Direct Comprehension
60%Identify what is explicitly stated in the passage. No inference needed — pure reading precision.
Understanding this concept
Direct comprehension is the foundation of EPSO verbal reasoning. The passage states facts, and you must identify which of four statements is directly supported by the text. The challenge is resisting the urge to bring your own knowledge — even if you know something is true in reality, if the passage does not state it, it is not the correct answer. About 60% of EPSO verbal questions test this skill.
How to defend against it
- Read the four statements BEFORE the passage — you will know what to look for
- For each statement, find the specific sentence in the passage that supports or contradicts it
- If you cannot point to a specific line that supports a statement, it is likely wrong
- The correct answer is often the most conservative, boring statement
Example
Passage says: "The Commission proposed a directive on minimum wages in 2020." Correct: "The minimum wage directive was proposed by the Commission." Wrong: "The directive was adopted in 2020" (proposed ≠ adopted).