DAT Reading Comprehension: Strategies, Question Types, and How to Study

The DAT Reading Comprehension (RC) section tests your ability to quickly read, understand, and analyze dense scientific passages — a skill you will use constantly in dental school and clinical practice. It is one of four scored DAT sections, and many students consider it the most straightforward section to improve with the right strategy and practice.

This guide covers the section structure, every question type you will encounter, the most effective reading strategies, pacing advice, and how to study for DAT Reading Comprehension.

Key takeaways

• The DAT RC section has 3 passages and 50 questions in 60 minutes.
• Passages cover scientific topics — no prior knowledge of the subject is needed to answer correctly.
• The six main question types are: Main Idea, Detail, Tone, Inference, Function, and Purpose.
• Popular strategies include the Read-First (Vanilla) Method, Search and Destroy, and Note-Taking Method — your best approach depends on your reading speed.
• As of March 2025, DAT scores use a 200–600 scale (replacing the old 1–30 scale). A score of 400 is approximately the 50th percentile.
• Consistent practice with timed passages is the most effective way to improve your RC score.

What Is the DAT Reading Comprehension Section?

The Reading Comprehension section is the third section you take on test day, after Survey of Natural Sciences and the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT). Its purpose is to assess how well you can understand complex scientific writing — extracting key information, identifying the author's argument, and drawing conclusions from unfamiliar material.

Unlike the Biology or Organic Chemistry sections, Reading Comprehension does not test subject-specific knowledge. Every answer is found within the passages themselves.

The passages are typically 10–14 paragraphs long and cover topics from the natural and social sciences. You will not be tested on your prior knowledge of these topics — the questions assess only your reading and reasoning ability.

What Topics Do DAT RC Passages Cover?

DAT Reading Comprehension passages are drawn from a wide range of scientific disciplines. You do not need prior knowledge of the topic to answer the questions — but familiarity with scientific writing style helps you read faster and stay focused.

Common passage topics include:

• Biology and ecology — evolution, animal behavior, ecosystems, cellular processes
• Chemistry and biochemistry — chemical reactions, molecular biology, pharmaceutical development
• Physics and earth science — geology, climate science, astronomy, optics
• Health and medicine — epidemiology, immunology, public health, medical history
• Technology and engineering — materials science, bioengineering, computing
• Social sciences — psychology experiments, anthropology, linguistics

The ADA does not publish a fixed topic list, so you cannot predict which subjects will appear on your test. The best preparation is building comfort with dense, unfamiliar scientific writing in general.

DAT Reading Comprehension Question Types

Each passage generates approximately 16–17 questions. Understanding the question types helps you recognize what each question is actually asking, so you can locate the answer more efficiently.

Detail Questions

Detail questions are the most common type. They ask about a specific fact, number, or claim stated directly in the passage. The answer is almost always a close paraphrase of a sentence in the text. Look for keywords in the question to locate the relevant paragraph quickly.

Main Idea Questions

These ask you to identify the central argument or theme of the entire passage (or sometimes a specific section). Avoid answers that are too narrow (covering only one paragraph) or too broad (going beyond what the passage discusses).

Inference Questions

Inference questions require you to draw a logical conclusion from information in the passage. The key rule: the correct answer must be directly supported by the text. If you have to make an assumption that is not stated or implied in the passage, the answer is wrong.

Tone and Attitude Questions

The author's tone is usually neutral-to-positive in scientific writing, but look for subtle qualifiers. Words like "unfortunately," "remarkably," or "despite limitations" signal the author's perspective. These questions are less common but can be answered quickly once you recognize the pattern.

Function and Purpose Questions

Function questions ask why the author included a particular example, analogy, or paragraph. Purpose questions ask about the overall goal of the passage. For function questions, re-read the sentence before and after the referenced section to understand its role in the argument.

DAT Reading Comprehension Strategies

There is no single "correct" strategy for DAT RC. The best approach depends on your reading speed, memory, and comfort level. Most successful students try multiple strategies during practice and settle on one (or a combination) before test day.

Read-First Method (Vanilla Method)

Best for: Fast readers who retain information well.

Read the entire passage from start to finish before looking at any questions. As you read, focus on understanding the passage's structure — where each topic is discussed, how the argument flows, and what the main idea is.

How to use it:

1. Read the full passage at a steady pace (aim for 5–8 minutes per passage)
2. Build a mental map of where different topics appear in the passage
3. Move to the questions and refer back to specific paragraphs as needed

Pros: You understand the passage's big picture before answering, which helps with main idea, tone, and inference questions.

Cons: Slower readers may spend too much time reading and run out of time for questions. You may forget details from early paragraphs by the time you reach the questions.

Search and Destroy

Best for: Students who struggle with time management or have slower reading speeds.

Skip reading the passage entirely at first. Go straight to the questions, identify keywords, and search the passage for the answer.

How to use it:

1. Read the first question and identify key terms
2. Scan the passage for those terms — read the surrounding sentences to find the answer
3. Answer the question and move to the next one
4. For big-picture questions (main idea, tone), answer them last after you have read enough of the passage through individual searches

Pros: Very time-efficient for detail questions. You only read what you need to answer each question.

Cons: Struggles with inference, tone, and main idea questions because you have not read the full passage. Can feel disjointed. Works best when combined with a quick skim of the passage first.

Note-Taking Method

Best for: Students who lose track of passage structure while reading.

Read the passage while writing brief (1–3 word) notes next to each paragraph on your scratch paper. These notes capture the main topic or function of each paragraph so you can quickly locate information when answering questions.

How to use it:

1. Read each paragraph and jot a short note (e.g., "experiment setup," "results — mice," "counterargument")
2. After finishing the passage, you have a paragraph-by-paragraph outline
3. When a question asks about a specific topic, use your notes to jump to the right paragraph

Pros: Creates a reference map without relying on memory. Very helpful for long, dense passages. Reduces re-reading time.

Cons: Adds 1–2 minutes per passage for note-taking. If your notes are too detailed, it becomes counterproductive.

Paragraph-by-Paragraph (Batch Reading)

Best for: Students who forget early paragraphs by the time they finish reading.

Read a few paragraphs at a time, then answer any questions related to what you just read before continuing. This breaks the passage into manageable chunks and keeps the material fresh in your working memory.

How to use it:

1. Read the first 3–4 paragraphs
2. Check the questions — answer any that relate to what you just read
3. Continue reading the next chunk of paragraphs
4. Repeat until the passage is complete
5. Answer remaining big-picture questions at the end

Pros: Keeps material fresh. Reduces the "I just read 14 paragraphs and forgot the first 5" problem.

Cons: Requires you to match questions to paragraph locations, which can be tricky. Some questions reference later parts of the passage that you have not read yet.

Which Strategy Should You Use?

The most important thing is to commit to a strategy before test day. Switching strategies mid-exam wastes time and increases anxiety.

Time Management and Pacing

You have 60 minutes for 3 passages and 50 questions. That gives you roughly 20 minutes per passage — and within each passage, about 1 minute and 12 seconds per question.

Pacing Tips

• Do not spend more than 22 minutes on any single passage. If you go over on one, you will be rushed on the rest.
• If a question takes more than 90 seconds, mark your best guess, flag it, and move on.
• Answer every question. There is no penalty for guessing on the DAT.
• Tackle easier passages first if one passage topic feels more familiar. You can complete the passages in any order.
• Keep a mental checkpoint at the halfway mark (30 minutes). You should be finishing your second passage or starting your third.

Time pressure is the number one challenge students report on DAT RC. Building speed comes from practice — there is no shortcut. Aim to take at least 15–20 timed practice passages before test day.

How to Study for DAT Reading Comprehension

Build a Scientific Reading Habit

Since DAT RC passages come from scientific sources, the best long-term preparation is regular exposure to dense scientific writing. Reading 1–2 articles per day from sources like Scientific American, Nature News, or New Scientist builds your reading speed and your tolerance for unfamiliar material.

Do not just read passively — practice identifying the main argument, the structure of the article, and the author's conclusion. This mirrors what the DAT asks you to do under time pressure.

Take Timed Practice Tests

Timed practice is the core of RC preparation. Start with untimed passages to learn your strategy, then add time constraints as you improve.

• Use full-length DAT practice tests that include RC sections
• Simulate test conditions — no phone, no pauses, no looking up unfamiliar words
• Track your scores over time to measure improvement

Review Wrong Answers Systematically

After each practice passage, go through every question you missed and identify:

1. Why the correct answer is correct (what evidence in the passage supports it)
2. Why your chosen answer is wrong (what assumption or misreading led you there)
3. Which question type you missed (are you consistently missing inference questions? Tone questions?)

Pattern recognition across multiple practice sessions is how you eliminate recurring mistakes.

Practice with Different Passage Topics

If you consistently struggle with certain types of passages (e.g., chemistry-heavy or physics-heavy), deliberately seek out practice material in those areas. Familiarity with scientific vocabulary in a given field helps you read those passages faster, even though the DAT does not require prior knowledge of the topic.

Use a DAT Prep Course or Prep Books

A structured DAT prep course provides curated RC practice passages, strategy lessons, and score tracking. DAT prep books are another option if you prefer self-paced study. Both give you access to more practice material than free resources alone.

Common Mistakes on DAT Reading Comprehension

Spending Too Long on One Passage

If a passage topic is confusing, students often re-read it multiple times trying to understand every detail. You do not need to understand every sentence — you need to understand enough to answer the questions. Move on if you are stuck.

Using Outside Knowledge

A common trap: you recognize the topic and select an answer based on what you know from your science courses, rather than what the passage says. The correct answer is always supported by the passage text, even if it contradicts what you learned in class.

Changing Answers Without Good Reason

Research consistently shows that your first instinct on reading comprehension questions is usually correct. Only change an answer if you find specific evidence in the passage that contradicts your original choice.

Not Practicing Under Timed Conditions

Students who practice untimed but take the real exam timed often underperform significantly. The pressure of the clock changes how you read and how you process questions. Always practice with a timer.

Ignoring Passage Structure

Many students read every paragraph with equal attention. Instead, learn to identify which paragraphs contain the main argument, which provide examples or evidence, and which introduce counterpoints. This structural awareness helps you navigate the passage faster during questions.

DAT Reading Comprehension Scoring

As of March 1, 2025, the ADA uses a new scoring scale for all DAT sections, including Reading Comprehension:

• Old scale: 1–30 (average around 17–19)
• New scale: 200–600 (400 represents approximately the 50th percentile)

The RC section generates its own individual score, plus it factors into your Academic Average (AA) score. Both scores are reported to dental schools.

Scores from before March 2025 remain valid under the old 1–30 system. Check with your target dental schools on how they interpret the new scale. For a full breakdown, see our DAT scoring guide.

FAQs About DAT Reading Comprehension

What is the DAT Reading Comprehension section?

The DAT RC section is one of four scored sections on the Dental Admission Test. It presents 3 scientific passages with a total of 50 multiple-choice questions, and you have 60 minutes to complete it. The section tests your ability to read, understand, and analyze complex scientific text — no prior subject knowledge is required.

How many questions are on DAT Reading Comprehension?

There are 50 questions total, spread across 3 passages. Each passage has approximately 16–17 questions.

How much time do you get for DAT Reading Comprehension?

You get 60 minutes for the entire section. That works out to roughly 20 minutes per passage, or about 1 minute and 12 seconds per question.

Is DAT Reading Comprehension hard?

Most students find RC to be one of the more approachable DAT sections, especially compared to the Perceptual Ability Test or Organic Chemistry. The challenge is not the difficulty of individual questions — it is the time pressure. With consistent practice, most students improve their RC score significantly.

What is a good DAT Reading Comprehension score?

Under the new scoring system (200–600 scale), a score of 400 or above puts you at or above the 50th percentile. Most competitive dental school applicants aim for 420 or higher. A score of 450+ is considered very strong.

What is the best strategy for DAT Reading Comprehension?

There is no single best strategy — it depends on your reading speed and memory. The Read-First (Vanilla) Method works well for fast readers. Search and Destroy is better for students who struggle with time. Note-Taking helps students who lose track of passage structure. Try each on timed practice passages and use the one where you score highest.

How should I practice for DAT Reading Comprehension?

Use timed practice passages from DAT practice tests, a DAT prep course, or DAT prep books. Start untimed to learn your strategy, then add time pressure. Review every wrong answer to understand why you missed it. Aim for at least 15–20 full timed passages before test day.

Do I need science knowledge for DAT Reading Comprehension?

No. Every answer is found within the passages. The passages cover scientific topics, but you do not need prior knowledge to answer the questions. That said, familiarity with scientific writing style (from reading journals or taking science courses) helps you read passages faster.

Can I go back to previous questions in the RC section?

Yes. Within the Reading Comprehension section, you can navigate between questions and passages freely. You can flag questions to revisit later if you have remaining time.

Should I read the passage or the questions first?

This depends on your strategy. The Read-First (Vanilla) Method recommends reading the passage first. Search and Destroy recommends reading questions first. Try both during practice to see which gives you better scores and pacing.

How can I improve my reading speed for the DAT?

Read scientific articles regularly (Scientific American, Nature News, New Scientist). Practice active reading — identify the main point of each paragraph as you go. Take timed practice passages and gradually reduce your reading time. Speed reading courses exist, but most students improve sufficiently through regular practice alone.

Is 3 months enough to prepare for DAT Reading Comprehension?

Three months is generally more than enough time to prepare for RC specifically. Most students include RC practice as part of their broader DAT study plan, dedicating a few sessions per week to timed passages. If RC is your weakest section, you may want to start practice earlier in your study schedule.

How many questions can I miss on DAT Reading Comprehension?

Under the new 200–600 scoring scale, the exact number of questions you can miss for a given score varies by test form. As a rough guide, missing 5–8 questions would still likely place you in a competitive score range (above 400). Missing more than 12–15 questions puts your score at risk. The ADA does not publish an exact conversion table.

What is the difference between DAT Reading Comprehension and MCAT CARS?

Both sections test reading and reasoning skills, but the MCAT CARS (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills) section uses passages from humanities, social sciences, and ethics — not natural sciences. MCAT CARS also tends to have more abstract, argument-based questions. DAT RC passages are science-focused and generally considered more straightforward. For more on how the two exams compare, see our guide on how hard the DAT is.