Review Mistakes
Learn how to turn your mistakes into learning opportunities by building an error log and identifying patterns in your reading comprehension errors.
Learn
Mistakes Are Your Best Teachers
Every wrong answer contains valuable information. When you analyze WHY you got something wrong, you learn how to get it right next time!
Change Your Mindset About Mistakes
Wrong Mindset
"I got it wrong. I'm bad at reading."
Right Mindset
"I got it wrong. Now I can learn why and do better next time!"
Why Review Mistakes?
- Find patterns: You might keep making the same type of error
- Understand traps: Test writers use predictable tricks
- Build confidence: Knowing your weaknesses helps you improve
- Save time: Focus practice on areas where you need help
The 4-Step Review Process
Identify the Question Type
Was it a main idea question? Inference? Vocabulary in context? Knowing the type helps you see patterns.
Understand WHY Your Answer Was Wrong
Was it too broad? Too narrow? Did you misread the question? Did you fall for a trap answer?
Understand WHY the Correct Answer Is Right
Find the specific evidence in the passage. What made this the best answer?
Write It Down in Your Error Log
Keep a record so you can review patterns over time and track your improvement.
Common Error Types in Reading Questions
| Error Type | What It Means | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Too Specific | Chose a detail instead of main idea | Ask: Does this cover the WHOLE passage? |
| Too Broad | Answer was too general | Check if answer matches THIS passage specifically |
| Misread Question | Didn't notice key words like "NOT" or "EXCEPT" | Underline key words in every question |
| Outside Knowledge | Used what you knew, not what passage said | Always find evidence IN the passage |
| Extreme Words | Fell for "always," "never," "all" | Be suspicious of absolute language |
Examples
Let's practice analyzing mistakes using the 4-step process.
Example: Analyzing a Mistake
Question: What is the main idea of the passage about honeybees?
Your answer: Bees visit up to 2,000 flowers daily.
Correct answer: Honeybees are important for both making honey and helping plants grow.
Question Type: Main Idea
Why Wrong: Too Specific
"2,000 flowers" is just one detail, not the big picture.
Why Correct Is Right
The correct answer covers BOTH paragraphs: making honey AND helping plants.
Error Log Entry
Type: Main Idea | Error: Too Specific | Fix: Check if answer covers whole passage
Practice
For each scenario, identify what type of error was made.
Question 1
A student answered a "What is the author's purpose?" question by choosing "to explain everything about science." The passage was specifically about how plants make food through photosynthesis.
What error did the student make?
Question 2
The question asked "Which of the following is NOT a reason the author gives for recycling?" A student quickly chose the first answer that mentioned recycling benefits.
What error did the student make?
Question 3
A passage about dolphins mentioned they are intelligent mammals. A student chose an answer saying "All mammals are as smart as dolphins" because they knew mammals are generally intelligent.
What error did the student make?
Question 4
An answer choice said "Scientists have ALWAYS known about climate change." This was incorrect because the passage discussed how understanding developed over time.
What trap did this wrong answer use?
Check Your Understanding
Test your knowledge of error types with this 10-question quiz!
Error Detective Quiz
Quiz Complete!
Next Steps
Key Takeaways
- Mistakes are learning opportunities, not failures
- Use the 4-step process: Identify type, why wrong, why right, log it
- Common errors: too specific, too broad, misread question, outside knowledge, extreme words
- Keep an error log to track patterns over time
- Start your own error log for reading practice
- Review your mistakes within 24 hours for best retention
- Move on to the Mixed Practice Set to apply all your skills