exam question types (and how to approach them)
| Question type | What it tests | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice | Precise understanding of a specific point | Read the question first, then scan for the relevant section before choosing. |
| True / False / Not Given | Whether a statement matches the text exactly | "Not Given" means the text simply doesn't say — don't rely on outside knowledge or assumptions. |
| Matching headings | Understanding of paragraph-level main ideas | Skim each paragraph for its core point before matching, rather than reading in exhaustive detail. |
| Summary/gap-fill | Understanding of overall meaning and specific vocabulary | Read the whole summary first for context, then locate each answer in the original text. |
A practical reading routine
- Skim the whole text first (30–60 seconds) to understand its topic and structure.
- Read the questions before reading the text in detail, so you know what to look for.
- Read intensively, underlining or noting key points as you go.
- Answer questions by locating evidence in the text, not from memory or assumption.
- For unfamiliar vocabulary, apply context clues before reaching for a dictionary.
Where to go next
Reading and writing reinforce each other — seeing how sentences and paragraphs are built in real texts is one of the best ways to improve your own essay structure. Building your vocabulary in themed groups also makes context clues easier to spot.