Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

What does evaluative comprehension allow a reader to do?

1. Make judgments about the text

2. Summarize the main ideas

3. Identify cause-and-effect relationships

4. Recall sections directly from the text

The correct answer is: Make judgments about the text

Evaluative comprehension is a critical reading skill that enables a reader to make judgments about a text. This involves analyzing the content, considering the author’s intent, assessing the credibility of the information, and forming opinions regarding the nuances of the material presented. Readers assess not only what is written but also the implications of the text, which ultimately contributes to a deeper understanding of the themes, biases, and the broader context in which the text exists. Unlike other forms of comprehension, such as summarizing, which focuses on distilling the main ideas, or identifying cause-and-effect relationships, which involves understanding the connections between events or concepts, evaluative comprehension requires a more subjective approach. It goes beyond mere recall, which simply involves remembering details from the text, and instead engages the reader in critical thinking and personal reflection about the text’s value and meaning. This level of comprehension is vital for engaging with texts in a meaningful way, fostering the ability to discuss and critique literature or arguments thoughtfully.