Written Comprehension
Understanding written sentences, paragraphs, and documents
Written Comprehension is the ability to read and understand written material. The exam tests this through passages, policy excerpts, or document-based questions where you must demonstrate that you understood what you read.
How It Works
You'll be given written material — a policy excerpt, memo, procedure, or description — and asked questions about its content. The key skills are:
- •Identifying the main idea of a passage
- •Finding specific details within the text
- •Understanding the meaning of words in context
- •Drawing inferences from what is stated
- •Distinguishing between facts and opinions
- •Understanding the writer's purpose and tone
Education Officer Example
The exam describes this as used 'when reading protocols and policies of the Department of Education.' This means you may be given an excerpt from a DOE policy and asked what it means, who it applies to, or what action it requires.
Document-Based Questions
The exam notice states: 'Certain questions may need to be answered on the basis of documents or other information supplied to the candidates on the date of the multiple-choice exam.' This means you'll receive reference documents and must answer questions by reading and interpreting them accurately.
Reading Strategies
For comprehension questions on a timed exam:
- •Read the questions FIRST, then read the passage (you'll know what to look for)
- •Underline or note key phrases that answer the questions
- •Don't rely on outside knowledge — answer based on what the text says
- •Watch for qualifiers: 'most likely,' 'according to the passage,' 'best describes'
- •Eliminate answers that contradict the text, even if they sound reasonable
Key Takeaways
- ✓Answer based on what the text SAYS, not what you know from experience
- ✓Read questions first, then the passage — you'll know what to look for
- ✓Watch for qualifiers in questions: 'according to,' 'most likely,' 'best'
- ✓Expect document-based questions with materials provided at the exam
- ✓Eliminate answers that contradict or aren't supported by the text
Exam Tip
The biggest mistake is choosing an answer that sounds correct based on your general knowledge but isn't supported by the specific passage. Always tie your answer back to the text.
Visual Mnemonic
Create a vivid picture-based memory hook for this concept so the main rules and patterns are easier to recall during the exam.
Current Focus
Written Comprehension