What type of reading skills are necessary for the SIFT exam?

The SIFT exam primarily tests candidates' abilities to comprehend and interpret written materials efficiently. Basic comprehension and interpretation skills are essential because they enable test-takers to understand key concepts, analyze information, and make inferences from the passages presented in the exam.

These skills lay the foundation for processing the varied types of content encountered, such as technical texts and general reading materials. Candidates must be able to grasp the main ideas, identify supporting details, and determine the purpose of different passages to answer questions accurately. This type of reading does not require advanced analytical techniques or specialized knowledge in complex literary forms, which is why basic comprehension is the focus.

In contrast, skimming techniques, complex literary analysis, or solely technical reading do not adequately encompass the breadth of reading skills required for the exam. While skimming can be useful in certain contexts, it is not the sole technique needed. Complex literary analysis goes beyond the scope of what is necessary for the SIFT, as the exam focuses more on practical understanding rather than in-depth literary critique. Lastly, technical reading is just one aspect of the reading requirements, which also includes non-technical materials.