Experimenters identified a set of variables from previous literature that are predictive of comprehension difficulty. By obtaining evidence that confirms that these variables are predictive of GRE comprehension item difficulty, it can support the claim that GRE is a measure of passage comprehension

Predicting reading item difficulty and assessing multiple-choice format tests

Predict reading item difficulty for section of GRE reading passage questions that assess:
- Main ideas
- Inferences (eg. One can infer from the passage that x means ….)
- Explicit statement ("According to the passage, x occurs when ….) items 

75% of questions on GRE dataset fall into these item types

Boston University

This paper explores how well variables, which contribute to reading comprehension passage and item difficulty, predict the complexity of text structure and multiple-choice items on the GRE reading test. It also seeks to disprove claims made in previous literature that question the adequacy of reading comprehension assessment through multiple-choice format. 

"The prediction of GRE reading comprehension item difficulty for expository prose passages for each of three item types: Main ideas, inferences and explicit statements"

Freedle, R., & Kostin, I. (1991). The prediction of GRE reading comprehension item difficulty for expository prose passages for each of three item types: Main ideas, inferences and explicit statements. ETS Research Report Series, 1991(2), i-53.

The prediction of GRE reading comprehension item difficulty for expository prose passages for each of three item types: Main ideas, inferences and explicit statements

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