In the Reading section, which subskills are assessed under Informational Texts?

• A. Identifying main idea, supporting details, text structure, author's purpose, argument and evidence, and evaluating sources.
• B. Identifying main idea only.
• C. Vocabulary in context only.
• D. Identifying plot and setting.

Answer: (A)

In Informational Texts, you’re tested on understanding what the text is explaining and how the author builds that explanation. The strong, comprehensive set of subskills includes identifying the main idea and its supporting details to grasp the overall message, recognizing how the text is structured to support that message, understanding the author's purpose, evaluating the argument and the evidence used, and evaluating the credibility and relevance of sources. This combination covers both comprehension and critical analysis of non-fiction material, which is why it’s the best fit for what Informational Texts assess.

Focusing only on the main idea misses the details that support it and the way the text is organized. Vocabulary in context is a separate skill that's valuable but not the primary focus here. Plot and setting relate to fiction, not informational passages.