What does the reading section primarily test about students' abilities?

The reading section primarily tests critical thinking based on reading passages, which involves evaluating, interpreting, and synthesizing information from various texts. This assessment requires students to engage deeply with the material, make inferences, and draw conclusions based on evidence presented in the passages. Critical thinking skills are essential for analyzing the author's intent, tone, and perspective, as well as understanding how different elements of a text work together to convey meaning. This capability reflects a student's overall comprehension and application of reading strategies, making it a fundamental focus of the assessment.