Tip #14 Reading Question Type 13 (Highlight the Answer): Read answer first for keywords and answer type, skim begining middle and end for function, look for synonyms, avoid traps

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Pre-Task Strategies

1. Read the Question First
   • Identify keywords (even if synonyms are used).
   • Determine answer type: Name? Date? Reason?
     
2. Skim the Passage for Function
   • Beginning: Introduces topic.
   • Middle: Details/examples.
   • End: Conclusions/effects.
3. Anchor Words
   • Scan for synonyms of question keywords.
   • Example:
     • Question: "Why did the project fail?"
     • Passage: "The initiative collapsed due to budget cuts."
4. Avoid Traps
   • Don’t highlight entire sentences unless necessary.
   • Reject exact word matches if context doesn’t fit.
5. Hypothesize Location
   • Names/dates → Often first half.
   • Reasons/results → Often second half.

Practice
Task Type: Read a 150-word passage and highlight the exact text that answers a question.

Model Task
Passage (150 words):
"The Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting East Asia to Europe, flourished between 130 BCE and 1453 CE. Merchants transported silk, spices, and porcelain, but its greatest impact was cultural. Buddhism spread from India to China via these routes, while papermaking technology moved westward. The Mongol Empire’s stability in the 13th century boosted trade by protecting travelers. However, the Black Death and the rise of sea trade led to its decline. Today, UNESCO recognizes the Silk Road as a symbol of cross-cultural exchange."

Question:
What event accelerated the Silk Road’s decline?


Post-Task Assessment & Reflection
Self-Check Questions:

1. Did I highlight the minimal sufficient text?
   • ✅ "the Black Death and the rise of sea trade" (not the whole sentence).
2. Did I avoid exact-word traps?
   • Question: "accelerated the decline" → Passage: "led to its decline" (synonym).
3. Did I locate the answer efficiently?
   • Hypothesis: Decline → end of passage (correct).

Reflection Prompts:

• Over-Highlighting: "Did I include unnecessary words (e.g., ‘However’)?"
• Synonym Awareness: "Did I miss ‘led to’ as a match for ‘accelerated’?"
• Time Management: "Did I spend too long on one section?"

Key Takeaways

• Less Is More: Highlight only the core answer.
• Synonym Savvy: Questions rephrase—passage won’t repeat words verbatim.
• Location Logic: Use passage structure to predict answer placement.

 Answer Key:
"The Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting East Asia to Europe, flourished between 130 BCE and 1453 CE. Merchants transported silk, spices, and porcelain, but its greatest impact was cultural. Buddhism spread from India to China via these routes, while papermaking technology moved westward. The Mongol Empire’s stability in the 13th century boosted trade by protecting travelers. However, the Black Death and the rise of sea trade led to its decline. Today, UNESCO recognizes the Silk Road as a symbol of cross-cultural exchange."