Practice Test (Upper Level: Reading) Flashcards

A passage describes a glacier as "a patient sculptor, carving valleys over millennia." What literary device is used?

Answer: Metaphor

Calling the glacier a sculptor compares two unlike things without 'like' or 'as,' a metaphor.

An author writes, "Despite the storm, the lighthouse keeper never abandoned his post." The word 'despite' signals what relationship?

Answer: Contrast

'Despite' introduces a contrast between the storm and the keeper staying.

A reading passage's main purpose is to convince readers to recycle more. The passage is best described as:

Answer: Persuasive

Text written to convince readers of a viewpoint is persuasive.

In context, which word best replaces 'meticulous' in "a meticulous record-keeper"?

Answer: Careful

'Meticulous' means showing great attention to detail, so 'careful' fits.

A narrator says, "I should have known better, but hindsight is a cruel teacher." What tone does this convey?

Answer: Regretful

The narrator expresses regret about a past mistake.

Which sentence states an opinion rather than a fact?

Answer: Autumn is the most beautiful season of the year.

Calling autumn 'the most beautiful' is a subjective judgment, an opinion.

A passage begins with a quiet morning, then builds to a chaotic chase. This change is an example of shifting:

Answer: Mood

The emotional atmosphere shifts from calm to tense, a change in mood.