Reading comprehension: read the passage about dyslexia carefully and then answer the question that follows. Dyslexia is a perceptual disorder often occurring in persons of normal, or even above average intelligence. The reader is unable to perceive correctly what is on a page. Letters and numbers often appear reversed: b seems to be d, quite is quiet and from is form. The reader tends to leave out letters or words or insert words or letters that are not there. Vowel and consonant sounds may be confused. Many dyslexics are left handed or able to write with either hand. They often confuse left and right. Learning to speak may also be delayed beyond infancy. The condition seems to be inherited. It may persist into adulthood. However, with early recognition and specialized approaches to teaching reading, most dyslexics can learn to read. Some researchers believe that latent dyslexia may be aggravated by the way reading is taught. The modern whole word, or look and say, method seems to be more of a hindrance to learning for dyslexics than it is for ordinary pupils. The phonetic method of teaching students to learn letters and sound them out appears to achieve better reading results. The problem of words that cannot be sounded out such as rough, laugh or through is not solved by phonetics. These words must simply be memorised. However, for children with dyslexia the problem can be compounded by the failure of parents or teachers to recognise the condition. This can easily lead to emotional problems for dyslexic children, who cannot understand their failure to keep up with their classmates. Question: In dyslexia, letters and figures often appear __________

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on a specific symptom of dyslexia as described in the passage. The author lists characteristic reading difficulties, and you must recall the exact way letters and numbers appear to a dyslexic reader. This tests careful reading of details and not confusing similar visual terms such as inverted, blurred, or reversed.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The passage states that letters and numbers appear in an unusual way to a person with dyslexia.
• Examples given: b seems to be d, quite appears as quiet, and from as form.
• The question asks completed phrase: letters and figures often appear __________.
• Options: inverted, blurred, reversed, clustered, and faded.

Concept / Approach:
The key is to match the symptom described in the passage with the correct descriptive word. When b seems to be d or when from is read as form, the order or orientation of characters is switched, not simply blurred or faded. The author explicitly says letters and numbers often appear reversed. Reversed means that positions are swapped or mirrored, which fits the examples exactly. Inverted, blurred, and clustered all suggest different types of visual problems that are not mentioned in the text.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Locate the part of the passage describing how dyslexic readers see letters and numbers. Step 2: Read the line: Letters and numbers often appear reversed. Step 3: Observe the examples given, such as b turning into d, which is a reversal, not a blur or fading. Step 4: Select Reversed because it is the exact word used in the passage and fits the examples perfectly.

Verification / Alternative check:
Check each option. Blurred would suggest that the letters are not sharp or are out of focus, which the passage does not say. Inverted usually means turned upside down, which again is not the situation described. Clustered would mean bunched together. Reversed accurately captures situations like reading quite as quiet, where letters change order or orientation. Therefore, reversed is the only answer that aligns with both the exact wording and the given examples.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Inverted: Implies upside down or turned around vertically, not the simple swapping that occurs in dyslexia examples.
• Blurred: Suggests visual clarity problems, which the passage does not mention.
• Clustered: Means grouped too closely together, which is not described.
• Faded: Indicates reduced darkness or colour of the letters, also not mentioned anywhere in the passage.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may pick inverted because it sounds technical or visual, or blurred because they associate reading difficulty with poor eyesight. The passage, however, is about perception and processing of symbols, not about eye defects. Reading questions demand precision: you must look for the exact word used and avoid guessing based on your own assumptions about dyslexia.

Final Answer:
Correct option: Reversed.