How to Pass the Reading Section of the CRCT

The CRCT is a standardized test that is given to middle-school students throughout the United States. CRCT scores weigh heavily in determining which classes students will take in high school. They also determine whether the school shows adequate yearly progress (or AYP), one of the stipulations of the No Child Left Behind act. The following instructions provide useful strategies that may help you pass the reading-comprehension portion of this test.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Read the questions and the answer choices first. The reading-comprehension section consists of several long passages followed by a few questions. However, reading the passages before answering the questions is usually more time-consuming that it is helpful. Read the questions and the answer choices first. Then skim the passage for the information you need.

2. When answers are similar, look for specifics. It's common for test makers to include more than one answer that is potentially correct. This is why the directions usually say to find the "best" answer, rather than the "right" answer. When two answers are similar, the one that is more specific is usually the choice the test makers want you to select.

3. When answers are the same, eliminate them. Similar answers are one thing. However, answers that say the exact same thing using different words are another. For example, imagine that a test asks you from whose point of view a story is told. Answer choice "A" reads: "The main character's." Answer choice "B" reads: "The protagonist's." By definition, the protagonist of a story is the main character. Since these answers mean exactly the same thing and students must choose only one answer, neither choice "A" nor choice "B" is correct. Increase your odds of selecting the right answer by eliminating choices that are exactly the same.

4. Put personal experience aside. When answering questions about a passage, it's tempting to put yourself in the character's place and respond by choosing how you would react in the character's situation. However, doing so is usually a huge mistake. Don't try to make the story be about you. When you answer the questions, don't ask yourself how you personally feel. Ask yourself how the author most likely intended for every reader to feel.

5. Know the basic terms. Most reading-comprehension questions relate to a few key terms. It's a good idea to review the following words and their definitions before taking the test.

   Point of view: The angle from which the story is being told.
   Tone: The author's attitude toward the subject matter.
   Unifying idea: The message expressed by the passage.
   Supporting details: Specific facts that are directly related to the unifying idea.

Tips & Warnings

• As with any test, getting enough sleep the night before and remaining calm on testing day will also help.