Understanding What You Read

Reading comprehension is the ability to read a passage, understand its meaning, and answer questions about it. This skill is crucial for success on the GED and in everyday life.

Key Elements to Focus On

• Main Idea: What is the author really trying to say?
• Supporting Details: What evidence or examples does the author use?
• Inferences: What can you figure out even if it isn’t directly stated?
• Author’s Purpose: Is the text meant to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain?

Tips for Better Comprehension

• Skim the passage first to get the gist.
• Highlight or underline key points.
• Ask yourself questions as you read.
• Summarize each paragraph in your own words.

Why It Matters

Strong reading comprehension skills help you understand news articles, instructions, contracts, and more.