Reading Comprehension Skills Flashcards

A city ordinance reads: 'Noise levels in residential zones must not exceed 65 decibels between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM, and must not exceed 50 decibels at all other hours.' A contractor operates equipment at 60 decibels at 11:00 PM. This is:

Answer: A violation because 60 decibels exceeds the nighttime limit of 50 decibels

At 11:00 PM, the limit is 50 decibels, and 60 decibels exceeds that limit, making the activity a violation.

A passage reads: 'The sanitation department prioritizes collection routes based on population density, frequency of complaints, and proximity to schools and hospitals.' Which factor is NOT mentioned as influencing route prioritization?

Answer: Cost of collection vehicles

The passage lists population density, complaints, and proximity to schools and hospitals—cost of collection vehicles is never mentioned.

Read this excerpt: 'Officers must document all use-of-force incidents in writing within 24 hours. Reports submitted late require a written explanation from the officer's supervisor.' An officer files a use-of-force report 30 hours after the incident without a supervisor explanation. What has occurred?

Answer: A violation of the 24-hour rule requiring a supervisor explanation

The report was late (30 hours vs. 24-hour requirement), and no supervisor explanation was provided, violating both requirements.

A sentence in a civil service manual reads: 'Candidates who are deemed ineligible may request reconsideration within fifteen days of receiving notification of their status.' The word 'reconsideration' as used here most nearly means:

Answer: A formal appeal for re-evaluation of their eligibility

In this context, 'reconsideration' means asking the agency to re-evaluate the eligibility determination.

A passage states: 'The city's budget surplus was allocated primarily to infrastructure repair, with smaller portions directed toward public health initiatives and parks maintenance.' Which area received the largest share of the surplus?

Answer: Infrastructure repair

The passage says the surplus was allocated 'primarily' to infrastructure repair, indicating it received the largest share.

An office directive reads: 'When a client is dissatisfied with a decision, staff must first attempt informal resolution. If informal resolution fails, staff must refer the matter to a supervisor before initiating any formal review process.' An employee skips informal resolution and immediately refers a complaint to a supervisor. This is:

Answer: A procedural violation because informal resolution must be attempted first

The directive requires informal resolution to be attempted before supervisor referral, so skipping it violates the stated procedure.

Read the following: 'Seniority is considered alongside performance ratings when determining promotion eligibility; however, performance ratings carry greater weight in the final decision.' What is the best conclusion from this statement?

Answer: Both seniority and performance matter, but performance is more decisive

The passage says both factors are considered but performance carries greater weight, making it more decisive.