Finding details
Detail questions are answered directly in the text. Find the lines, then match the meaning.
The rules
- Look for key words from the question, then read the sentences around them, not just the matching words.
- The correct answer usually paraphrases the text instead of copying it.
- Beware of choices that reuse exact words from the passage but change the meaning.
- In EXCEPT or NOT questions, three choices are true. Find the one that is false or missing.
Watch out: Choosing the answer that repeats the passage's words but distorts what it says.
Worked example
The passage says the bridge "was closed for six months to repair cracks in the supports." Why was the bridge closed?
- Find the sentence about the closure.
- It names cracks in the supports as the reason.
- Choose the paraphrase.
Answer: Its supports needed repair.
Try it yourself
Practice questions for this skill are for signed-in students. A free account is all you need.