FTCE General Knowledge Test (Reading)
Preview (1st step) - correct answersThis strategy will reveal the passages purpose and rationale.
1. Read the first sentence of each paragraph.
2. Read the concluding sentence of the passage.
3. Read the questions - not the responses.
Read Actively (2nd step) - correct answersWhile reading recognizing important words, topic sentences,
main ideas, and words denoting the tone of the passage. During this time you should determine the
writer's purpose of the passage.
Paragraph Structures - correct answers1. Main idea/ Supporting details
2. Main idea/Examples
3. Compare/Contrast
4. Pros and Cons
5. Chronological order
6. Cause and Effect
Review (pasage) (3rd step) - correct answersAfter reading actively, look over the main idea, topic
sentences, key words and phrases you have noted.
Questions (4th step) - correct answers1. Answer one at a time.
2. General answer - answer immediately
3. Specific place in passage - mark and save it for last (requires more time)
4. Detail-orientated answers- narrow down your choices before looking back
5. Utilize key words to find answer.
6. Cannot find answer? Use elimination, then guess.
Evidence - correct answersAnything used to prove that an idea is true, real, correct, or probable.
Bias - correct answersThe author's personal feelings on the topic, and what they believe. May not be
based on a fact. Used in passages wherein the author is comparing/contrasting two arguments.
Facts and statistics (Documentated) - correct answersThe most powerful evidence a writer can bring to
bear on proving an idea or supporting the main thesis. Must use reliable sources.
Expert testimony - correct answersThe reported positions, theses, or studies of people who are
recognized experts in the field under discussion in the literature.
Anecdote - correct answersThe evidence of the writer's own personal experience. (a little story)
Hypothetical illustrations - correct answersExamples that suggest probable circumstances in which
something would be true.
Analogies - correct answersA comparison between items that are different but that also have some
striking similarities. (weakest form of evidence)
Preview (1st step) - correct answersThis strategy will reveal the passages purpose and rationale.
1. Read the first sentence of each paragraph.
2. Read the concluding sentence of the passage.
3. Read the questions - not the responses.
Read Actively (2nd step) - correct answersWhile reading recognizing important words, topic sentences,
main ideas, and words denoting the tone of the passage. During this time you should determine the
writer's purpose of the passage.
Paragraph Structures - correct answers1. Main idea/ Supporting details
2. Main idea/Examples
3. Compare/Contrast
4. Pros and Cons
5. Chronological order
6. Cause and Effect
Review (pasage) (3rd step) - correct answersAfter reading actively, look over the main idea, topic
sentences, key words and phrases you have noted.
Questions (4th step) - correct answers1. Answer one at a time.
2. General answer - answer immediately
3. Specific place in passage - mark and save it for last (requires more time)
4. Detail-orientated answers- narrow down your choices before looking back
5. Utilize key words to find answer.
6. Cannot find answer? Use elimination, then guess.
Evidence - correct answersAnything used to prove that an idea is true, real, correct, or probable.
Bias - correct answersThe author's personal feelings on the topic, and what they believe. May not be
based on a fact. Used in passages wherein the author is comparing/contrasting two arguments.
Facts and statistics (Documentated) - correct answersThe most powerful evidence a writer can bring to
bear on proving an idea or supporting the main thesis. Must use reliable sources.
Expert testimony - correct answersThe reported positions, theses, or studies of people who are
recognized experts in the field under discussion in the literature.
Anecdote - correct answersThe evidence of the writer's own personal experience. (a little story)
Hypothetical illustrations - correct answersExamples that suggest probable circumstances in which
something would be true.
Analogies - correct answersA comparison between items that are different but that also have some
striking similarities. (weakest form of evidence)
