AFOQT Reading Comprehension Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage ends: 'The bridge, neglected for decades, finally gave way.' What can be inferred about the bridge's collapse?
- It was sudden and unexpected
- It resulted from long-term neglect (Correct answer)
- It was caused by a storm
- It never actually collapsed
Correct answer: It resulted from long-term neglect
'Neglected for decades' points to prolonged disrepair as the cause.
Question 2: Which approach helps you answer detail questions efficiently on the AFOQT?
- Read every passage twice fully
- Scan the passage for keywords from the question (Correct answer)
- Guess based on the title only
- Skip reading entirely
Correct answer: Scan the passage for keywords from the question
Scanning for question keywords locates supporting details quickly under time pressure.
Question 3: The phrase 'on the other hand' in a passage signals:
- An example
- A contrasting point (Correct answer)
- A conclusion
- A repetition
Correct answer: A contrasting point
'On the other hand' introduces a contrast or opposing idea.
Question 4: In context, 'mitigate' most nearly means:
- To make worse
- To lessen or ease (Correct answer)
- To ignore
- To celebrate
Correct answer: To lessen or ease
'Mitigate' means to reduce the severity of something.
Question 5: An author who uses words like 'unfortunately' and 'tragically' is conveying what?
- A neutral tone
- A negative or somber tone (Correct answer)
- A humorous tone
- An excited tone
Correct answer: A negative or somber tone
Such word choices reveal a negative, somber attitude.
Question 6: Which of the following is a stated fact rather than an opinion?
- The mission was the most important ever flown
- The aircraft reached an altitude of 30,000 feet (Correct answer)
- Pilots should always feel proud
- The view was breathtaking
Correct answer: The aircraft reached an altitude of 30,000 feet
A measurable altitude is verifiable fact; the others express judgment.
Question 7: If a passage's title is 'The Hidden Costs of Air Travel,' the passage most likely discusses:
- Only ticket prices
- Unexpected expenses or downsides of flying (Correct answer)
- How to fly a plane
- Airport restaurant menus
Correct answer: Unexpected expenses or downsides of flying
'Hidden costs' suggests downsides or expenses not immediately obvious.
AFOQT Reading Comprehension Skills 3
A passage ends: 'The bridge, neglected for decades, finally gave way.' What can be inferred about the bridge's collapse?