When the scope is too broad, the recommended initial step is to:

When the scope is too broad, the recommended initial step is to:

• A. Read the passage first
• B. Re-check the question stem
• C. Skim all choices quickly
• D. Go to the ACs first

Answer: (D)

When a question’s scope feels too broad, the quickest way to regain focus is to preview the answer choices first. Looking at the options right away reveals what the test is actually asking you to decide—whether the question wants a main claim, a specific detail, a conclusion drawn from the text, or a particular type of evidence. That quick scan provides a map of the possible conclusions and signals which parts of the passage will be most relevant when you verify an option. With that framing, you can skim the passage more efficiently, zeroing in on sentences that relate to those ideas rather than reading everything blindly. If an option would require something the passage doesn’t support, you can discard it early, narrowing down to the best choice. After anchoring your approach with the options, you can then check the stem for alignment and go back to the passage to confirm the correct pick.

When a question’s scope feels too broad, the quickest way to regain focus is to preview the answer choices first. Looking at the options right away reveals what the test is actually asking you to decide—whether the question wants a main claim, a specific detail, a conclusion drawn from the text, or a particular type of evidence. That quick scan provides a map of the possible conclusions and signals which parts of the passage will be most relevant when you verify an option. With that framing, you can skim the passage more efficiently, zeroing in on sentences that relate to those ideas rather than reading everything blindly. If an option would require something the passage doesn’t support, you can discard it early, narrowing down to the best choice. After anchoring your approach with the options, you can then check the stem for alignment and go back to the passage to confirm the correct pick.