A familiar word can have an unfamiliar meaning in a passage. A structural question asks what a sentence or paragraph does, rather than simply what it says. Read the local context, then connect it to the writer’s overall purpose.
A reliable method
Predict before reading the options
For vocabulary, replace the target word with a simple phrase that fits the sentence. For structure, describe the move: an example, a qualification, a contrast or an explanation of a result.
Preserve the writer’s degree of certainty
A cautious statement such as ‘may suggest’ is different from ‘proves’. Tone and qualifications are part of meaning, even when two options mention the same topic.
Compare texts claim by claim
Identify the precise claim each author makes. A second text may accept an observation while challenging its explanation; that is not a rejection of every part of the first text.
Test each option against the passage
An option can be true in the wider world yet unsupported here. Reject choices that introduce motives, conclusions or guarantees the writer does not state. For sequence questions, list the events in time order; a flashback appears later in the text but describes an earlier event.
Worked examples
‘The new measurements tempered the team’s optimism: the effect remained positive, but was smaller than expected.’ What does ‘tempered’ mean here?
- The effect stayed positive, so optimism did not disappear.
- The smaller effect reduced the strength of the team’s expectation.
- ‘Moderated’ fits both clauses; ‘confirmed’ ignores the qualification and ‘destroyed’ overstates it.
Answer: moderated
Text 1 calls a rise in recorded imports proof of greater total trade. Text 2 notes that the authorities began recording previously omitted goods. How does Text 2 respond?
- Separate the observation (more recorded imports) from the inference (more total trade).
- A changed recording system is an alternative explanation for the observation.
- Text 2 challenges the inference without needing to deny the recorded increase.
Answer: It identifies an alternative explanation for the recorded increase.
Now use the method yourself.
Mark this guide as read, then use the method in topic practice before the checkpoint.