Critical Reading Flashcards
7 cards from real CHSPE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Critical Reading flashcards as text
A passage describes a character who 'clenched her fists and stared at the floor, refusing to speak.' What can the reader most reasonably infer about the character?
Answer: She is angry or upset
Physical cues like clenched fists and avoiding eye contact are commonly associated with anger or emotional distress.
An author writes a newspaper editorial arguing that school start times should be delayed. The PRIMARY purpose of this text is to:
Answer: Persuade readers to support a policy change
An editorial arguing for a specific policy change is written primarily to persuade readers to adopt that viewpoint.
In the sentence, 'The senator's laconic response frustrated reporters hoping for details,' the word 'laconic' most likely means:
Answer: Brief and using few words
Since reporters wanted 'details' but were frustrated, 'laconic' must mean the response was brief and lacking detail.
Which of the following best describes the difference between a fact and an opinion?
Answer: Facts can be verified; opinions express personal judgments
A fact is a verifiable statement that can be proven true or false, while an opinion reflects a personal belief or judgment.
A passage begins with a detailed description of a crumbling, abandoned factory and then shifts to discuss unemployment in the region. What is the most likely purpose of the opening description?
Answer: To set a mood and provide context for the economic discussion
Descriptive openings are often used to establish tone and context that makes the subsequent argument or information more impactful.
Which sentence contains a logical fallacy known as a 'false dilemma'?
Answer: You either support this new school policy or you don't care about students.
A false dilemma presents only two options when more possibilities exist; one can have concerns about a policy without not caring about students.
A poem uses the repeated line 'the rain keeps falling' at the end of every stanza. This repeated line is called a:
Answer: Refrain
A refrain is a line or phrase repeated at intervals throughout a poem, often at the end of each stanza.