the meaning of a word when it’s used in a passage. The correct definition that the question is looking for can be the most common meaning of the word, or it can be a less well-known meaning. In either case, you have to read the passage, make sure you understand how the word is being used, and select the answer option that’s closest in meaning to the word as it’s used in the passage. Consider this example:
In the 18th century, it was common for sailors to be pressed into service in Britain. Young men found near seaports could be kidnapped, drugged, or otherwise hauled aboard a ship and made to work doing menial chores. They weren’t paid for their service, and they were given just enough food to keep them alive.
(A) hired.
(B) ironed.
(C) enticed.
(D) forced.
The descriptions of the conditions these sailors found themselves in should help you decide that they weren’t hired or enticed; ironed is one meaning of the word pressed, but it isn’t correct in this context. The correct answer is Choice (D). Here’s another example:
Since the 1980s, computers have become an indispensable part of American business. Computers can be used for thousands of applications, from word processing and running spreadsheets to keeping one’s checkbook updated.
(A) functions.
(B) sizes.
(C) requests.
(D) types.
Try putting the answer choices in this sentence: “Computers can be used for thousands of applications.” You can see that functions is closest in meaning to applications, although in a different context, some of the other answer choices may be correct. The correct answer is Choice (A).
Reading between the lines: Understanding implications
Some Paragraph Comprehension questions ask you to draw an inference from a stated idea. This simply means that you may need to draw a conclusion from what you’ve read. This conclusion should always be based on the reading, not your own particular opinions about a subject.
Twenty-five percent of all automobile thefts occur when the doors of a car are left unlocked. People often forget to lock their doors, find it inconvenient, or tell themselves, “I’ll only be a minute.” But it only takes a minute for an accomplished car thief to steal a car. And thieves are always alert to the opportunities that distracted or rushed people present them with.
(A) leave the doors unlocked.
(B) never be in a rush.
(C) prevent the opportunity.
(D) be willing to perform a citizen’s arrest.
Although the paragraph doesn’t state, “It’s your own responsibility to prevent car thieves from having an opportunity to break into your car,” this idea is certainly implied. The correct answer is Choice (C). There’s no implication that people should be willing to (or can) perform a citizen’s arrest. Leaving the doors unlocked is the opposite of what one should do, and never being in a rush is probably unlikely.
An example of an unreasonable conclusion drawn from the passage would be something like “if everyone locked his or her doors, there would be no crime” or “all car thieves should be sentenced to 30 years in prison.” Nothing in this particular passage supports such a conclusion.
Check out another example:
Boiler technicians operate main and auxiliary boilers. They maintain and repair all parts, including pressure fittings, valves, pumps, and forced-air blowers. Technicians may have to lift or move heavy equipment. They may have to stoop and kneel and work in awkward positions.
(A) a person with joint problems.
(B) an individual unaccustomed to heavy lifting.
(C) a person who isn’t mechanically minded.
(D) a person who’s physically fit.
Although the passage doesn’t state, “This job requires a physically fit person,” the duties listed imply that this is so. The correct answer is Choice (D). A person with joint problems may not be able to stoop or kneel or work in awkward positions. A person who’s unaccustomed to heavy lifting may not be able to lift or move the heavy equipment as needed. A person who isn’t mechanically minded may not have the knowledge necessary to maintain and repair boilers and all their parts. This leaves Choice (D) as the answer, and it’s true that a person who’s physically fit would be a good choice for the job.
Do You Get My Point? Breaking down Paragraphs
All good writing has a point. Some writing has more than one point. Points are ideas that the writer is trying to convey to the reader. The primary purpose of the writing is known as the main point or main idea. Points used to support or clarify the main point are called subpoints or supporting points. You should know how to identify main points and subpoints when you practice reading.
What’s the big idea? Determining the main idea in a paragraph
Questions on the Paragraph Comprehension subtest frequently ask you to identify the main point of a reading passage. How do you get better at identifying main ideas? Practice. The main idea, which is the most important point the author is making, is sometimes stated and sometimes implied in a piece of writing.
Finding a topic sentence
Often, the author begins or ends a paragraph or passage with the main idea, which is located in what’s called a topic sentence. A topic sentence, reasonably enough, describes the topic that the
