CLAST Reading Comprehension 3

Question 1

A CLAST passage argues that public transportation reduces traffic congestion. Which of the following would BEST support this argument?

Accepted Answer

Data showing fewer cars on roads in cities with strong transit systems

Answer

A personal story about missing a bus

Answer

A complaint about bus fares

Answer

An opinion about walking being healthier

Question 2

A passage describes events in this order: earthquake → infrastructure damage → government response → community recovery. What organizational structure is used?

Accepted Answer

Chronological / sequential order

Answer

Compare and contrast

Answer

Classification

Answer

Definition and example

Question 3

The CLAST tests the ability to identify the 'author's purpose.' Which of the following purposes is MOST associated with a passage that teaches readers how to perform a task?

Accepted Answer

To inform/instruct

Answer

To persuade

Answer

To entertain

Answer

To express emotion

Question 4

A CLAST passage contains this sentence: 'The administration claimed success, but the data told a different story.' The phrase 'a different story' is an example of:

Accepted Answer

A figurative expression implying contradiction

Answer

A simile

Answer

A literal description

Answer

An alliteration

Question 5

Which context clue type is used in: 'The arid, or extremely dry, climate made farming nearly impossible'?

Accepted Answer

Definition clue embedded in the sentence

Answer

Example clue

Answer

Contrast clue

Answer

Synonym from a prior paragraph

Question 6

A CLAST passage about climate change uses mostly emotional language and personal stories rather than data. This approach is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

Pathos (emotional appeal)

Answer

Logos (logical appeal)

Answer

Ethos (ethical appeal)

Answer

Kairos (timely appeal)