READING COMPREHENSION

Reading skills

Skimming - Skim to find general information

- Eyes move quickly over the whole passage looking for general
ideas
- E.g. If you are reading a newspaper, you skim only the headlines
of the newspaper to see what the news is that day.
- When skimming, ask yourself:
+ Who did it?
+ What did they do?
+ Where did they do it?
+ When did they do?
+ Why did they do it?
- Double – passage
+ What do these passages have in common?
+ How are they related?
+ What is different in common?
+ Does the first passage present a problem and the second a
solution?
+ Does the first passage state information that is revised in the
second?
Scanning - Scan to find specific information
e.g. you want to find a telephone number, you scan the pages of a
telephone directory to find the name and number you want
when scanning, ask yourself:
Where’s the answer to my questions?
- Double- passage:
+ Is the answer more likely in the first or second passage?
+ Is the answer found in information in both passages?
 I. Advertisements (Ad)

Advertisement 1:

Skim to find the answer

Scan for these words in the ad

Circle these days in the ad

Reading comprehension: Mark the best answer

9. What is not on sale? 11. How much do women’s summer clothes

a. men’s shoes cost?
b. women’s business suits a. $50 each
c. men’s summer clothes b. $50 less than the usual price
d. women’s shoes c. half the usual price
d. one quarter of the usual price
10. What is the first day of the sale?
a. today 12. The word “mall” in line 12 is closest in
b. on Saturday meaning to
c. On Sunday a. shopping area
d. Next week b. parking lot
c. food stall
d. pedestrian track
Advertisement 2:

Skim

Scan

Context
Advertisement 3:

Skim
1. What kind of information does this
advertisement give?
a. a list of things for sale
b. an explanation of an event.
 II. Form

Form 1:

Skim: mark the word you see at the

top of the form
1. A. membership application
B. job applicant
2. A. sports equipment
B. Sports club
3. Look at the form and circle the
names of the different types of
members
4. Look at the form. Which type of
payment is not mentioned?
a. Cash
b. Credit card
c. Money order
d. check
5. Occupation
a. Job or profession
b. An activity to pass the time
6. Trial
a. Try doing something to see if
you like
b. A legal process

Read the form and choose the best answer

 Making inferences

Reminder
Will the staff who use the conference room for internal meetings please remember to take their
tea cups away them afterward. I have noticed in recent weeks that more and more dirty cups are
being left on the table and windowsill. Please remember this makes a poor impression on our
clients, who we also meet in this room.
Thank you for your cooperation.
1. Who most likely wrote this notice?
A. An important client C. An office cleaner
B. The office manager D. The security guard
2. Which of the following can be inferred from this notice?
A. The problem is getting worse C. Customers have been complaining
B. There are too many internal meetings D. The manager is pleased with his team
3. What does the writer imply?
A. Staff should meet in another room C. The current situation is bad for business
B. No drinks should be taken into the conference room

Dear Mr. Pertain,

Thank you for your expressing an interest in working as a ski instructor at Hambarger Alpine
Resort . We receive many applications for the position, including from instructors who have
many years’ experience and are extremely well qualified. As you have a level 1 qualification, we
regret that we are unable to offer you 1 position this time.
Sincerely,
Mary Sharlow
Human resources
4. What can be inferred about Mr. Pertain?
a. He recently applied for a job c. he is a graduate student
b. He works near Hambarger Alpine Resort d. he is working as a ski instructor
5. Which of the following can be inferred from this letter?
a. Many ski instructors are qualified b. Hambarger Alpine has no job vacancies
b. Mr. Pertain has been trained to become a ski instructor
6. What does Mary Sharlow imply about Mr. Pertain?
a. He should submit another application next year
b. He needs to achieve better qualifications
c. His qualification is not appropriate
d. He is not experienced enough
 Great business Leaders of the past
FRANK BICKERSTAFF
Sun valley Press, $15.95
Frank Bickerstaff is well known for his profiles of business leaders. This is the latest publication
on the subject, and here he looks at prominent business from- you guessed it – the US once
again. Famous names such as the ability from mistakes, motivate people, and take risks are
thoroughly investigated. However, I can’t help but feel he missed a chance to look beyond the
borders of the US and search for inspiration elsewhere. Overall. It is 1 good read for those who
are new to the subject, but lacking in appeal for those who are already familiar with the top ten
he chose.
Brad Ellington

7. Which of the following can be inferred about Frank Bickerstaff?

a. He is an excellent writer c. His books are best seller
b. He has written on this before d. He is a successful businessman.
8. What does Brad Ellington imply about the book?
a. Anyone who owns business should read it
b. It covers the most important business leaders
c. Everyone interested in business will enjoy it
d. It focuses to much on American business leaders
9. Who most likely is Brad Ellington?
a. A book reviewer c. An employee of Sun Valley Press
b. a successful businessman d. an expert in international business
10. How does Brad Ellington probably feel about the book?
a. It is exciting to read c. It is a little disappointing
b. It is badly written d. It is reasonably priced

Dear Ms. Bennet

It is 4 weeks since we dispatched your order of 300 color brochures (Ref.no. 98434). We hope
you are happy with the quality and service we have provided. Assuming this is the case, may I
please remind you to pay this invoice dated February.7 at the earliest opportunity? This is the
third email I have sent regarding this matter. If we do not receive your payment from you before
Friday, March 12th, we will be forced to take further action.
Ragards,
Beatrice Franklin (account receivables)

1. Which of the following can be inferred from this email?

a. The brochures are badly printed
b. Ms. Bennet has been on vacation
c. Payment for the brochures is overdue
d. Uniprint is a local company
2. How does Mr. Franklin feel about this situation?
a. Frustrated b. Relieved c. Optimistic d. regretful