What skill is primarily tested through comparing and contrasting passages?

The ability to identify similarities and differences in ideas or themes is the primary skill tested when comparing and contrasting passages. This skill requires the reader to analyze the content of two or more texts to discover how they relate to one another, which can involve noting common themes, differing perspectives, or varying approaches to similar subjects.

By engaging in this analytical process, readers deepen their understanding of both passages, as they are encouraged to think critically about the content, structure, and intentions of the authors. This critical thinking is not merely about recognizing facts but involves synthesizing information from different sources to derive broader insights.

Other choices, while relevant to reading comprehension in general, do not focus specifically on the comparative analysis that is essential when contrasting passages. For instance, summarizing main points generally pertains to distilling information rather than analyzing relationships between texts. Similarly, memorizing details or empathizing with an author do not directly relate to the comparative skill set required for identifying similarities and differences.