Practice Test Flashcards
6 cards from real Reading Comprehension practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Practice Test flashcards as text
Read the following passage: 'The Amazon rainforest produces approximately 20% of the world's oxygen. However, due to deforestation, an area the size of a football field is lost every minute.' What is the author's primary purpose?
Answer: To highlight the importance of the Amazon and the threat it faces
The passage establishes the Amazon's importance (20% of oxygen) and then presents the threat (rapid deforestation), making the purpose to highlight both its value and the danger it faces.
In the sentence 'The committee reached a consensus after hours of deliberation,' what does 'consensus' most likely mean?
Answer: A general agreement among all members
After 'hours of deliberation' (discussion), the committee 'reached' something — a consensus is a general agreement that emerges from extended discussion.
A passage describes how a scientist observed that birds near airports had shorter, more rapid alarm calls compared to birds in quiet forests. Which inference is best supported?
Answer: Urban noise may cause birds to modify their communication patterns
The difference in alarm calls between noisy (airport) and quiet (forest) environments suggests that birds adapt their communication to be heard above ambient noise.
Read the passage: 'Although Thomas Edison is often credited with inventing the light bulb, he actually improved upon designs by over twenty earlier inventors. His contribution was making the bulb practical and long-lasting enough for commercial use.' What is the main idea?
Answer: Edison's main achievement was perfecting the light bulb for practical use, not inventing it from scratch
The passage corrects a misconception: Edison didn't invent the bulb but improved it for practical use. The main idea is about his real contribution — perfecting existing technology.
A passage reads: 'The school cafeteria introduced a salad bar, replaced fried foods with baked alternatives, and added fresh fruit options. Within one semester, student visits to the nurse for stomach complaints decreased by 40%.' What conclusion is best supported?
Answer: The healthier food options likely contributed to improved student digestive health
The healthier menu changes (salad bar, baked instead of fried, fresh fruit) preceded a decrease in stomach complaints, suggesting the dietary improvements contributed to better digestive health.
In the sentence 'The musician's performance was so captivating that the audience sat in complete silence, not wanting to miss a single note,' what does 'captivating' mean?
Answer: Extremely attractive and holding attention completely
The audience's response — sitting in complete silence, not wanting to miss anything — demonstrates they were completely absorbed, which is what captivating means.