SHSAT SHSAT Reading Comprehension 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a passage, the author describes a scientist who 'toiled for decades without recognition.' What does 'toiled' most likely mean?
- Rested comfortably
- Worked hard (Correct answer)
- Complained loudly
- Traveled widely
Correct answer: Worked hard
'Toiled' means to work hard or laboriously over a long period of time.
Question 2: A passage states: 'The river carved its path through the canyon over millions of years.' This sentence is an example of which literary device?
- Personification (Correct answer)
- Simile
- Hyperbole
- Alliteration
Correct answer: Personification
Personification gives the river (a non-human thing) the human action of 'carving' a path.
Question 3: If a passage's main idea is about the importance of renewable energy, which detail best supports this?
- Coal was discovered in the 18th century
- Solar panels reduce carbon emissions significantly (Correct answer)
- Oil prices fluctuate with global markets
- Nuclear plants require cooling water
Correct answer: Solar panels reduce carbon emissions significantly
The detail about solar panels reducing carbon emissions directly supports the importance of renewable energy.
Question 4: A passage says a character 'raised an eyebrow' when told the news. This suggests the character felt:
- Overjoyed
- Frightened
- Skeptical or surprised (Correct answer)
- Bored
Correct answer: Skeptical or surprised
Raising an eyebrow is a common nonverbal cue indicating skepticism or surprise.
Question 5: The word 'ambiguous' in a reading passage most nearly means:
- Extremely clear
- Open to more than one interpretation (Correct answer)
- Completely false
- Highly emotional
Correct answer: Open to more than one interpretation
'Ambiguous' describes something that can be understood in more than one way.
Question 6: Which question best identifies the author's purpose in a persuasive passage about reducing plastic waste?
- What year was plastic invented?
- How does plastic harm ocean ecosystems?
- Why should readers change their plastic use habits? (Correct answer)
- Where is the largest plastic recycling plant?
Correct answer: Why should readers change their plastic use habits?
The author's purpose in a persuasive passage is to convince readers to take a specific action or adopt a viewpoint.
SHSAT SHSAT Reading Comprehension 1
In a passage, the author describes a scientist who 'toiled for decades without recognition.' What does 'toiled' most likely mean?