Best initial strategy for answering a Reading for Information passage on the NJ test?

• A. Read the passage in full, then answer the questions.
• B. Read only the questions first.
• C. Skim for the main idea and question prompts, then read the passage for the details necessary to answer.
• D. Memorize every sentence.

Answer: (C)

Efficiently guiding your reading by first catching the big picture and what the questions require, then reading for only the details you need, is the key approach here. This strategy helps you stay oriented to what each question is after and prevents wasting time on information that isn’t needed.

Why this works: getting the main idea gives you a quick map of the passage, so you know where to look for the necessary details. Reading the question prompts lets you see exactly which facts, examples, or definitions will answer them, so your subsequent reading is targeted rather than exhaustive. This saves time and reduces the chance of getting bogged down in irrelevant details.

How to apply it: skim the passage to grasp the overall topic and the core points, paying attention to headings, topic sentences, and transitions. At the same time, skim the questions in your head to recognize what kinds of information they’re asking for. Then go back to the passage and read only the sections that provide those specific details, dates, names, or evidence needed to answer. Finally, quickly confirm that the details you used actually support each answer.