To assess reading comprehension, what should candidates primarily focus on?

The primary focus when assessing reading comprehension should be on identifying the main message and supporting details of a text. This approach is essential because comprehension involves understanding not just what is explicitly stated, but also the underlying ideas that the author is conveying. By concentrating on the main message, candidates can better grasp the primary purpose of the text and how various details work to support that central idea.

Additionally, focusing on supporting details allows candidates to analyze how these elements work together to enhance understanding. This is crucial for drawing conclusions, making inferences, and understanding the text’s overall structure. In contrast, factors like the author's writing style, the word count, or the complexity of vocabulary might influence the reading experience but do not directly pertain to the core understanding of the text’s message and its details. Hence, concentrating on the main message and supporting details provides a more effective framework for assessing reading comprehension.