2007 postgraduate entrance exam English reading comprehension intensive reading 200 passages

Author: Hu Min
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-02-01
Features: This book is a refined compilation of three previous works: 100 Selected Reading Passages for Postgraduate Entrance Exam English (2005 edition, edited by Hao Fuhé), High Score Guide for Postgraduate Entrance Exam English Reading Comprehension (2005 edition, edited by Hu Min), and 10 Days Before Postgraduate Entrance Exam English Simulation Tests (2005 edition, compiled by Hu Min). The editor has comprehensively revised the original content and added highly instructive question analyses. The three parts of this book follow the principle of progressing from easy to difficult, systematically guiding the reader from basic skill training to simulated intensive training. After engaging with these 200 reading passages, candidates should feel confident in their final exam.
Part 1: Basics (100 Passages)
The difficulty level of these passages is slightly lower than that of actual postgraduate entrance exam reading passages, and they are shorter in length. However, the () and () closely resemble those of exam questions, with a variety of simulated exercises covering all types of exam questions. This section is suitable for candidates to quickly strengthen their language foundation, familiarize themselves with postgraduate reading passages and vocabulary, and develop problem-solving strategies. It is essential not to treat these 100 passages as actual exam practice, as this may lead to a false sense of simplicity. However, as warm-up material, these passages are indispensable.
Part 2: Simulation (60 Passages)
This section features more challenging passages with broader (), making it the best practice material for candidates to refine their thinking, familiarize themselves with question types, expand their vocabulary, and rapidly improve their problem-solving skills.
Part 3: Sprint (40 Passages)
These are newly developed simulation passages by Professor Hu Min. Each passage is carefully selected based on recent years' exam questions, with extremely high simulation in both content and exercises, designed for final exam warm-up practice.
During the review of Parts 2 and 3, candidates should pay close attention to memorizing relevant vocabulary, thoroughly understanding the passages, carefully analyzing the question explanations, and grasping the exam question-setting logic and solving techniques.
When approaching a postgraduate entrance exam English reading passage, it is crucial to master five key aspects:
1. Grasp the Sentence Structure: Postgraduate English sentences are generally long and complex, with the main clause determining the central meaning. First, identify the core structure of the sentence—the backbone of the passage.
2. Recognize Logical Connectors: The text often includes transition words that indicate the relationship between sentences and paragraphs, such as yet, but, however, and nevertheless. The information following these words is frequently a key focus of the exam.
3. Understand the Passage Structure: Without a clear grasp of the author's line of reasoning, the passage may seem confusing. Two common thinking patterns in English writing are:
- Deductive Thinking: Common in argumentative writing, moving from general principles to specific examples.
- Inductive Thinking: Common in expository writing, moving from specific observations to broader conclusions. Parallel structures and chronological order are also frequently used in expository texts.
4. Identify the Main Idea: Develop the ability to capture or summarize the theme of the passage and each paragraph to avoid missing the forest for the trees.
5. Locate Key Information: When answering reading questions, rely strictly on factual evidence. Accurately locate the corresponding information in the passage to ensure correct answers.
Candidates should aim to break down each passage from these five perspectives.
In terms of question types, reading questions can be broadly categorized into nine types based on their focus:
1. Factual Detail Questions: The most basic type, testing direct comprehension of specific information in the passage.
2. Word Meaning Questions: Assessing the specific meaning of words or phrases in context.
3. Reference Questions: Determining the referent of pronouns or other references.
4. Conceptual Questions: Requiring an accurate explanation of a concept mentioned in the passage.
5. Logical Relationship Questions: Testing the intrinsic connections between sentences or paragraphs.
6. Information Synthesis Questions: Evaluating the ability to summarize information from sentences, paragraphs, or the entire passage.
7. Inference Questions: Identifying information implied but not explicitly stated in the passage.
8. Attitude Questions: Determining the author's subjective tone or inclination.
9. Main Idea Questions: Assessing the central theme of a paragraph, section, or the entire passage.
Reading comprehension is a critical component of the postgraduate entrance exam, holding significant weight. As the saying goes, "Those who excel in reading comprehension win the exam." However, English reading is often a weak area for many candidates, partly due to insufficient reading volume. As Karl Marx once said, "Theoretical critique cannot replace practical critique," meaning theory cannot replace practice. English is highly practical, and reading is especially so. To overcome English reading difficulties, targeted practice is essential—fighting with fire to fight fire. For most candidates, this is the only way forward.
Reading involves the application of five levels of skills: vocabulary recognition, grammar structure, reading speed, comprehension, and reading techniques. Mastering these skills cannot be achieved through theoretical study alone. As the saying goes, "Reading is what reading does," and reading volume is the foundation of reading ability. Moreover, "What you gain from reading goes beyond reading itself," as English learning practice has shown that reading is also an effective way to improve listening, speaking, writing, and translation skills.
This book is a refined compilation of 100 Selected Reading Passages for Postgraduate Entrance Exam English (2005 edition, edited by Hao Fuhé), High Score Guide for Postgraduate Entrance Exam English Reading Comprehension (2005 edition, edited by Hu Min), and 10 Days Before Postgraduate Entrance Exam English Simulation Tests (2005 edition, compiled by Hu Min). The editor has comprehensively revised the original content and added highly instructive question analyses. The three parts of this book follow the principle of progressing from easy to difficult, systematically guiding the reader from basic skill training to simulated intensive training. After engaging with these 200 reading passages, candidates should feel confident in their final exam.
Part 1: Basics (100 Passages)
The difficulty level of these passages is slightly lower than that of actual postgraduate entrance exam reading passages, and they are shorter in length. However, the () and () closely resemble those of exam questions, with a variety of simulated exercises covering all types of exam questions. This section is suitable for candidates to quickly strengthen their language foundation, familiarize themselves with postgraduate reading passages and vocabulary, and develop problem-solving strategies. It is essential not to treat these 100 passages as actual exam practice, as this may lead to a false sense of simplicity. However, as warm-up material, these passages are indispensable.
Part 2: Simulation (60 Passages)
This section features more challenging passages with broader (), making it the best practice material for candidates to refine their thinking, familiarize themselves with question types, expand their vocabulary, and rapidly improve their problem-solving skills.
Part 3: Sprint (40 Passages)
These are newly developed simulation passages by Professor Hu Min. Each passage is carefully selected based on recent years' exam questions, with extremely high simulation in both content and exercises, designed for final exam warm-up practice.
During the review of Parts 2 and 3, candidates should pay close attention to memorizing relevant vocabulary, thoroughly understanding the passages, carefully analyzing the question explanations, and grasping the exam question-setting logic and solving techniques.