What is Extended Reading? | English for EmSAT Achieve PDF Download

Introduction

The EmSAT English Achieve is designed to evaluate a test-taker's readiness to pursue studies in an English-medium college or university. This computer-based exam consists of eight main sections: Grammar, Vocabulary, Sentence Builder, Paragraph Builder, Cloze Reading, Extended Reading, Single-Question Reading, and Writing.
Each section serves a specific purpose in assessing different aspects of English language proficiency, ranging from grammar and vocabulary knowledge to reading comprehension and writing skills.

What is Extended Reading?

The Extended Reading section of the EmSAT English Achieve assesses a test-taker's ability to comprehend and analyze written texts commonly encountered in academic settings. This section typically features reading passages that fall into various genres, such as descriptive, narrative, or expository texts. These passages are of moderate length, ranging from 450 to 550 words.

The primary objective of this section is to evaluate a candidate's proficiency in a range of reading skills, including:

• Identifying the main idea: Test-takers are expected to grasp the central theme or primary argument of the passage. This skill involves understanding the overarching message or purpose of the text.

• Finding simple factual details: Candidates must be able to locate specific information stated explicitly within the passage. This could include facts, dates, names, or events mentioned in the text.

• Determining pronoun reference: This skill involves understanding the referents of pronouns (e.g., he, she, it, they) within the passage. Test-takers must identify to whom or what these pronouns refer in order to comprehend the text accurately.

• Finding the meaning of an unfamiliar word: Test-takers may encounter unfamiliar vocabulary within the passages. They are expected to use context clues or other strategies to infer the meaning of these words.

• Understanding inference (what is implied): Beyond the explicit information provided in the text, candidates must be able to draw logical conclusions or make inferences based on implicit cues. This skill involves interpreting the author's intended meaning beyond the literal text.

• Sequencing (understanding the order of events): Test-takers must comprehend the chronological or logical sequence of events presented in the passage. This could involve identifying the order of actions, occurrences, or ideas within the text.

The questions accompanying the reading passages are typically presented in a multiple-choice format. Each question assesses one or more of the aforementioned reading skills. Test-takers must carefully analyze the passage and select the most appropriate answer choice based on their understanding of the text.

By evaluating these reading skills, the EmSAT Reading section aims to gauge a candidate's ability to engage with and comprehend written material effectively, which is crucial for success in academic pursuits conducted in English.