Paragraph Comprehension Basics

Paragraph Comprehension (PC) tests your ability to understand written passages and extract information. Like Word Knowledge, PC contributes to your Verbal Expression (VE) score, which is DOUBLED in the AFQT formula.

PC Subtest Overview

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Four Main Question Types

1. Main Idea Questions

These ask about the central point or purpose of the passage.

Signal Words:

• "What is the main idea of this passage?"
• "This passage is primarily about..."
• "The author's main point is..."
• "What is the best title for this passage?"

Strategy:

• Look for the topic sentence (usually first or last)
• Identify repeated words or concepts
• Ask: "What is the ONE thing the author wants me to understand?"

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2. Supporting Detail Questions

These ask about specific facts stated in the passage.

Signal Words:

• "According to the passage..."
• "The author states that..."
• "Which of the following is mentioned..."
• "The passage indicates that..."

Strategy:

• The answer is directly stated in the passage
• Locate the relevant sentence
• Match the answer choice to the passage wording
• Beware of choices that are true but not in the passage

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3. Inference Questions

These ask you to draw conclusions based on the information given.

Signal Words:

• "It can be inferred that..."
• "The author implies that..."
• "Based on the passage, it is likely that..."
• "The author would probably agree that..."

Strategy:

• The answer is NOT directly stated
• Look for clues and logical conclusions
• Eliminate answers that go too far beyond the text
• Choose the most reasonable conclusion

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4. Word Meaning in Context Questions

These ask about the meaning of a word as used in the passage.

Signal Words:

• "As used in the passage, the word X means..."
• "The word X most nearly means..."
• "In this context, X refers to..."

Strategy:

• Re-read the sentence containing the word
• Consider how the word functions in the sentence
• Substitute answer choices to see which fits
• Be aware of words with multiple meanings

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The Read-Question-Read Strategy

The most effective approach for PC:

Step 1: Read the Question First

Before reading the passage, look at the question. This tells you:

• What type of question it is
• What information to look for
• How carefully to read each part

Step 2: Read the Passage Strategically

Now read with purpose:

• For main idea: Focus on first and last sentences
• For details: Scan for specific information
• For inference: Note the author's tone and implications
• For word meaning: Focus on the target sentence

Step 3: Answer the Question

• Eliminate obviously wrong choices
• Return to the passage to verify your answer
• Choose the best answer based on evidence

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Understanding Main Ideas

The main idea is the most important point the author makes.

Finding the Main Idea

Main Idea vs. Supporting Details

Main Idea: The overall point the passage makes Supporting Details: Specific facts that back up the main idea

Example Passage:

"Military dogs play a vital role in modern warfare. They detect explosives, track enemies, and protect their handlers. These highly trained animals save countless lives on the battlefield."

• Main Idea: Military dogs play a vital role in modern warfare
• Supporting Details: detect explosives, track enemies, protect handlers, save lives

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Locating Supporting Details

Supporting details are facts, examples, or explanations that develop the main idea.

Types of Supporting Details

Finding Details Quickly

1. Identify key words in the question
2. Scan the passage for those words
3. Read the sentence containing those words
4. Match to answer choices

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Key Takeaways

• PC tests reading comprehension with four question types.
• Read the question first to know what to look for.
• Main idea = the overall point; supporting details = specific facts.
• Inference questions require logical conclusions from clues.
• Word meaning questions test vocabulary in context.