Grade: Grade 5 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Time Management SAT Domain: Problem Solving + Data Analysis ACT Section: Reading

Question Types

Learn to recognize different question types so you can choose the right strategy and manage your time wisely.

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Not all test questions are the same! Some are quick to answer, while others take more time. By learning to recognize question types, you can plan your time better and choose the right approach for each one.

The Five Main Question Types

On most standardized tests, you'll see these five types of questions. Each one needs a different strategy:

1. Recall Questions

30-45 seconds

These ask you to remember a fact directly from the passage or find specific information.

Strategy: Scan the passage for keywords. The answer is usually stated directly - no thinking required!

2. Vocabulary Questions

30-60 seconds

These ask what a word means in context, or which word best fits a sentence.

Strategy: Read the sentence with each answer choice. Pick the one that makes the most sense in context.

3. Inference Questions

1-2 minutes

These ask what you can conclude or figure out based on the information given.

Strategy: Look for clues in the passage. The answer isn't stated directly - you have to "read between the lines."

4. Main Idea Questions

1-1.5 minutes

These ask about the central point, theme, or purpose of a passage.

Strategy: Think about the whole passage. What is the author's main message? Avoid answers that are too specific.

5. Analysis Questions

1.5-2 minutes

These ask you to evaluate, compare, or explain why something works a certain way.

Strategy: Take your time. These require careful thinking. If stuck for 2+ minutes, mark and move on.

Time-Saving Order

Answer questions in this order to maximize your score:

1 Recall & Vocabulary first - These are quickest. Get easy points fast!
2 Main Idea next - After reading, you usually know the main point.
3 Inference questions - These take a bit more thinking.
4 Analysis last - Save the hardest questions for when you have time.

How to Spot Each Type

Recall: "According to the passage..." or "The author states that..."

Vocabulary: "The word ___ most nearly means..." or "Which word best replaces..."

Inference: "It can be inferred that..." or "The passage suggests..."

Main Idea: "The main purpose of this passage is..." or "This passage is primarily about..."

Analysis: "The author uses this example to..." or "How does paragraph 2 relate to..."

Examples

Let's practice identifying question types and see the best approach for each.

Example 1 Recall Question

Passage excerpt: "The giant panda lives in the bamboo forests of central China. An adult panda can eat up to 38 kilograms of bamboo each day."

Question: According to the passage, how much bamboo can an adult panda eat daily?

A) 18 kilograms

B) 38 kilograms (Correct!)

C) 48 kilograms

D) 28 kilograms

Why it's fast: The answer (38 kg) is stated directly in the passage. Just scan for the number!

Example 2 Inference Question

Passage excerpt: "Maria checked her watch again and tapped her foot. The bus was already fifteen minutes late, and dark clouds were gathering overhead."

Question: Based on the passage, how is Maria most likely feeling?

A) Excited and happy

B) Anxious and impatient (Correct!)

C) Calm and relaxed

D) Sleepy and bored

Why it takes longer: Maria's feelings aren't stated directly. You have to use clues (checking watch, tapping foot, late bus, storm coming) to figure out she's anxious.

Example 3 Vocabulary Question

Sentence: "The scientist made a meticulous examination of the specimen, checking every tiny detail."

Question: As used in the sentence, "meticulous" most nearly means:

A) quick

B) boring

C) careful and thorough (Correct!)

D) loud

Strategy used: The phrase "checking every tiny detail" is a context clue that helps you figure out "meticulous" means careful and thorough.