Critical Reading For Exams
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The Two Main Types of Critical Reading Questions

1. Sentence Completion Questions

Sentence completion questions ask you to fill in the blanks. Your job is to find the word or phrase that best completes the sentence’s meaning.
Directions: Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

Brown, this biography suggests, was an ____ employer, giving generous bonuses one day, ordering pay cuts the next.
(A) indifferent
(B) objective
(C) unpredictable
(D) ineffectual
(E) unobtrusive

Answer: (C) by definition makes the most sense. Someone who gives bonuses one day and orders pay cuts the next clearly is unpredictable—no one can tell what he’s going to do next.
 

2. Reading Comprehension Questions

Reading comprehension questions ask about a passage’s main idea or specific details, the author’s attitude to the subject, the author’s logic and techniques, the implications of the discussion, or the meaning of specific words.

 

For example: Certain qualities common to the sonnet should be noted. Its definite restrictions make it a challenge to the artistry of the poet and
Line call for all the technical skill at the poet’s command. The more or less set rhyme patterns occurring regularly within the short space of fourteen lines afford a pleasant effect on the ear of the reader, and can create truly musical effects. The rigidity of the form precludes a too great economy or too great prodigality of words. Emphasis is placed on exactness and perfection of expression. The brevity of the form favors concentrated expression of ideas or passion.

1. The author’s primary purpose is to
(A) contrast different types of sonnets
(B) criticize the limitations of the sonnet
(C) describe the characteristics of the sonnet
(D) explain why the sonnet has lost popularity as a literary form
(E) encourage readers to compose formal sonnets

2. The word “afford” above means
(A) initiate
(B) exaggerate
(C) are able to pay for
(D) change into
(E) provide

3. The author’s attitude toward the sonnet form can best be described as
(A) amused toleration
(B) grudging admiration
(C) strong disapprobation
(D) effusive enthusiasm
(E) scholarly appreciation

Answer: The first question asks you to find the author’s main idea. In the opening sentence, the author says certain qualities of the sonnet should be noted or observed. He then goes on to tell you which of these qualities deserve your attention, characterizing them in some detail. Thus, he describes certain of the sonnet’s qualities or characteristics. The correct answer is (C). You can eliminate the other answers with ease. The author is upbeat about the sonnet: he doesn’t say that the sonnet has limitations or that it has become less popular. Similarly, he doesn’t discuss different types of sonnets. And while he talks about the challenge of composing formal sonnets, he never invites his readers to try writing them.

The second question asks you to figure out a word’s meaning from its context. The rhyme patterns have a pleasant effect on the ear of the listener; indeed they provide or afford this effect. The correct answer is (E).

The third question asks you to determine how the author feels about his subject. All the author’s comments about the sonnet form are positive, but he doesn’t go so far as to gush (he’s not effusive).
The only answer that reflects this attitude is (E), scholarly appreciation.