Reading Comprehension Flashcards
7 cards from real PTE 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: 'The committee adjourned without reaching a decision, citing the need for further consultation with stakeholders.' What can be inferred about the committee's situation?
Answer: The decision requires input from additional parties before proceeding
The phrase 'further consultation with stakeholders' directly implies the decision depends on gathering more input from outside parties.
Which of the following best describes the relationship between a passage's topic sentence and its supporting sentences?
Answer: The topic sentence states the main idea, and supporting sentences provide evidence or elaboration
In standard paragraph structure, the topic sentence establishes the main claim and supporting sentences develop it with details, examples, or evidence.
A PTE passage excerpt reads: 'Though often dismissed as mere entertainment, video games have demonstrated measurable cognitive benefits in controlled studies.' What is the author's implicit argument?
Answer: The popular dismissal of video games underestimates their potential value
The contrast between 'often dismissed' and 'demonstrated measurable benefits' implies the author believes video games deserve more serious consideration than they typically receive.
In a PTE reading task, you encounter the phrase 'The proliferation of misinformation has eroded public trust.' What does 'proliferation' most likely mean in this context?
Answer: Rapid spread or increase
'Proliferation' means a rapid increase or spread, which fits the context of misinformation growing extensively enough to erode trust.
A passage discusses two scientists with opposing theories. The author concludes by saying 'Subsequent experiments have largely validated Chen's model.' What does this tell the reader?
Answer: Evidence gathered after the debate tended to support Chen's position
'Largely validated' means experiments conducted after the debate mostly confirmed Chen's model, indicating it gained stronger empirical support over time.
Which reading strategy is most effective when a PTE passage contains unfamiliar technical vocabulary?
Answer: Use surrounding context clues to infer the approximate meaning of the unknown term
Context clues — such as surrounding sentences, examples, and contrasting ideas — are the primary strategy for inferring unfamiliar vocabulary during reading.
A passage opens with: 'Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China is not visible from space with the naked eye.' What rhetorical purpose does this opening serve?
Answer: To correct a widely held misconception before presenting accurate information
Opening with 'Contrary to popular belief' is a classic rhetorical move to debunk a myth, which signals that the passage will replace the misconception with accurate facts.