Reading Comprehension Flashcards
7 cards from real NBT 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 flashcards as text
A passage states: 'Antibiotics revolutionized medicine in the 20th century; paradoxically, their overuse now threatens to render them ineffective.' The word 'paradoxically' indicates that:
Answer: The outcome is unexpectedly contrary to what one would expect.
A paradox is a situation that seems contradictory but is true; the very success of antibiotics has led to their potential downfall.
Which organizational pattern is used in a passage that describes the causes of World War I followed by its effects on European society?
Answer: Cause and effect
A cause-and-effect structure explains why something happened and what resulted from it.
Read: 'The author's sardonic tone made even the most serious issues seem absurd.' Which word is closest in meaning to 'sardonic'?
Answer: Grimly mocking or cynical
Sardonic describes a form of humor that is disdainful or cynical, often treating serious matters mockingly.
A passage includes a bar graph showing literacy rates by region. The graph primarily serves to:
Answer: Provide visual evidence that supports or illustrates the textual claims.
Graphs and charts in a passage are used to present data visually, supporting or elaborating on the text's claims.
An author's passage consistently uses technical jargon and cites academic journals. The intended audience is most likely:
Answer: Researchers or professionals in the relevant field
Technical vocabulary and academic citations signal that the author is writing for an audience with specialized knowledge in the field.
Read: 'Although the study's sample size was small, its methodology was rigorous.' Which literary device does the sentence use?
Answer: Concession
A concession acknowledges a limitation or opposing point before affirming the main argument, which is what 'although' signals here.
A passage ends with: 'Only time will tell whether these measures will be enough to reverse the damage already done.' This concluding sentence primarily conveys:
Answer: Uncertainty about the effectiveness of the measures taken.
The phrase 'only time will tell' expresses uncertainty, leaving the outcome open rather than making a definitive claim.