What is a crucial strategy for preparing for the Reading Comprehension section of the POST exam?

Using active reading techniques such as summarizing is a crucial strategy for preparing for the Reading Comprehension section of the POST exam because it enhances comprehension and retention of information. Summarizing forces the reader to engage with the material actively, promoting better understanding of the main ideas and supporting details. This approach not only helps to clarify the content being read but also prepares the reader to answer questions about the passage more effectively.

Active reading techniques might include annotating text, asking questions while reading, and making connections to prior knowledge. These methods encourage deeper engagement with the reading material, ultimately improving performance on comprehension assessments.

In contrast, memorization of phrases does not foster a true understanding of the material and can lead to difficulties when questions require more than just recall. Listening to audiobooks may assist with overall familiarity with language and narrative structure but lacks the interactive engagement necessary for effective comprehension practice. Lastly, reading only law enforcement material can limit exposure to diverse vocabulary and complex sentence structures that might be present on the exam, reducing one's readiness for various types of reading passages.