ABLE Reading Comprehension 3

Question 1

A passage reads: 'The forest ecosystem depends on decomposers to recycle nutrients; without them, dead matter would accumulate indefinitely.' The semicolon here is used to:

Accepted Answer

Separate two independent but related clauses

Answer

Introduce a list of examples

Answer

Indicate a long pause before a conclusion

Answer

Join a dependent clause to a main clause

Question 2

A passage about climate change cites three peer-reviewed studies. The author then says 'it is undeniable that human activity causes warming.' This statement is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A conclusion supported by the cited evidence

Answer

A hypothesis requiring further testing

Answer

An unsupported personal opinion

Answer

A counterargument to the studies

Question 3

Which sentence from a passage uses figurative language?

Accepted Answer

Her ambition was a fire that nothing could extinguish.

Answer

The temperature dropped to 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Answer

Scientists recorded data over a ten-year period.

Answer

The committee met every Tuesday morning.

Question 4

A passage about a historical election states: 'Voter turnout reached a record high in urban centers, while rural participation declined sharply.' The passage is primarily organized by:

Accepted Answer

Comparison and contrast

Answer

Chronological order

Answer

Problem and solution

Answer

Cause and effect

Question 5

A passage describes a company's declining profits despite increased spending on advertising. A reader can logically infer that:

Accepted Answer

The advertising campaign did not achieve its intended goals

Answer

The advertising was highly effective

Answer

The company should reduce its workforce

Answer

Consumers preferred the company's products

Question 6

In a passage, the author uses the phrase 'a double-edged sword' when describing social media. This phrase most likely means:

Accepted Answer

Social media has both benefits and drawbacks

Answer

Social media is purely harmful

Answer

Social media requires careful legal regulation

Answer

Social media is a powerful tool for business

Question 7

A passage concludes: 'Future research must address the limitations of this study before any firm recommendations can be made.' This sentence primarily serves to:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the study's boundaries and call for more research

Answer

Summarize the study's key findings

Answer

Criticize other researchers in the field

Answer

Introduce a new area unrelated to the study