III: The Five Steps

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Reading Comprehension

		I: Introduction

		II: The Challenge

		III: The Five Steps
		1. Passage Classification
		2. Breaking Down Each Passage
		3. See the Organization
		3a. Short Essays
		3b. Long Essays
		4. Find the Big Idea
		5. Diagnose Author's Purpose
		IV: Question Types

		V: Tips

		VI: Sample Essays

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		Application Essay Guide

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Now that we know the question types, let's begin to break down the passages. Here is the basic strategy for approaching Reading comprehension passages:

Perform these 5 steps while you read:

1. Classify the Passage Is this a persuasive essay or a descriptive one? Is it science or humanities?
2. Break down each paragraph Look for main idea, tone and transitions.
3. See the Organization Make mental road map of essay and/or draw out map structure on your dry erase scratch paper.
4. Find the Big Idea Look for unusual language that makes an important point. Pay more attention to first and last paragraphs.
5. Diagnose the author's purpose Look for intention in the essay.

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III: Question Types

Passage Classification