Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA) Practice Exam

Evaluative comprehension primarily focuses on what aspect of text?

1. Recognizing factual information

2. Summarizing the text's main points

3. Determining the credibility and effectiveness of the message

4. Identifying the text structure used by the author

The correct answer is: Determining the credibility and effectiveness of the message

Evaluative comprehension is a critical reading skill that involves assessing the credibility and effectiveness of the message presented in a text. This aspect goes beyond simply understanding the content or summarizing the main ideas. It requires the reader to analyze the arguments made, consider the author's perspective, and evaluate the evidence provided. By determining the credibility, the reader assesses whether the author is a reliable source of information and evaluates the logic of the arguments put forth. Effectiveness pertains to how well the author communicates their message and persuades or informs the audience. This includes discerning biases, understanding rhetorical strategies, and reflecting on how well the text achieves its intended purpose. In contrast, recognizing factual information pertains to a more straightforward, surface-level understanding of the text. Summarizing involves identifying and restating the main points without necessarily analyzing their impact or validity. Identifying text structure focuses on how the text is organized, which is also important for comprehension, but does not engage with the evaluative aspect that assesses the quality and persuasiveness of the information presented. Evaluative comprehension is thus key for critical thinking and informed judgment in reading.