Reading Comprehension Flashcards
7 cards from real Rise Placement Test 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 factory's emissions have steadily declined over the past decade, yet air quality in the surrounding neighborhood remains poor.' What does the word 'yet' signal in this sentence?
Answer: A contrast between the two facts
'Yet' is a contrast conjunction indicating the two ideas are in opposition — declining emissions but still poor air quality.
Read the passage: 'Scientists once believed the appendix served no purpose. Recent studies, however, suggest it may harbor beneficial gut bacteria.' What is the main point of this passage?
Answer: New research has revised old views about the appendix's function
The passage presents an updated scientific understanding that contradicts an older belief about the appendix.
A paragraph begins with: 'Not all renewable energy sources are equal in reliability.' The rest of the paragraph likely does which of the following?
Answer: Provides examples showing differences in reliability among energy types
A topic sentence making a comparative claim is typically followed by supporting details that illustrate those differences.
The author writes: 'The mayor's plan is ambitious, to say the least.' What tone does this phrase convey?
Answer: Mild skepticism or understatement
'To say the least' is an understating phrase that often signals the speaker thinks a stronger word could apply — here implying the plan may be overly ambitious.
A passage includes this sentence: 'By 1920, more than half the U.S. population lived in urban areas for the first time in history.' This sentence is best described as:
Answer: A factual statistic marking a historical milestone
The sentence presents a specific, verifiable data point marking a demographic shift, making it a factual statement.
Which of the following is the best definition of 'context clues' in reading?
Answer: Information in the surrounding text that helps explain an unfamiliar word
Context clues are words, phrases, or sentences near an unknown term that help the reader figure out its meaning.
A student reads: 'The council voted unanimously to approve the budget.' The word 'unanimously' most likely means:
Answer: With all members in agreement
'Unanimously' means every member voted the same way — in full agreement with no dissent.