EIAT Reading Comprehension Guide

This guide will help you improve your understanding of written passages, identify key information quickly, and answer questions accurately under time pressure.

1. Types of Passages

Technical Description: Describes a process, mechanism, or how something works.
Historical or Contextual: Provides background or evolution of a concept or technology.
Comparative Analysis: Compares two or more items, methods, or theories.
Instructional or Procedural: Step-by-step instructions or guidelines.

2. Question Formats

Main Idea: What is the passage primarily about?
Detail: Specific facts or data mentioned.
Inference: Conclusions drawn from implied information.
Vocabulary in Context: Meaning of a word based on its usage.
Logical Structure: How ideas are organized (cause–effect, compare–contrast).
Procedural / Scenario: Given a described situation, identify the correct next step or priority action.

3. Strategy & Techniques

Skim First: Read the first and last sentence of each paragraph to get the gist.
Underline Keywords: Mark dates, numbers, technical terms, and signal words (however, therefore, in contrast).
Answer While Reading: Pause after each paragraph to recap mentally.
Eliminate Wrong Choices: Cross out options that are directly contradicted by the text.
Watch for Traps: Answers using extreme language (“always,” “never”) are often incorrect.

4. Practice Passage & Questions

Passage: Elevators are engineered to transport people and goods vertically within buildings. Modern traction elevators use a system of ropes and counterweights, driven by an electric motor attached to a sheave. The counterweight balances the load, reducing the energy required. Safety features include overspeed governors, which detect excessive car speed and trigger mechanical brakes, and buffer systems at the shaft bottom to cushion any unexpected descent.

1. Main Idea: What is the primary purpose of an elevator’s counterweight?

A. To increase travel speed B. To balance the load and reduce energy use C. To activate safety brakes D. To support the buffer system

2. Detail: According to the passage, which component detects excessive speed?

A. Sheave B. Buffer C. Overspeed governor D. Counterweight

3. Inference: What can be inferred about modern elevator efficiency?

A. They require more energy than older models B. Counterweights make them more energy-efficient C. Buffers are the main energy-saving component D. Governors reduce the need for roping systems

4. Practice Passage & Questions

Passage: A team of elevator mechanics is performing maintenance on a building’s highest shaft. During the inspection, a co-worker slips and falls from a ladder, injuring their leg. You are the first person on the scene. The building is occupied, and work must continue safely.

4. Procedural / Scenario: What is the first action you should take?

A. Apply a bandage from your first-aid kit B. Help the worker descend the ladder immediately C. Notify the foreman or supervisor D. Secure the ladder to prevent further accidents

5. Procedural / Scenario: After notifying the foreman, which step comes next?

A. Call emergency medical services if needed B. Continue ladder inspection as planned C. Clean up any debris around the site D. Document the incident in the logbook

5. Additional Resources

Merriam-Webster Dictionary (vocabulary in context)
Purdue OWL Reading Strategies
Khan Academy Reading Comprehension

6. Answer Key

B To balance the load and reduce energy use
C Overspeed governor
B Counterweights make them more energy-efficient
C Notify the foreman or supervisor
A Call emergency medical services if needed