I am teaching English reading to intermediate level Chinese students, and their standard tests will involve a comprehension passage and four multiple choice questions.

As well as teaching/providing practice for the standard reading skills, I would like to do some practice comprehension tests throughout the semester and teach specific skills for passing these examinations.

In my mind, the methodology is something as follows:

1. Skim the text for gist, not being too concerned with the unfamiliar lexis;
2. Read the questions;
3. Read the text intensively, trying to answer the questions directly, without recourse to the multiple choice alternatives;
4. Then choose the best answer from the multiple choice;
5. Re-read and check.

I haven’t got any authoritative sources on this methodology. It is just something I have from memory as a student and a couple of websites.

Does anyone have an authoritative source or opinion on this subject?

Thanks for your help.
Hi Melissa! VERY helpful – Thank you! And thanks for the cheerful encouagement!