ITBS Reading Comprehension 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student reads: 'The old lighthouse had stood for over a century, its beam sweeping the dark waters every ten seconds. Sailors once feared the rocky shoals it guarded, but now only tourists visited.' What is the PRIMARY purpose of this passage?
- To warn sailors about dangerous rocks
- To describe how a lighthouse has changed in significance over time (Correct answer)
- To explain how lighthouse beams work
- To persuade tourists to visit lighthouses
Correct answer: To describe how a lighthouse has changed in significance over time
The passage contrasts the lighthouse's past role (guiding fearful sailors) with its present role (attracting tourists), showing how its significance has changed.
Question 2: In the sentence 'The scientist examined the data meticulously, leaving no figure unverified,' the word 'meticulously' most nearly means:
- Quickly and carelessly
- With great attention to detail (Correct answer)
- In a confused manner
- Without any interest
Correct answer: With great attention to detail
'Meticulously' means with careful attention to detail, which is supported by the phrase 'leaving no figure unverified.'
Question 3: Read: 'Although Marcus trained every day, he still lost the race. However, he shook his opponent's hand and promised to work harder.' Which character trait does Marcus BEST demonstrate?
- Arrogance
- Laziness
- Good sportsmanship (Correct answer)
- Jealousy
Correct answer: Good sportsmanship
Shaking his opponent's hand and vowing to improve despite losing shows Marcus displays good sportsmanship.
Question 4: A passage states: 'Bees pollinate roughly one-third of the food humans eat. Without them, many fruits and vegetables would disappear from our diets.' What conclusion is BEST supported by this information?
- Bees are more important to agriculture than farmers
- Protecting bee populations is essential for human food security (Correct answer)
- Humans should stop eating fruits and vegetables
- Bees only pollinate flowering plants with no food value
Correct answer: Protecting bee populations is essential for human food security
Since bees pollinate a third of human food, their decline would threaten food security, making their protection essential.
Question 5: Which text structure is used in a passage that says: 'First, gather your materials. Second, cut the paper. Third, fold it into thirds. Finally, glue the edges together'?
- Compare and contrast
- Cause and effect
- Sequential/chronological order (Correct answer)
- Problem and solution
Correct answer: Sequential/chronological order
The words 'First,' 'Second,' 'Third,' and 'Finally' signal sequential order, which organizes steps in the process.
Question 6: A nonfiction article includes this heading: 'Why Rainforests Matter.' This heading MOST likely signals that the following section will:
- List the animals found in rainforests
- Explain the importance and value of rainforests (Correct answer)
- Describe the physical features of a rainforest
- Compare rainforests to deserts
Correct answer: Explain the importance and value of rainforests
The word 'Why' signals that the section will explain reasons — meaning it will discuss the importance or value of rainforests.
Question 7: A story says: 'Elena read the letter twice, then set it on the table without a word. She walked to the window and stared at the gray sky for a long time.' What is Elena MOST likely feeling?
- Excited and joyful
- Troubled or deeply affected by the letter's contents (Correct answer)
- Bored and uninterested
- Angry at the weather
Correct answer: Troubled or deeply affected by the letter's contents
Elena's silence, re-reading the letter, and prolonged staring suggest she is troubled or emotionally affected by what she read.
ITBS Reading Comprehension 2
A student reads: 'The old lighthouse had stood for over a century, its beam sweeping the dark waters every ten seconds.
Sailors once feared the rocky shoals it guarded, but now only tourists visited.' What is the PRIMARY purpose of this passage?