A powerpoint that outlines the seven most common types of questions that students encounter on a standardized critical reading exam.

1. Build your own assessment!

2. Please select the best answer.
Q: Multiple choice tests in reading
comprehension best show…
a) the size of a student’s vocabulary
b) the reading level of the student
c) the socio-economic status of that student
d) how well a student can take a multiple
choice test.

3. Please select the best answer.
Q: Multiple choice tests in reading
comprehension best show…
a) the size of a student’s vocabulary
b) the reading level of the student
c) the socio-economic status of that student
d) how well a student can take a multiple
choice test.

4. Big Understanding #1:
Multiple choice tests best show
how well a student can take a
multiple choice test.

5. Big Understanding #2:
The best way to learn how
something works is to take it
apart and then build one
yourself.

6. The Seven Types of
Reading
Comprehension
Questions!
(A handy guideline for the Build Your Own Assessment unit)

7. Type 1: Main Idea

8. Type 1: Main Idea
Typical questions begin:
“According to the reading…”
“The Author would most likely agree with which statement?”

9. Type 2: Specific Details

10. Type 2: Specific Details
Typical question begins:
“According to the passage…”
And then asks about a specific moment in the text.

11. Type 3: Drawing Inferences

12. Type 3: Drawing Inferences
Typical questions begin:
“Based on information in the passage…”
“The author’s use of the word or phrase [excerpt]
supports the generalization that…”

13. Type 4: Tone or Attitude

14. Type 4: Tone or Attitude
Typical questions begin:
“Based on information in the passage…”
“The author’s use of the word or phrase [excerpt] allows
the reader to conclude that…”

15. Type 5: Context Meaning

16. Type 5: Context Meaning
Typical questions begin:
“Read the sentence from the passage.
(sentence is provided.)
What does the word __________ most likely
mean?”

17. Type 6: Technique

18. Type 6: Technique
Can be about STRUCTURE or LITERARY DEVICES
(simile, metaphor, etc.)

19. Type 7: Choosing Titles

20. Type 7: Choosing Titles
Typical questions begin:
“What is the best possible title for this passage?”