VSTEP Reading Question Types and How to Answer Each One
1. Main idea
"What is the passage mainly about?", "Which is the best title?"
Read the introduction and the topic sentence of each paragraph. Eliminate options that are too narrow (about one paragraph only) or too broad (beyond the passage).
2. Detail
"According to the passage, …?", "Which is NOT mentioned?"
Scan for the keyword and read that sentence closely. The correct option is usually a paraphrase of the text. For "NOT mentioned", tick the three options you can find — the remaining one is the answer.
3. Vocabulary in context
"The word 'robust' in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to…"
Read the whole sentence, substitute each option and see which keeps the meaning. Careful: the most common meaning of a word may not be the right one in this context.
4. Reference
"The word 'they' in paragraph 3 refers to…"
Look back at the previous sentence. The nearest noun that matches the pronoun in number is usually the answer. Substitute it to check the sentence still makes sense.
5. Inference
"What can be inferred from paragraph 4?", "The author implies that…"
The answer isn't stated directly but must be clearly supported by the text. Avoid options that stretch too far or use absolute words (all, always, never).
6. Writer's purpose and attitude
"Why does the author mention…?", "What is the author's attitude toward…?"
Ask what the example is doing — illustrating, comparing, refuting? For attitude, look for evaluative adjectives and adverbs: promising, concerning, overstated.
Summary table
| Type | Where to read | Common trap |
|---|---|---|
| Main idea | Introduction, topic sentences | Too narrow / too broad |
| Detail | Sentence with the keyword | Same words, wrong meaning |
| Vocabulary | Sentence containing the word | Common meaning, wrong context |
| Reference | The sentence just before | Noun that doesn't match in number |
| Inference | The paragraph named | Going too far |
| Purpose | Sentences around the example | Confusing content with purpose |