Identify Stated Information — Locate information stated directly in passage. - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Exam IBEW

SECTION 1

Historical Context & Motivation

Reading comprehension assessments have been a cornerstone of standardized testing since the early twentieth century, when psychologists and educators recognized that the ability to extract information from written text was fundamental to professional competence. In the skilled trades, this capacity is not merely academic — an electrician who misreads a specification sheet, a safety protocol, or a code requirement can create hazards that endanger lives. The Electrical Training Alliance (ETA) Aptitude Test, administered by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), was developed precisely because reading comprehension is indispensable for safe, effective work on the job.

The reading comprehension section of the ETA Aptitude Test evaluates whether candidates can locate and interpret information presented directly in short passages. Unlike inference-based questions — which ask you to draw conclusions beyond the text — stated-information questions demand that you find facts, details, or claims the author has explicitly written. This is the most common question type on the test and, when approached strategically, one of the most reliably scorable.

1917 • Army Alpha Test

The U.S. Army introduces large-scale reading comprehension testing to assess recruits during World War I, establishing the precedent for occupational aptitude tests.

1947 • NJATC Founded

The National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (now the Electrical Training Alliance) is established by IBEW and NECA to standardize electrical apprenticeship selection.

1970s • Standardized Aptitude Screening

The NJATC introduces a formal aptitude test combining algebra and reading comprehension to ensure apprentice candidates possess foundational skills.

2018 • Electrical Training Alliance Rebrand

The NJATC is renamed the Electrical Training Alliance. The aptitude test continues to require candidates to locate stated information in technical and general-interest passages.

Understanding this history matters because it reveals the purpose behind the test: the IBEW does not simply want to see whether you enjoy reading — it wants to confirm that you can pull precise, stated facts from a written source under time pressure. That ability mirrors what you will do daily as an apprentice when consulting the National Electrical Code (NEC), manufacturers' installation guides, and job-site safety bulletins.

SECTION 2

Core Principles of Identifying Stated Information

Locating stated information is, at its core, a disciplined search process. You are looking for what the passage actually says — not what you already know about the topic, not what seems logical, and not what the passage merely implies. Mastering this skill rests on a handful of foundational principles that, once internalized, make even unfamiliar passages approachable.

Read the Question First

Before reading the passage, read the question stem. This gives you a search target — a specific detail, term, or relationship to look for — so your reading is focused rather than passive.

Distinguish Stated vs. Inferred

A stated fact is written explicitly in the passage. An inference requires you to combine clues. On stated-information questions, choose only what the author has put in black and white.

Use Keywords to Locate

Identify keywords from the question — names, numbers, technical terms — and scan the passage for those words or close synonyms to find the relevant sentence.

Beware of Paraphrases

Answer choices often paraphrase the passage rather than quoting it word-for-word. Match meaning, not exact wording. A correct answer can use different vocabulary while conveying the same stated fact.

Eliminate Distractors

Wrong answers are often true in general but not supported by the passage. Others twist the passage's wording slightly. Always verify your selection against a specific sentence in the text.

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KEY TAKEAWAY

Think of a stated-information question like pulling a specific wire through conduit. You know exactly which wire you need (the question tells you), you follow the run (scan the passage), and you pull out only that wire — not a nearby one that looks similar. The answer is physically in the passage; your job is to trace the path to it.

SECTION 3

Visual Explanation — The Search-and-Match Process

The following diagram illustrates the step-by-step process you should follow every time you encounter a stated-information question on the ETA Aptitude Test. The flowchart moves from reading the question, through scanning and locating the relevant sentence, to verifying your answer choice against the passage text.

Follow this six-step process for every stated-information question. The final verification step — "Can you point to the exact sentence?" — is the litmus test. If you cannot physically locate the supporting sentence, the answer may be an inference or a distractor.

Notice that the process begins with the question, not the passage. This is counterintuitive for many test-takers who believe they should read the passage first, understand it fully, and then approach the questions. On a timed exam like the ETA Aptitude Test, reading the question first converts your reading into a targeted search rather than a leisurely exploration. You know what you are looking for before your eyes ever touch the passage, and that focus saves valuable seconds.

SECTION 4

How Stated-Information Questions Work

On the ETA Aptitude Test, reading comprehension passages are typically 150 to 250 words long and drawn from a variety of topics — science, technology, history, workplace safety, or general interest. Each passage is followed by several multiple-choice questions, and a significant portion of these questions ask you to identify information stated directly in the text. Understanding the anatomy of these questions — how they are constructed and how answer choices are designed — gives you a decisive strategic edge.

Question Stem Patterns

Stated-information questions use characteristic phrasing in their stems. Recognizing these patterns lets you immediately classify a question and deploy the correct strategy. Common stem phrases include: "According to the passage...", "The passage states that...", "Which of the following is mentioned in the passage?", and "Based on the passage, what is...?". Each of these signals that the correct answer is directly available in the text; no reasoning beyond matching is required.

Anatomy of Answer Choices

Test writers craft four answer choices using predictable strategies. The correct answer paraphrases a sentence from the passage in slightly different words. The three distractors fall into recognizable categories: (1) information that is plausible but never stated in the passage, (2) details that contradict or reverse something the passage says, and (3) statements that mix passage language with outside knowledge to create a hybrid that sounds familiar but is not supported. Knowing these categories allows you to systematically eliminate wrong choices.

This diagram shows a sample passage excerpt on the left and four answer choices on the right. The correct answer paraphrases the passage. Each distractor type is color-coded: plausible-but-not-stated (red), contradicts the passage (orange), and hybrid of passage language with outside information (amber).

SECTION 5

Keyword Scanning & Signal-Word Classification

Efficient keyword scanning is the engine that drives your ability to locate stated information quickly. On a timed test, you cannot afford to reread an entire passage for every question. Instead, you extract signal words from the question stem and use them as anchors to jump to the relevant part of the passage. Signal words fall into several categories, and understanding these categories sharpens your scanning accuracy.

Signal-Word Category	Examples	Why They Help
Proper Nouns	Names of people, organizations, places (e.g., "NEC," "Thomas Edison")	Capitalized words stand out visually, making them easy to spot during a scan.
Numbers & Dates	Years, percentages, measurements (e.g., "120 volts," "1897")	Numeric characters contrast sharply with surrounding text and are quickly locatable.
Technical Terms	Domain-specific vocabulary (e.g., "amperage," "photosynthesis," "torque")	Rare or specialized words typically appear only once or twice in a passage, narrowing the search.
Superlatives & Absolutes	"most," "least," "only," "never," "always," "first"	These extreme words carry heavy meaning and are usually found in key sentences where the author makes a strong claim.
Cause-Effect Markers	"because," "therefore," "as a result," "due to"	If the question asks why something happens, scanning for these markers leads you straight to the explanatory sentence.

Signal-word categories and their strategic value when scanning passages under time pressure.

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PRO TIP

When the question contains a synonym rather than the exact word used in the passage, expand your scan to include related terms. For instance, if the question asks about "cost," the passage might say "price," "expense," or "affordability." Flexibility with synonyms prevents you from missing the relevant sentence.

SECTION 6

Worked Example — Full Question Walkthrough

Below is a sample passage similar in length and complexity to what you will encounter on the ETA Aptitude Test, followed by a stated-information question. We will walk through the six-step search-and-match process from start to finish.

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SAMPLE PASSAGE

Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are electrical safety devices designed to prevent electrical shock. A GFCI monitors the current flowing through the hot and neutral conductors of a circuit. Under normal conditions, these two currents are equal. When the GFCI detects an imbalance of approximately 5 milliamps between the hot and neutral conductors, it trips the circuit within one-fortieth of a second, cutting off power before the current can cause serious injury. The National Electrical Code requires GFCIs in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor receptacles because these locations expose users to water, which significantly increases the risk of electric shock.

Question: According to the passage, at what level of current imbalance does a GFCI trip the circuit?

A) 10 milliamps
B) 5 milliamps
C) 15 milliamps
D) 20 milliamps

Step-by-Step Solution

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Step 1 — Read the Question First

The question asks about the level of current imbalance that causes a GFCI to trip. The phrase "According to the passage" confirms this is a stated-information question — the answer is written directly in the text.
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Step 2 — Identify Keywords

The most useful keywords are "GFCI," "imbalance," "milliamps," and "trip." These are a mix of technical terms and numbers — ideal for rapid scanning.
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Step 3 — Scan the Passage

Scanning for "milliamps" and "imbalance," we locate the third sentence: "When the GFCI detects an imbalance of approximately 5 milliamps between the hot and neutral conductors, it trips the circuit within one-fortieth of a second."
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Step 4 — Read the Surrounding Context

The sentence before it confirms that under normal conditions the currents are equal. The sentence after explains why this matters (preventing serious injury). The target sentence itself explicitly states the numeric threshold.
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Step 5 — Match to Answer Choices

The passage says "approximately 5 milliamps." Choice B states "5 milliamps," which matches the stated information directly.

Answer: B) 5 milliamps
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Step 6 — Verify

Can you point to the exact sentence? Yes — the third sentence in the passage explicitly says "an imbalance of approximately 5 milliamps." Choices A, C, and D are plausible-sounding numbers but are not stated anywhere in the passage. They are Type 1 distractors (plausible but not stated).

SECTION 7

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Even when you understand the search-and-match method, certain traps can cost you points. The following table summarizes the most frequent mistakes candidates make on stated-information questions and provides a concrete strategy for avoiding each one.

Pitfall	What Happens	Prevention Strategy
Using Background Knowledge	You choose an answer that is factually true in real life but is not mentioned in the passage.	Always verify your answer against a specific sentence. If the passage does not say it, it is wrong — even if you know it is true.
Confusing Similar Details	The passage mentions multiple numbers, dates, or names, and you match the question to the wrong one.	Read the full sentence around your keyword — not just the keyword itself. Context determines which detail the question targets.
Falling for Partial Matches	An answer choice uses exact words from the passage but changes the relationship between them (e.g., swaps cause and effect).	Compare the structure of the answer choice to the structure of the passage sentence. Confirm that the who-does-what-to-whom relationships match.
Overthinking the Question	You read too deeply into the question and treat a stated-information question as though it requires inference.	Check the question stem for signal phrases like "according to the passage." If present, stick to what is written — do not add reasoning layers.

Four common pitfalls and targeted strategies for avoiding them on the ETA Aptitude Test.

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KEY TAKEAWAY

Think of stated-information questions like reading a circuit label on a panel schedule. The label says "20A, 120V, kitchen." If someone asks what amperage the circuit is rated for, you read the label — you do not calculate it from wire gauge or breaker specifications. The answer is right there. Stated-information questions work the same way: the passage is the label, and your job is to read it accurately.

SECTION 8

Stated Information vs. Inference — Knowing the Difference

The ETA Aptitude Test also includes inference-based questions, and distinguishing between the two question types is essential. On stated-information questions, the answer is in the passage. On inference questions, the answer is logically supported by the passage but not explicitly written. Confusing the two types leads to errors in both directions — you might over-reason on a stated question or under-support on an inference question.

Feature	Stated-Information Questions	Inference Questions
Typical Stem Language	"According to the passage," "The passage states," "Which is mentioned"	"The passage implies," "It can be inferred," "The author would most likely agree"
Where the Answer Lives	Directly in a sentence of the passage	Between the lines — supported by passage clues but not explicitly written
Reasoning Required	Locate and match only — no additional logic	Combine stated clues with logical reasoning to reach a conclusion
Verification Test	"Can I point to the sentence?" — if yes, the answer is verified	"Does the passage provide enough evidence to make this conclusion probable?" — if yes, the inference is sound
Common Mistake	Choosing an answer that sounds right but cannot be traced to a specific sentence	Choosing an answer that is directly stated rather than logically derived

Comparison of stated-information and inference question types on the ETA Aptitude Test.

As you advance through your apprenticeship and encounter progressively more complex technical documents — code amendments, engineering specifications, change orders — you will rely on both skills. The ability to locate stated information forms the foundation, while inference allows you to interpret ambiguous or incomplete documentation. Mastering stated-information questions first gives you a solid base from which to build higher-order comprehension skills.

SECTION 9

Practice Problems

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PRACTICE PASSAGE

Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are designed to detect dangerous electrical arcs that can cause fires. Unlike GFCIs, which protect against electrical shock, AFCIs protect against fire hazards created by damaged or deteriorated wiring. The National Electrical Code first required AFCIs in bedroom circuits in 1999. Since then, requirements have expanded significantly; the 2014 edition of the NEC mandated AFCIs in nearly all habitable rooms, including kitchens, living rooms, and hallways. AFCIs work by monitoring the waveform of the electrical current. When the device identifies the irregular, high-frequency patterns characteristic of an arc fault, it interrupts the circuit within approximately one-thirtieth of a second. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that AFCIs could prevent more than 50 percent of residential electrical fires each year.

Question 1: CONCEPTUAL

According to the passage, what is the primary purpose of an AFCI?

Show answer

The passage states that AFCIs are "designed to detect dangerous electrical arcs that can cause fires." Their primary purpose is fire prevention, not shock protection. This is explicitly stated in the first sentence. The second sentence reinforces this by contrasting AFCIs with GFCIs, noting that AFCIs "protect against fire hazards" while GFCIs "protect against electrical shock."

Question 2: BASIC

According to the passage, in what year did the NEC first require AFCIs in bedroom circuits?

Show answer

The passage directly states, "The National Electrical Code first required AFCIs in bedroom circuits in 1999." The correct answer is 1999. This is a straightforward keyword-scan question — scanning for "first required" or "bedroom" leads you immediately to the third sentence. The year 2014 is also mentioned in the passage, but it refers to expanded requirements in habitable rooms, not the original bedroom mandate.

Question 3: INTERMEDIATE

The passage states that AFCIs interrupt a circuit within approximately what time frame after detecting an arc fault?

Show answer

The passage specifies that an AFCI "interrupts the circuit within approximately one-thirtieth of a second." The correct answer is one-thirtieth of a second. This question tests whether you can locate a specific numeric detail when the passage contains multiple time-related or technical details. The GFCI passage in the worked example mentioned one-fortieth of a second for GFCIs — a test-taker who confuses the two passages would select the wrong value. Always return to the specific passage at hand.

Question 4: APPLIED

Based on the passage, which of the following rooms was added to AFCI requirements by the 2014 NEC edition: (A) bedrooms, (B) kitchens, (C) bathrooms, (D) basements?

Show answer

The correct answer is (B) kitchens. The passage states that the 2014 edition "mandated AFCIs in nearly all habitable rooms, including kitchens, living rooms, and hallways." Bedrooms (A) were already required since 1999 and therefore were not "added" by the 2014 edition. Bathrooms (C) and basements (D) are not mentioned anywhere in the passage. This question requires you to cross-reference two sentences — the 1999 bedroom requirement and the 2014 expansion — and recognize that kitchens are explicitly listed as part of the expansion.

Question 5: CRITICAL THINKING

A test-taker selects the answer "AFCIs prevent all residential electrical fires" for a question asking what the passage says about fire prevention. Explain why this answer is incorrect by referencing specific passage language, and identify the distractor type being used.

Show answer

The passage states that AFCIs "could prevent more than 50 percent of residential electrical fires each year" — not all fires. The answer "AFCIs prevent all residential electrical fires" exaggerates the passage's claim by replacing "more than 50 percent" with "all." This is an example of a Type 2 distractor (contradicts or distorts the passage). The passage uses the qualifier "more than 50 percent," which is a far cry from 100 percent. This question illustrates why reading the exact wording of the passage matters: absolutes like "all," "never," and "always" should raise a red flag unless the passage itself uses those words.

SUMMARY

Lesson Summary

Summary

Identifying stated information is the foundational reading comprehension skill tested on the IBEW Electrical Training Alliance Aptitude Test. The strategy centers on a six-step search-and-match process: read the question first, identify keywords, scan the passage for those keywords, read the surrounding sentence, match your finding to the answer choices, and verify by pointing to the exact sentence in the text.

Guard against common pitfalls: relying on background knowledge instead of the passage, confusing similar details, falling for partial matches that rearrange the passage's meaning, and overthinking what should be a direct-lookup question. Remember: if the question stem says "according to the passage," the correct answer is always something the author explicitly wrote. Treat the passage like a code book — the answer is on the page; your job is to find it.