Reading: Comprehension and Research Flashcards

A student wants to find the most current statistics on US graduation rates. Which source is MOST appropriate?

Answer: The National Center for Education Statistics website

The National Center for Education Statistics is a government agency that publishes reliable, current educational data.

Read this passage: 'Many experts argue that homework improves academic performance, yet recent studies suggest otherwise.' The author's tone is best described as:

Answer: Objective and presenting contrasting views

The author presents both a common view ('many experts argue') and a challenge to it ('recent studies suggest otherwise') without taking a side.

Which of the following is an example of a FACT rather than an opinion?

Answer: Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564.

Birth dates and places are verifiable facts, while claims about greatness or importance are subjective opinions.

In a table of contents, Chapter 4 is titled 'Economic Impacts of Climate Change.' A reader looking for information about how drought affects farming would MOST likely find it in:

Answer: The index under 'drought'

The index provides page references for specific topics, making it the quickest way to locate 'drought' within any relevant chapter.

A passage uses the phrase 'it goes without saying' before making a claim. This phrase signals that the author:

Answer: Assumes the reader already accepts the following point as obvious

'It goes without saying' is an idiom suggesting the author considers the following statement self-evident or widely accepted.

Which transition word BEST indicates a contrast between two ideas?

Answer: However

'However' signals a shift or contrast between two statements, while the others signal addition or result.

A passage describes events in the order they happened. This structure is called:

Answer: Chronological order

Chronological order organizes information by time sequence, from earliest to latest events.