Reading comprehension: Understanding the facts

In reading test, you may be asked to find and determine the relationships among the facts in a reading
passage. To answer factual questions, focus on the details in the passage. All factual statements are true
and all are stated in the passage.

 Skill Focus

Clue 1 The passage might state the fact explicitly.

Example The company is 20 years old.
Fact The company is 20 years old.

Clue 2 A sentence might "hide" a fact in a subordinate clause.

Example No one believed the company would succeed when it began 20 years ago in a small
town.
Fact The company is 20 years old.

Clue 3 The same fact might be stated in different words in the passage.
Example In the two decades since it opened its doors, the company has always been profitable.
Fact The company is 20 years old. (Two decades means the same as 20 years, and opened its
doors means the same as started.)

 Exercise : Find two supporting facts for each general statement. Write the letters under the
appropriate statement.

General Statements Supporting facts

1. The ship's cabins are equipped for
the passenger's safety and comfort.
____________
2. Electronic mail has improved
communication. _______
3. The weather is seasonably cold. ____
4. Medical research is under attack
from animal rights groups. _______
5. Oil companies are investigating
alternate sources of fuels. _______
a. It was below freezing this morning.
b. Life jackets are stowed under each bed. C.
c. People write more often when they use e-mail.
d. Protesters want to stop experiments on animals.
e. All cabins have their own water purification system.
f. Thousands of animal rights activists blocked the
entrances to six research facilities.
g. Oil, coal, and gas are lin1ited resources.
h. Correspondents from all over the world can send
letters instantaneously via their computers.
i. We expect more snow and ice later today.
j. Solar energy may be one substitute for
petroleum based fuels.