Which skill is crucial for success on the Reading Comprehension section?

Identifying main ideas and supporting details is crucial for success on the Reading Comprehension section because this skill allows a reader to grasp the central theme of the passage and understand how various elements contribute to that theme. Comprehending the main ideas provides a framework for understanding the overall message, while recognizing supporting details helps to clarify and enrich that understanding. This skill is essential for effectively answering questions that assess comprehension, analysis, and synthesis of the text.

While speed reading and skimming may seem beneficial, they can hinder thorough understanding if critical details are overlooked. Memorizing specific details does not aid in comprehension, as it does not foster an understanding of the text's overall meaning. Therefore, the ability to identify main ideas and their supporting details stands out as the fundamental skill for navigating complex reading materials effectively.