How should you approach a passage with multiple sections or categories?

• A. Read every word in order.
• B. Quick skim to see how sections relate, then focus on questions tied to each section.
• C. Ignore the section headings.
• D. Jump to the end first.

Answer: (B)

When a passage is organized into sections, start with a quick scan to see how the parts relate to each other. Look at the headings or section cues and notice how topics or ideas shift from one part to the next. This gives you a mental map of where different kinds of information live (definitions, examples, steps, contrasts) and how the sections connect.

With that map in mind, tackle the questions by returning to the specific section that covers the topic in question. Read just the relevant portion to validate the answer, which keeps you from rereading the entire passage and helps you stay focused on where the needed details are located.

Reading every word in order can waste time and make it harder to see the structure, since you miss how the passage was built section by section. Ignoring the section headings removes a valuable guide to where information is likely to be found, and jumping straight to the end bypasses the logical flow, making it easier to misinterpret conclusions. The section-by-section approach keeps you efficient and accurate by aligning your reading with how the material is organized.