Which skill is most critical for success in multiple-choice questions in reading comprehension?

The ability to understand and analyze text is crucial for success in multiple-choice questions in reading comprehension because reading comprehension requires not only the recognition of vocabulary but also the ability to extract meaning from the text. This skill involves interpreting context, identifying main ideas, recognizing supporting details, and making inferences based on the information presented. When a student can analyze the text, they can discern nuances, predict outcomes, and connect ideas effectively, all of which are essential when selecting the correct answer from a set of choices.

In contrast, while continuous guessing may sometimes yield correct answers by chance, it does not build the necessary comprehension skills. An in-depth knowledge of vocabulary is helpful, but if a student cannot understand how that vocabulary fits into the larger context of the text, they will struggle. Similarly, familiarity with essay writing may aid in expressing thoughts and ideas but does not directly contribute to interpreting and understanding passages within the scope of multiple-choice questions. Thus, the ability to understand and analyze text stands out as the most relevant skill for successfully navigating reading comprehension questions.