BCA Reading Comprehension 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage about a student's first day at a new school describes sweaty palms, a racing heart, and repeatedly checking the schedule. What can the reader INFER about the student?
- The student is excited about meeting new friends
- The student is experiencing nervousness or anxiety (Correct answer)
- The student is confident and well-prepared
- The student is late and rushing to class
Correct answer: The student is experiencing nervousness or anxiety
Physical symptoms like sweaty palms and a racing heart, combined with repeatedly checking the schedule, are classic indicators of nervousness or anxiety, even if the word is never stated.
Question 2: An author writes a persuasive article arguing that school lunches should include more nutritious options. What is the author's PRIMARY purpose?
- To entertain readers with humorous stories about school food
- To inform readers about the full history of school lunch programs
- To persuade readers that school lunch menus need healthier choices (Correct answer)
- To describe a typical school cafeteria in vivid detail
Correct answer: To persuade readers that school lunch menus need healthier choices
The article is described as persuasive and focuses on arguing for a specific change, so its primary purpose is clearly to persuade the reader.
Question 3: A passage states: 'Despite working two jobs, Maria still found time to volunteer at the local shelter every weekend.' What conclusion can best be drawn about Maria?
- Maria does not enjoy her paying jobs
- Maria is careless with her time management
- Maria is deeply dedicated to helping her community (Correct answer)
- Maria is trying to earn extra money through volunteering
Correct answer: Maria is deeply dedicated to helping her community
Despite having a demanding schedule with two jobs, Maria still prioritizes volunteering, demonstrating strong dedication to helping others in her community.
Question 4: Which of the following words best describes the TONE of a passage that reads: 'The once-vibrant coral reefs now lie silent, bleached white as bones, their colors stolen forever by warming seas'?
- Optimistic and hopeful
- Humorous and lighthearted
- Mournful and somber (Correct answer)
- Angry and accusatory
Correct answer: Mournful and somber
Words like 'silent,' 'bleached white as bones,' and 'stolen forever' carry heavy, sad imagery that creates a mournful and somber tone about the loss of coral reefs.
Question 5: A passage devotes equal coverage to one historical leader who favored gradual change and another who demanded immediate reform, without endorsing either. The author's point of view is MOST LIKELY:
- Strongly in favor of gradual change
- Strongly in favor of immediate reform
- Neutral, presenting both perspectives fairly (Correct answer)
- Critical of both figures' flawed approaches
Correct answer: Neutral, presenting both perspectives fairly
When an author devotes equal space to both sides without expressing a preference for either, it typically indicates a neutral, balanced presentation of perspectives.
Question 6: When an author writes 'The evidence speaks for itself,' what is most likely implied?
- The evidence is incomplete and requires further study
- The evidence is so clear and compelling that no further explanation is needed (Correct answer)
- The evidence has been misunderstood by previous researchers
- The evidence was gathered through direct interviews with witnesses
Correct answer: The evidence is so clear and compelling that no further explanation is needed
'The evidence speaks for itself' implies the evidence is self-evident — so clear and strong that no additional explanation or interpretation is required.
Question 7: A passage begins by identifying a serious problem, presents several possible solutions, and ends by recommending the most effective one. Which text structure is being used?
- Chronological order
- Compare and contrast
- Problem and solution (Correct answer)
- Cause and effect
Correct answer: Problem and solution
A text that identifies a problem, explores possible solutions, and recommends the best one is using the problem-and-solution organizational structure.
BCA Reading Comprehension 2
A passage about a student's first day at a new school describes sweaty palms, a racing heart, and repeatedly checking the schedule.
What can the reader INFER about the student?