Reading Comprehension & Analysis Flashcards
7 cards from real ELSA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Reading Comprehension & Analysis flashcards as text
A passage about nutrition states: 'Research suggests that a Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of heart disease.' The word 'may' indicates:
Answer: The claim is possible but not certain
Modal verbs like 'may' signal uncertainty or possibility, indicating the claim is supported but not definitively proven.
Which of the following is an example of an inference a reader must make?
Answer: The character slams the door and refuses to answer questions, suggesting frustration.
An inference is a conclusion drawn from indirect evidence; slamming a door implies frustration without the text stating it directly.
A passage's tone shifts from optimistic in the first half to cautionary in the second half. This shift most likely signals:
Answer: The author wants to present a balanced view by acknowledging potential risks
A tone shift from optimistic to cautionary typically signals that the author is adding nuance by acknowledging limitations or risks.
The sentence 'The report was flawed, inaccurate, and ultimately misleading' uses which rhetorical device?
Answer: Tricolon (rule of three)
A tricolon is a series of three parallel elements used for emphasis and rhetorical effect.
A reader encounters an unfamiliar word in a passage. The most effective strategy for determining its meaning without a dictionary is to:
Answer: Use surrounding context clues and sentence structure
Context clues — surrounding words, phrases, and sentence structure — are the most reliable tool for inferring unfamiliar vocabulary.
An author of a history textbook includes a sidebar titled 'Voices from the Time' featuring primary source quotes. The purpose of this feature is most likely to:
Answer: Provide firsthand perspectives that add depth and authenticity
Primary source quotes give readers direct access to firsthand accounts, enriching the historical narrative with authentic voices.
Which of the following best distinguishes a fact from an opinion in a reading passage?
Answer: Facts can be verified through evidence; opinions express judgments or beliefs
Facts are verifiable, objective statements, while opinions reflect personal judgments, values, or beliefs that cannot be proven true or false.