Read for the central claim before collecting details
Paragraph Comprehension concerns obtaining information from written passages. A main-point task asks which statement best covers what the paragraph is doing, not which statement repeats one true phrase. For this guide’s original passages, first identify the topic, then ask what the writer says about it. A proposal, a report of observations and a warning about limitations play different roles. Worked mini-passage: “The neighborhood exchange accepted many donated books during its first week. Volunteers could sort them on Saturday, but weekday sorting was slow because the room was shared. The coordinator therefore proposes one regular Saturday sorting session rather than daily drop-in sorting.” The central point is a proposed regular Saturday session in response to the observed scheduling constraint. A summary solely about the number of donated books misses the recommendation. An answer can be related to the topic and still introduce a new priority. The paragraph above does not propose discarding the books or prove that weekday volunteers are unreliable. It identifies a room-sharing constraint and suggests a scheduling response. Preserve the scope and the stated reason. Do not convert an observation made during one week into a claim about every future week. The repair-clinic diagnostic uses a different original passage. It gives interest, equipment limits and uncertainty about costs. An adequate summary must preserve how those pieces relate to the proposal. Before reading its options, write a short provisional summary, then compare coverage and strength. Choose the statement supported by the paragraph rather than the one you personally consider the best community policy.
Read the original passage. The community center held two trial repair clinics. Volunteers repaired many chairs and small household items, although some requests required tools the center did not own. The attendance log showed interest on both Saturdays. The coordinator proposes a monthly clinic, with advance descriptions of items so volunteers can identify requests beyond their equipment. Because materials were donated during the trials, their low expenses do not establish the cost of future clinics. Which statement best expresses the passage’s main point?
- The proposal is a monthly clinic, informed by interest but qualified by equipment limits and uncertain future costs. The proposal-with-limits statement integrates the recommendation and its stated reservations. Equipment and donated materials are supporting details; the passage does not replace the clinic with purchases or report a neighborhood comparison.
Compare the other answer choices
The last sentence explicitly says donated-material trial expenses do not establish future costs.
No neighborhood comparison is described.
The passage proposes monthly sessions; it does not recommend replacing them with purchases.
Try it, then explain it.
Complete a short set without looking at the example. After each answer, explain which evidence or rule supports your decision and why the alternatives do not fit.
Sources & authorship
Original Slope explanations and examples. References support the concepts; they are not the source of copied questions. Independent educator review is pending.
ASVAB Subtests