Reading Comprehension: Passage Understanding Flashcards

Read the following passage excerpt: 'The company introduced a flexible work policy after surveys revealed that employees who worked remotely at least two days per week reported higher job satisfaction and lower rates of burnout than those who worked exclusively on-site.' What is the main point the author is making?

Answer: Remote work at least two days per week is associated with greater employee satisfaction and reduced burnout

The passage states that employees who worked remotely at least two days per week reported higher job satisfaction and lower burnout. This causal relationship between flexible scheduling and employee wellbeing is the central point being made — not the company's motivation or the survey method itself.

Read the passage: 'Although the training program was initially met with skepticism, participation rates climbed steadily over the course of the year, and by December, nearly all eligible employees had completed at least one module.' What can be inferred about the training program?

Answer: The program became more accepted over time despite early doubts

The word 'although' signals a contrast between early skepticism and what actually happened. Rising participation rates through December show that employees gradually accepted and engaged with the program despite initial reluctance.

Read the following: 'The new safety protocol requires all staff to log their entry and exit times using the electronic badge system. Failure to comply may result in restricted access to certain facilities.' In this passage, the word 'comply' most nearly means:

Answer: Follow the required procedure

'Comply' means to act in accordance with a rule or requirement. In this passage, it refers to following the protocol of logging entry and exit times as instructed. Failure to do so — not follow the procedure — results in consequences.

A passage begins: 'First, gather all necessary materials. Then, review the instructions carefully before proceeding. Finally, complete each step in the order listed.' What is the primary purpose of this passage?

Answer: To provide sequential instructions for completing a task

The signal words 'First,' 'Then,' and 'Finally' indicate a sequential, step-by-step structure. The passage is giving ordered instructions — its purpose is procedural guidance, not persuasion, history, or comparison.

Read the passage: 'While online meetings have made global collaboration easier, many managers report that building team cohesion remains more challenging in virtual environments than in person.' Which statement best describes the author's view?

Answer: Virtual collaboration has benefits but also creates specific challenges

The passage acknowledges a benefit of online meetings (easier global collaboration) while also noting a limitation (team cohesion is harder to build virtually). The author presents a balanced view — both an advantage and a drawback — rather than an entirely positive or negative stance.

Read the following passage: 'Customer complaints about delivery delays increased by 30% last quarter. The logistics team attributed the delays to supply chain disruptions rather than internal process failures.' Which detail best supports the claim that the delays were caused by an external factor?

Answer: The logistics team attributed the cause to supply chain disruptions

The logistics team's attribution of delays to 'supply chain disruptions' — an external factor — rather than 'internal process failures' is the specific detail that supports the claim of an outside cause. The 30% figure and the timeframe describe the problem's scale, not its origin.