Question Type Identifier: Know What They’re Really Asking
Every RC question has a type — and every type has an optimal strategy. This prompt classifies any question instantly so you always know exactly how to approach it.
The Six RC Question Types You’ll See on Every Exam
The biggest time-waster in RC isn’t reading the passage. It’s reading the question, not knowing what it’s really asking, and then floundering through the answer choices hoping one clicks. Knowing your RC question types changes everything — because each type has a specific strategy.
Main Idea questions ask what the passage is primarily about. Signal words: “primarily concerned with,” “main purpose,” “best title.” Trap: choosing a supporting detail rather than the central argument.
Specific Detail questions ask what the passage explicitly states. Signal words: “according to the passage,” “the author mentions.” Trap: choosing what sounds right but isn’t actually stated.
Inference questions ask what can be concluded without being directly stated. Signal words: “it can be inferred,” “the author implies,” “suggests.” These are the hardest — the answer must be one logical step beyond the text, no more.
Tone and Attitude questions ask how the author feels. Track word choice throughout, not just one paragraph. Trap: confusing the author’s tone with a source they’re quoting.
Function questions ask why the author includes something. Signal words: “purpose of,” “function of,” “in order to.” Trap: describing what the detail says rather than why it’s there.
Strengthen/Weaken questions ask what would support or undermine the argument. These require understanding the argument’s structure before evaluating new information.
Before reading answer choices, pause and state what type of question you’re facing. This 2-second pause prevents the most common mistake: answering a different question than what was asked.
Continue to Wrong Answer Analyzer (C069) for the next step in understanding trap answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Master Every Question Type
365 passages with 1,098 questions across every type. Detailed explanations show you why each answer is right or wrong.
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