CHAPTER 1 ARI FAJRIA NOVARI
GETTING THE ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
LESSON SUMMARY
The first step in increasing your reading comprehension is to learn how to get
the basic information. Like a good detective, start with the basic facts. To get
the facts, be an active reader and look for clues as you read.
Imagine, for a moment, that you are a detective. You have just been called to
the scene of a crime; a house has been robbed. What’s the first thing you
should do when you arrive?
a. See what’s on the TV.
b. Check what’s in the fridge.
c. Get the basic facts of the case.
The answer, of course, is c, get the basic facts of the case: who, what, when,
where, how, and why. What happened? To whom? When? Where? How did it
happen? And why?
As a reader faced with a text, you go through a similar process. The first thing
you should do is establish the facts. What does this piece of writing tell you?
What happens? To whom? When, where, how, and why? If you can answer these
basic questions, you’re on your way to really comprehending what you read.
WHAT ARE THE FACTS?
Let’s start with a definition. A fact is:
■ Something that we know for certain to have happened
■ Something that we know for certain to be true
■ Something that we know for certain to exist
Much of what you read, especially today in this “Information Age,” is designed to
provide you with facts. You may read, for example, about a new office procedure that
you must follow; about how the new computer system works; about what happened at
the staff meeting. If you’re taking a standardized test, you’ll probably have to answer
reading comprehension questions that ask about the facts in a reading passage. These
facts are not always easy to determine, especially if the writing is dense or
complicated. To make it simpler, ask yourself these questions as you read: What facts
am I expected to know? What am I to learn or be aware of? What happened? What is
true? What exists?
PRACTICE PASSAGE 1
Jump right into the task of finding facts. The following brief passage is similar
to something you might see in a newspaper. Read the passage carefully, and
then answer the questions that follow. Remember, careful reading is active
reading (see the Introduction), so mark up the text as you go. Underline key
words and ideas; circle and define any unfamiliar words or phrases; and
record your reactions and questions in the margins.
On Friday, October 21, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Judith Reynolds, owner of
The Cupcake Factory, arrived at her establishment to find that it had been
robbed and vandalized overnight. The front window of the shop at 128 Broad
Street was broken, and chairs and tables were overturned throughout the café
area. Additionally, the cash register had been pried open and emptied of
money. The thieves attempted to open the safe as well, but were unsuccessful.
Ms. Reynolds used her cell phone to report the crime to the police. She also
phoned the proprietor of Primo Pizza, located at 130 Broad Street, as she
noticed that the door of that restaurant showed signs of forced entry. The
police department is asking anyone with information to call 555-2323.
1. What happened to The Cupcake Factory?
2. When was the crime discovered?
3. Where did it happen?
4. What was stolen?
5. Who called the police?
6. What other businesses were affected?
PRACTICE PASSAGE 2
This passage includes instructions for renewing a driver’s license. Read it
carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Instructions for License Renewal
A driver’s license must be renewed every four years. A renewal application is sent
approximately five to seven weeks before the expiration date listed on the
license. Individuals who fail to renew within three years of the license expiration
date are not eligible for a renewal and must repeat the initial licensing process.
To renew a license, you must visit a Motor Vehicles Agency. You must present a
completed renewal application; your current driver’s license; acceptable proof of
age, identification, and address; and proof of social security in the form of a
social security card, a state or federal income tax return, a current pay stub, or a
W-2 form. You must also pay the required fee. If all the documents and payment
are in order, your photo will be taken and a new license will be issued.
7. What documents does one need to renew a driver’s license?
8. What documents represent proof of social security?
9. How often must one renew a driver’s license?
10. How does one obtain the renewal form?
11. True or False: You can renew your driver’s license by mail.
PRACTICE PASSAGE 3
Now look at one more short passage. Again, read carefully and answer the
questions that follow.
Today’s postal service is more efficient and reliable than ever before. Mail
that used to take months to move by horse and foot now moves around the
country in days or hours by truck, train, and plane. First-class mail usually
moves from New York City to Los Angeles in three days or less. If your letter or
package is urgent, the U.S. Postal Service offers Priority Mail and Express
Mail services. Priority Mail is guaranteed to go anywhere in the United States
in two days or less. Express Mail will get your package there overnight.
12. Who or what is this passage about?
13. How was mail transported in the past?
14. How is mail transported now?
15. How long does first-class mail take?
16. How long does Priority Mail take?
17. How long does Express Mail take?
