NBT AQL Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: From a data table, total sales went from $80,000 to $100,000 year over year. What is the percent increase?

25% (Correct answer)
80%
20%
2%

Correct answer: 25%

Percent increase = (100,000 − 80,000) / 80,000 × 100 = 20,000 / 80,000 × 100 = 25%.

Question 2: If a store sells apples for $1.25 each and oranges for $0.75 each, how much does it cost to buy 4 apples and 6 oranges?

$7.50
$9.00
$9.50 (Correct answer)
$8.00

Correct answer: $9.50

4 × $1.25 = $5.00 and 6 × $0.75 = $4.50, so the total is $5.00 + $4.50 = $9.50.

Question 3: What does 'citing sources' accomplish in academic writing?

It gives credit to original authors, allows readers to verify claims, and avoids plagiarism (Correct answer)
It makes the essay longer and more impressive
It shows the writer has read many books
It replaces the need to explain evidence in your own words

Correct answer: It gives credit to original authors, allows readers to verify claims, and avoids plagiarism

Citing sources is an ethical requirement that credits original authors, supports the writer's credibility, and enables readers to locate and verify the original material.

Question 4: What is a 'counterargument' in academic writing?

The opening hook of an introduction
The final conclusion of an essay
A supporting example for the main claim
An opposing viewpoint that challenges the main argument (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An opposing viewpoint that challenges the main argument

A counterargument is an opposing viewpoint that challenges the writer's main claim; addressing it strengthens the overall argument.

Question 5: Which type of graph is most appropriate for showing changes in a variable over time?

Line graph (Correct answer)
Pie chart
Histogram
Scatter plot

Correct answer: Line graph

Line graphs are specifically designed to show trends and changes in a variable over a continuous time period.

Question 6: What is 'unity' in a paragraph?

The paragraph begins and ends with a quotation
The paragraph has exactly five sentences
All sentences in the paragraph are the same length
Every sentence in the paragraph relates directly to and supports the topic sentence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Every sentence in the paragraph relates directly to and supports the topic sentence

A unified paragraph stays focused on a single idea stated in the topic sentence—every sentence must relate back to that central point.

Question 7: Which of the following questions helps determine whether a web source is authoritative?

Is the author identified, and do they have relevant credentials or institutional affiliation? (Correct answer)
Is the website the first result in a Google search?
Does the website have many links to other pages?
Does the website have an attractive design?

Correct answer: Is the author identified, and do they have relevant credentials or institutional affiliation?

Authority is established by identifying the author's qualifications and institutional backing, not by the website's visual design or search ranking.

Question 8: Look at this series: 544, 509, 474, 439, ... What number should come next?

414
404 (Correct answer)
445
420

Correct answer: 404

The series is decreasing by 35 each time. Starting with 544, subtracting 35 gives 509, subtracting 35 again gives 474, and so on. Therefore, the next number in the series should be 439 - 35 = 404.

Question 9: What is the primary difference between formal and informal writing?

Formal writing follows grammatical conventions and avoids slang; informal writing is casual and conversational (Correct answer)
Formal writing is always longer than informal writing
Formal writing is only used in personal letters
Informal writing uses more evidence and citations

Correct answer: Formal writing follows grammatical conventions and avoids slang; informal writing is casual and conversational

Formal writing adheres to grammar rules, avoids slang and contractions, and uses an objective tone, while informal writing is conversational and relaxed.

Question 10: What is the difference between a 'bibliography' and a 'works cited' list?

A bibliography is shorter than a works cited list
A bibliography lists all sources consulted; a works cited list includes only sources actually cited in the paper (Correct answer)
They are identical and the terms are completely interchangeable
A works cited list includes all sources read; a bibliography lists only quoted sources

Correct answer: A bibliography lists all sources consulted; a works cited list includes only sources actually cited in the paper

A bibliography includes all sources consulted during research (even if not cited), while a works cited list includes only those sources that were specifically referenced in the text.

Question 11: Which of the following has the most number of divisors?

176 (Correct answer)
182
99
101

Correct answer: 176

The number with the most divisors will be the one with the highest prime factorization. Among the given options, 176 has the highest prime factorization of 2^4 * 11. This means that 176 can be divided evenly by 2, 4, 8, 11, 22, 44, 88, and 176 itself, resulting in a total of 8 divisors. Therefore, 176 has the most number of divisors among the given options.

Question 12: What is the 'hasty generalization' fallacy?

Repeating the conclusion as a premise
Attacking the source rather than the argument
Drawing a broad conclusion from a small or unrepresentative sample (Correct answer)
Presenting only two choices when more exist

Correct answer: Drawing a broad conclusion from a small or unrepresentative sample

A hasty generalization occurs when a general rule is derived from too few examples or a biased sample, making the conclusion unreliable.

Question 13: If you flip a fair coin twice, what is the probability of getting heads both times?

1/2
1/8
1/4 (Correct answer)
3/4

Correct answer: 1/4

Each flip has a probability of 1/2; since the flips are independent, multiply: 1/2 × 1/2 = 1/4.

Question 14: When analyzing an argument, 'validity' refers to:

Whether the argument is persuasively written
Whether the conclusion is popular or widely accepted
Whether the premises are factually true
Whether the conclusion logically follows from the premises (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Whether the conclusion logically follows from the premises

Validity is a logical concept: an argument is valid if its conclusion necessarily follows from its premises, regardless of whether those premises are true.

Question 15: A box plot (box-and-whisker plot) displays which of the following?

The correlation between two variables
The exact value of every data point
The percentage each category contributes to a whole
The median, quartiles, and range of a data set (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The median, quartiles, and range of a data set

A box plot summarizes a data set by showing the median, the first and third quartiles (the box), and the minimum and maximum values (the whiskers).

Question 16: What does 'objectivity' mean in academic analysis?

Using emotional language to persuade the reader
Presenting information based on evidence without personal bias (Correct answer)
Only including information that supports the author's view
Avoiding the use of data or statistics

Correct answer: Presenting information based on evidence without personal bias

Objectivity means relying on verifiable evidence and reasoning rather than personal feelings or biases when presenting or analyzing information.

Question 17: Which of the following is an example of a fact rather than an opinion?

The US population exceeded 330 million in 2020. (Correct answer)
This policy is the best solution to climate change.
Reading is more important than writing.
Americans should eat more vegetables.

Correct answer: The US population exceeded 330 million in 2020.

A fact is a statement that can be verified with evidence, such as census data confirming the US population count.

Question 18: The extent to which it is possible to make an inference that the independent variable is truly influencing the dependent variable and relationship is not spurious, refers to:

Internal Validity (Correct answer)
External validity
Reliability
Internal consistency

Correct answer: Internal Validity

Internal validity refers to the extent to which a study can confidently attribute the observed effects to the independent variable, rather than to confounding factors or chance. It ensures that the relationship between the independent and dependent variables is not due to any other extraneous variables. In other words, internal validity ensures that the observed effects are genuine and not a result of random or spurious relationships.

Question 19: Which of the following is the best example of an 'assumption' in an argument?

An unstated belief that the argument depends on being true (Correct answer)
A statistic cited from a government report
A question posed to challenge the reader
A clearly stated conclusion supported by evidence

Correct answer: An unstated belief that the argument depends on being true

An assumption is an unstated premise that the argument takes for granted and that, if false, would undermine the argument's conclusion.

Question 20: Which paragraph structure places the main point first, followed by supporting details?

Inductive (bottom-up)
Narrative
Descriptive
Deductive (top-down) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Deductive (top-down)

A deductive or top-down paragraph structure starts with the topic sentence (main point) and then provides supporting evidence and details.

Question 21: Which of the following is an example of 'circular reasoning'?

'We should trust the expert because she has a PhD.'
'Everyone agrees this is the best approach.'
'The policy is correct because it is the right policy.' (Correct answer)
'Crime rates fell after the new law, so the law caused the decrease.'

Correct answer: 'The policy is correct because it is the right policy.'

Circular reasoning (begging the question) uses the conclusion as its own support, which provides no real justification for the claim.

Question 22: What is a 'DOI' and why is it important for academic sources?

The Department of Information, which certifies academic journals
A Digital Object Identifier that provides a permanent link to an article online (Correct answer)
A type of library catalog number for physical books
An abbreviation for 'Date of Issue' on a publication

Correct answer: A Digital Object Identifier that provides a permanent link to an article online

A DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a unique alphanumeric string assigned to a document that provides a permanent, stable URL for accessing it online.

Question 23: Which graph would best display the proportion of time a student spends on homework, sports, reading, and leisure each week?

Pie chart (Correct answer)
Scatter plot
Line graph
Histogram

Correct answer: Pie chart

A pie chart is ideal for showing how a whole is divided into parts, making it perfect for illustrating proportional breakdowns.

Question 24: What is the difference between 'affect' and 'effect'?

They are interchangeable in academic writing
'Affect' applies only to emotions while 'effect' applies to physical outcomes
'Affect' is usually a verb meaning to influence; 'effect' is usually a noun meaning the result (Correct answer)
'Affect' is a noun and 'effect' is a verb

Correct answer: 'Affect' is usually a verb meaning to influence; 'effect' is usually a noun meaning the result

'Affect' is typically used as a verb ('stress affects performance') while 'effect' is typically a noun ('the effect of stress on performance').

Question 25: What is the main purpose of a concluding paragraph in an academic essay?

To restate the thesis, summarize key points, and leave the reader with a final thought (Correct answer)
To introduce new evidence that supports the argument
To ask a series of questions for the reader to answer
To list all the sources cited in the essay

Correct answer: To restate the thesis, summarize key points, and leave the reader with a final thought

A conclusion synthesizes the essay's key arguments, restates the thesis in fresh language, and provides a closing thought or call to action.

Question 26: Which of the following best describes a 'supporting detail' in an academic passage?

The opening sentence of the passage
Specific evidence or examples that back up the main idea (Correct answer)
The author's name and credentials
A rhetorical question posed to the reader

Correct answer: Specific evidence or examples that back up the main idea

Supporting details are the specific facts, examples, or reasons the author provides to develop and back up the main idea.

Question 27: The AQL exam may ask you to identify the 'purpose' of a passage. Which of the following is NOT a common author's purpose?

To confuse the reader deliberately (Correct answer)
To entertain
To inform
To persuade

Correct answer: To confuse the reader deliberately

Common author's purposes include informing, persuading, and entertaining; deliberately confusing the reader is not a recognized academic writing purpose.

Question 28: What is the range of the data set: 14, 22, 7, 31, 19?

31
24 (Correct answer)
19
7

Correct answer: 24

Range = maximum − minimum = 31 − 7 = 24.

Question 29: The 'slippery slope' fallacy claims that:

Two unrelated events are causally connected
One event will inevitably lead to a chain of negative consequences without sufficient evidence (Correct answer)
An argument is invalid because of the speaker's background
A popular idea must be correct because many people believe it

Correct answer: One event will inevitably lead to a chain of negative consequences without sufficient evidence

The slippery slope fallacy assumes that a small first step will inevitably lead to extreme consequences, without adequate justification for that chain of events.

Question 30: What is the greatest common factor (GCF) of 36 and 48?

24
12 (Correct answer)
6
18

Correct answer: 12

The factors of 36 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 36 and factors of 48 include 12 and 24; the greatest shared factor is 12.

Question 31: What is the purpose of a topic sentence in an academic paragraph?

To provide a citation for the source material
To offer a counterargument to the main thesis
To introduce the main point that the paragraph will develop (Correct answer)
To conclude the argument of the entire essay

Correct answer: To introduce the main point that the paragraph will develop

A topic sentence introduces the main point of the paragraph, acting as a mini-thesis for that section of the text.

Question 32: What is deductive reasoning?

Listing evidence without drawing any conclusion
Starting with a general principle and applying it to reach a specific conclusion (Correct answer)
Starting with specific observations and drawing a general conclusion
Using emotional appeals to persuade an audience

Correct answer: Starting with a general principle and applying it to reach a specific conclusion

Deductive reasoning begins with a general premise and applies it to a specific case to reach a logically certain conclusion.

Question 33: Which expression is equivalent to 4² + 4³?

256
4⁵
4⁶
16 + 64 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 16 + 64

4² = 16 and 4³ = 64, so 4² + 4³ = 16 + 64 = 80; you cannot add terms by adding exponents.

Question 34: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Before the bell rang, she rushed to class.
The bell rang as she ran to class.
Running to class, the bell rang before she arrived. (Correct answer)
She ran to class before the bell rang.

Correct answer: Running to class, the bell rang before she arrived.

In 'Running to class, the bell rang,' the participial phrase 'Running to class' incorrectly modifies 'the bell' rather than 'she.'

Question 35: A fundamental ethical principle that seeks to prevent harm and exploitation of, to maximize benefits for, study participants is:

Justice
Coercion
Beneficence (Correct answer)
Nonmalificence

Correct answer: Beneficence

Beneficence is the correct answer because it refers to the ethical principle of promoting the well-being and welfare of study participants. It emphasizes the importance of maximizing benefits and minimizing potential harm to participants. This principle ensures that researchers prioritize the best interests of participants and take steps to protect their rights and well-being throughout the study. By upholding the principle of beneficence, researchers strive to create a balance between the potential benefits of the study and any potential risks or harm to participants.

Question 36: Which element is essential for an argument to be considered 'sound'?

The argument must be both valid and have true premises (Correct answer)
The argument must be supported by at least five sources
The argument must be long and detailed
The argument must include emotional appeals

Correct answer: The argument must be both valid and have true premises

A sound argument is both logically valid (the conclusion follows from the premises) and has premises that are actually true.

Question 37: What is a 'keyword search' strategy?

Reading every source from start to finish to find relevant sections
Browsing library shelves without a specific term in mind
Searching only within the title field of a database
Using specific, relevant terms to locate information in a database or search engine (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Using specific, relevant terms to locate information in a database or search engine

Keyword searching involves selecting the most relevant and specific terms related to a topic and entering them into a search engine or database to find pertinent sources.

Question 38: Solve the inequality: 2x + 5 > 11

x < 3
x > 8
x > 3 (Correct answer)
x < 8

Correct answer: x > 3

Subtracting 5 from both sides gives 2x > 6, and dividing by 2 gives x > 3.

Question 39: A line graph shows test scores rising from 65 in January to 82 in June. What is the overall increase in points?

147
17 (Correct answer)
82
12

Correct answer: 17

82 − 65 = 17 points of increase over the period.

Question 40: The term used to indicate the placebo effect in which the knowledge of being included in a study causes people to change their behaviors, thereby obscuring the variable of interest:

Hawthorne effect (Correct answer)
Manipulation
Internal validity
Maturation

Correct answer: Hawthorne effect

The Hawthorne effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals modify their behavior simply because they are aware that they are being observed or included in a study. This change in behavior can often obscure the true variable of interest being studied, as the participants may alter their actions to align with what they believe the researchers want to see. This effect highlights the importance of considering the impact of participant awareness and reactivity when conducting research.

Question 41: What is 'paraphrasing' in academic writing?

Copying text directly from a source and placing it in quotation marks
Presenting another's idea as your own without citation
Restating someone else's idea in your own words while citing the source (Correct answer)
Summarizing an entire book in one sentence

Correct answer: Restating someone else's idea in your own words while citing the source

Paraphrasing means rewording a source's idea in your own language and sentence structure, while still crediting the original author.

Question 42: Find a positive number which when increased by 17 is equal to 60 times the reciprocal of the number.

17
10
3 (Correct answer)
12

Correct answer: 3

The correct answer is 3. To find the number, let's assume it as x. According to the given information, when the number is increased by 17, it becomes equal to 60 times the reciprocal of the number. Mathematically, this can be represented as x + 17 = 60 * (1/x). Simplifying this equation, we get x^2 + 17x - 60 = 0. Factoring this quadratic equation, we get (x + 20)(x - 3) = 0. Therefore, the possible values for x are -20 and 3. Since we are looking for a positive number, the correct answer is 3.

Question 43: What is a 'random sample' and why is it important?

A sample chosen by the researcher based on convenience
A sample that mirrors the researcher's expected results
A sample that includes the most extreme values in the population
Every member of the population has an equal chance of selection, which reduces bias and improves generalizability (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Every member of the population has an equal chance of selection, which reduces bias and improves generalizability

Random sampling ensures every individual has an equal chance of being included, which minimizes selection bias and allows results to be generalized to the broader population.

Question 44: Which citation style is most commonly required in social science courses?

Chicago/Turabian
IEEE
APA (American Psychological Association) (Correct answer)
MLA (Modern Language Association)

Correct answer: APA (American Psychological Association)

APA style is the standard citation format in psychology, education, and other social sciences, emphasizing author and date in in-text citations.

Question 45: What is the purpose of a 'transition sentence' between paragraphs?

To repeat the thesis statement word for word
To smoothly connect the ideas of two paragraphs and guide the reader's flow (Correct answer)
To introduce a new topic with no connection to the previous one
To cite sources from the previous paragraph

Correct answer: To smoothly connect the ideas of two paragraphs and guide the reader's flow

Transition sentences link the content of one paragraph to the next, ensuring the essay flows logically and coherently.

Question 46: What is the difference between a primary and a secondary source?

A primary source must be published in a peer-reviewed journal
A primary source is an original document; a secondary source analyzes or interprets primary sources (Correct answer)
A secondary source is written first and a primary source comes later
A primary source is always more reliable than a secondary source

Correct answer: A primary source is an original document; a secondary source analyzes or interprets primary sources

Primary sources are original materials (e.g., raw data, firsthand accounts), while secondary sources interpret, analyze, or summarize primary sources.

Question 47: A 'false dichotomy' fallacy occurs when:

A popular belief is accepted without question
Only two options are presented as if no other possibilities exist (Correct answer)
The same argument is repeated in different words
A conclusion is drawn from unrelated premises

Correct answer: Only two options are presented as if no other possibilities exist

A false dichotomy (or false dilemma) incorrectly limits the choices to just two when other valid options are actually available.

Question 48: If the probability of event A occurring is 0.3, what is the probability that event A does NOT occur?

0.7 (Correct answer)
1.3
0.3
0.03

Correct answer: 0.7

The complement rule states that P(not A) = 1 − P(A) = 1 − 0.3 = 0.7.

Question 49: When interpreting a table of data, what is the first step you should take?

Calculate the average of all numbers immediately
Compare the largest and smallest values
Identify any outliers in the data
Read the title and column/row headings to understand what the data represents (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Read the title and column/row headings to understand what the data represents

Reading the title and headings first ensures you understand what is being measured before attempting any calculations or comparisons.

Question 50: X and Y can do a piece of work in 20 days and 12 days respectively. X started the work alone and then after 4 days, Y joined him till the completion of the work. How long did the work last?

15 days
20 days
6 days
10 days (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 10 days

X can do 1/20th of the work in one day, and Y can do 1/12th of the work in one day. After 4 days, X has completed 4/20th or 1/5th of the work. So, the remaining work is 4/5th. When X and Y work together, their combined rate is 1/20 + 1/12 = 8/60 = 2/15th of the work per day. To complete the remaining 4/5th of the work, it will take 4/5 ÷ (2/15) = 6 days. Therefore, the total duration of work is 4 days + 6 days = 10 days.

Question 51: A double bar graph is most useful for:

Showing the percentage composition of a whole
Depicting the frequency of intervals in a data set
Displaying a single variable's trend over time
Comparing two data sets across the same categories (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Comparing two data sets across the same categories

A double bar graph places two bars side by side for each category, making it easy to compare two related data sets.

Question 52: What does a 'large standard deviation' indicate about a data set?

The mean and median are very different
The data points are spread widely from the mean (Correct answer)
The data set has many outliers below the mean
The data points are clustered closely around the mean

Correct answer: The data points are spread widely from the mean

A large standard deviation means there is high variability in the data—the values are spread far from the average.

Question 53: Which of the following is an example of proper parallel structure in a sentence?

She enjoys reading, writing, and studying. (Correct answer)
She enjoys reading, wrote papers, and studying.
She enjoys to read, writing, and studied.
She enjoys reading, to write, and study.

Correct answer: She enjoys reading, writing, and studying.

Parallel structure requires that items in a series use the same grammatical form; 'reading, writing, and studying' are all gerunds (-ing forms).

Question 54: If you roll a fair six-sided die, what is the probability of rolling a number greater than 4?

1/2
1/6
1/3 (Correct answer)
2/3

Correct answer: 1/3

Numbers greater than 4 on a six-sided die are 5 and 6—that's 2 favorable outcomes out of 6 total, giving a probability of 2/6 = 1/3.

Question 55: Basic principles that are accepted as being true on the basis of logic or reason, without proof or verification is termed as:

Hypothesis
Constructs
Propositions
Assumptions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Assumptions

Assumptions are basic principles that are accepted as being true without proof or verification. They are beliefs or ideas that are taken for granted and form the basis of reasoning or decision-making. Assumptions are made based on logic or reason and are not necessarily proven to be true. They are often used as starting points in various fields such as science, philosophy, and mathematics, and serve as foundational principles for further exploration or analysis.

Question 56: What does 'information literacy' mean?

The ability to read at a college level
Being able to type quickly and accurately
Knowing how to use a library card catalog
The ability to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use information (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The ability to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use information

Information literacy is the set of skills needed to recognize when information is needed and to find, evaluate, and use that information effectively and ethically.

Question 57: Tickets numbered 1 to 20 are mixed up and then a ticket is drawn at random. What is the probability that the ticket drawn has a number which is a multiple of 3 or 5?

1/2
9/20 (Correct answer)
2/5
8/15

Correct answer: 9/20

The probability that the ticket drawn has a number which is a multiple of 3 or 5 can be calculated by finding the total number of tickets that are multiples of 3 or 5 and dividing it by the total number of tickets. Out of the numbers 1 to 20, there are 6 multiples of 3 (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18) and 4 multiples of 5 (5, 10, 15, 20). However, the number 15 is counted twice as it is a multiple of both 3 and 5. Therefore, there are 9 tickets that are multiples of 3 or 5. The total number of tickets is 20. So, the probability is 9/20.

Question 58: Which of the following is TRUE about features of quasi-experimental research design?

Use of correlational approach
Manipulation, but no control group or randomization (Correct answer)
No manipulation of independent variable
Manipulation. control group, randomization

Correct answer: Manipulation, but no control group or randomization

This answer is true because a quasi-experimental research design involves manipulation of the independent variable, but does not have a control group or randomization. In a quasi-experimental design, the researcher cannot randomly assign participants to groups, so they have limited control over the variables. However, they can still manipulate the independent variable to observe its effects on the dependent variable. Without a control group or randomization, it is difficult to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the variables.

Question 59: What is a 'thesis statement' in an academic essay?

A list of sources used in the paper
The title of the essay
The central claim or argument that the entire essay supports (Correct answer)
The final sentence of the conclusion

Correct answer: The central claim or argument that the entire essay supports

A thesis statement is the central claim or main argument of an essay, typically found near the end of the introduction, that the body paragraphs support.

Question 60: A stem-and-leaf plot is used to:

Show changes in a measurement over time
Display individual data values while showing the shape of the distribution (Correct answer)
Compare parts of a whole using percentages
Plot the relationship between two quantitative variables

Correct answer: Display individual data values while showing the shape of the distribution

A stem-and-leaf plot organizes individual data values by splitting them into stems and leaves, showing both distribution shape and exact values.

Question 61: What is the purpose of a 'hook' at the beginning of an academic essay?

To state all the supporting evidence upfront
To define every key term used in the paper
To grab the reader's attention and encourage them to continue reading (Correct answer)
To provide a detailed outline of the essay

Correct answer: To grab the reader's attention and encourage them to continue reading

A hook is an engaging opening—such as a question, quote, or surprising fact—designed to capture the reader's interest from the start.

Question 62: What is a 'Boolean operator' in database searching?

A type of citation format
A term for searching only within a date range
A word like AND, OR, or NOT used to combine or exclude search terms (Correct answer)
A subject heading used in library catalogs

Correct answer: A word like AND, OR, or NOT used to combine or exclude search terms

Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) are logical connectors used in database and search engine queries to narrow or broaden results.

Question 63: Why is it important to cross-check information across multiple sources?

To ensure all sources agree with one another
To increase the length of the reference list
To comply with a minimum source count requirement
To verify accuracy and reduce the risk of relying on incorrect or biased information (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To verify accuracy and reduce the risk of relying on incorrect or biased information

Cross-checking information across multiple credible sources helps confirm its accuracy and reveals whether a claim is broadly supported or potentially inaccurate.

Question 64: Which of the following is a method of integrating the findings of prior research studies using statistical procedures?

Secondary analysis
Meta-analysis (Correct answer)
Content analysis
Grounded theory

Correct answer: Meta-analysis

Meta-analysis is a method of integrating the findings of prior research studies using statistical procedures. It involves systematically collecting and analyzing data from multiple studies to draw conclusions about the overall effect or relationship between variables. By combining the results of individual studies, meta-analysis provides a more comprehensive and reliable estimate of the true effect size or relationship. It allows researchers to identify patterns, trends, and inconsistencies across studies, and can help to resolve conflicting or inconclusive findings. Meta-analysis is widely used in various fields of research to synthesize and summarize existing evidence.

Question 65: The 'straw man' fallacy involves:

Assuming two events are related because they occurred together
Drawing conclusions from a small sample size
Using statistics incorrectly to mislead
Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to refute (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to refute

The straw man fallacy creates a distorted or weakened version of someone's argument and then attacks that distortion instead of the actual position.

Question 66: In a frequency table, the 'relative frequency' of a category is calculated by:

Dividing the category's count by the total number of observations (Correct answer)
Adding up all the frequencies in the table
Subtracting the smallest count from the category's count
Multiplying the category's count by the total

Correct answer: Dividing the category's count by the total number of observations

Relative frequency is the proportion of observations in a category, calculated by dividing that category's frequency by the total number of observations.

Question 67: Which sentence is written in active voice?

The student submitted the report. (Correct answer)
The report was submitted by the student.
The report had been submitted before the deadline.
The report was being written by the group.

Correct answer: The student submitted the report.

In active voice, the subject performs the action ('The student submitted'), making sentences clearer and more direct.

Question 68: Which critical thinking skill involves breaking an argument into its component parts to understand how it works?

Analysis (Correct answer)
Application
Memorization
Synthesis

Correct answer: Analysis

Analysis is the critical thinking skill of breaking down a complex argument or concept into its parts to examine how they function and relate to each other.

Question 69: Which of the following is not a leap year?

800
2000
700 (Correct answer)
1200

Correct answer: 700

A leap year is a year that is evenly divisible by 4, except for years that are divisible by 100 but not divisible by 400. In this case, 700 is not a leap year because it is divisible by 100 but not divisible by 400.

Question 70: Which of the following best defines 'inductive reasoning'?

Applying a universal law to a particular situation
Using specific observations to form a general conclusion (Correct answer)
Accepting an argument because an authority figure stated it
Repeating a claim until it seems true

Correct answer: Using specific observations to form a general conclusion

Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations or examples to a broader generalization or theory.

Question 71: Two ships are sailing in the sea on the two sides of a lighthouse. The angle of elevation of the top of the lighthouse is observed from the ships are 30º and 45º respectively. If the lighthouse is 100 m high, the distance between the two ships is:

200m
300m
173m
273m (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 273m

The angle of elevation from each ship to the top of the lighthouse allows us to form two right-angled triangles. The height of the lighthouse is the opposite side of both triangles. By using trigonometry, we can determine that the adjacent side of the 30° triangle is (100/tan(30°)) and the adjacent side of the 45° triangle is (100/tan(45°)). The distance between the two ships is the sum of these adjacent sides, which simplifies to 100(√3 + 1). Evaluating this expression gives us 273m.

Question 72: The CRAAP test for evaluating sources assesses Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and:

Plagiarism
Popularity
Purpose (Correct answer)
Presentation

Correct answer: Purpose

The CRAAP test evaluates five criteria: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose—helping researchers assess whether a source is appropriate to use.

Question 73: What is the correct use of a semicolon in academic writing?

Both B and C (Correct answer)
To separate items in a list when those items contain commas
To introduce a list after a complete sentence
To join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction

Correct answer: Both B and C

Semicolons are used to join independent clauses ('I studied; I passed the exam') and to separate list items that already contain commas.

Question 74: Which of the following is true about negative exponents?

x⁻² = -x²
x⁻² = 1/x² (Correct answer)
x⁻² = -1/x²
x⁻² = x²

Correct answer: x⁻² = 1/x²

A negative exponent indicates the reciprocal: x⁻² = 1/x², meaning the base is moved to the denominator and the exponent becomes positive.

Question 75: What is the least common multiple (LCM) of 8 and 12?

48
96
4
24 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 24

The LCM of 8 and 12 is 24 because 24 is the smallest number that both 8 and 12 divide into evenly.

Question 76: Which of the following is equivalent to 0.375?

3/7
3/5
3/10
3/8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3/8

0.375 = 375/1000 = 3/8 when reduced to lowest terms.

Question 77: In how many different ways can the letters of the word 'MATHEMATICS' be arranged so that the vowels always come together?

None of these
4989600
10080
120960 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 120960

The word 'MATHEMATICS' has 11 letters, including 4 vowels (A, E, A, I). To arrange the letters such that the vowels always come together, we can consider the group of vowels (AEA) as a single entity. This reduces the problem to arranging the 7 entities (M, T, H, M, T, C, S) and the group of vowels (AEA). The number of ways to arrange these entities is 8!, but we need to account for the repeated letters (M and T), so we divide by 2!. The number of ways to arrange the vowels within the group is 4!, but we need to account for the repeated vowels (A), so we divide by 2!. Therefore, the total number of arrangements is (8!/2!) * (4!/2!) = 120960.

Question 78: What does 'audience awareness' mean in academic writing?

Including personal opinions in every paragraph
Avoiding the use of any technical terminology
Writing as long a paper as possible
Tailoring content, tone, and vocabulary to meet the needs and expectations of the intended reader (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Tailoring content, tone, and vocabulary to meet the needs and expectations of the intended reader

Audience awareness means understanding who will read your work and adjusting your language, tone, and level of detail to communicate effectively with that specific audience.

Question 79: Which of the following best describes 'coherence' in writing?

Paragraphs are all the same number of sentences
Ideas are logically connected and flow smoothly from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph (Correct answer)
Every sentence is the same length
The essay uses only simple vocabulary

Correct answer: Ideas are logically connected and flow smoothly from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph

Coherence means the writing is logically organized and ideas flow naturally, making it easy for the reader to follow the argument.

Question 80: If f(x) = 2x² - 3x + 1, what is f(2)?

7
3 (Correct answer)
9
5

Correct answer: 3

Substituting x = 2: f(2) = 2(4) - 3(2) + 1 = 8 - 6 + 1 = 3.

Question 81: What does a '95% confidence interval' mean in research?

95% of the data points fall within the interval
The study has a 5% chance of containing errors
The researcher is 95% sure the sample data is correct
If the study were repeated many times, 95% of the calculated intervals would contain the true population parameter (Correct answer)

Correct answer: If the study were repeated many times, 95% of the calculated intervals would contain the true population parameter

A 95% confidence interval means that if you repeated the sampling process many times, 95% of the resulting intervals would capture the true population value.

Question 82: A scatter plot with data points scattered randomly with no clear trend indicates:

A strong positive correlation
No correlation between the two variables (Correct answer)
A perfect linear relationship
A strong negative correlation

Correct answer: No correlation between the two variables

When scatter plot points show no discernible pattern or direction, it indicates there is little or no correlation between the two variables.

Question 83: In critical thinking, 'synthesis' involves:

Identifying errors in a single argument
Restating only one source's argument
Combining information from multiple sources to form a new, integrated understanding (Correct answer)
Listing facts without interpreting them

Correct answer: Combining information from multiple sources to form a new, integrated understanding

Synthesis is the process of combining ideas and information from multiple sources to create a new, unified perspective or argument.

Question 84: A passage that presents a problem and then discusses ways to address it is using which organizational pattern?

Chronological order
Narrative
Problem and solution (Correct answer)
Descriptive

Correct answer: Problem and solution

The problem-and-solution pattern identifies an issue and then proposes or discusses one or more ways to resolve it.

Question 85: Which of the following is an example of an irrational number?

0.75
√25
√2 (Correct answer)
√9

Correct answer: √2

√2 ≈ 1.41421… is irrational because it cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers, while √9 = 3, √25 = 5, and 0.75 = 3/4 are all rational.

Question 86: Which of the following represents a linear equation?

y = x³ - 1
y = 1/x
y = 2x + 5 (Correct answer)
y = x²

Correct answer: y = 2x + 5

y = 2x + 5 is linear because the variable x is raised only to the first power and the graph is a straight line.

Question 87: What does a 'sample' represent in statistical research?

The result of a statistical test
The margin of error in a survey
The entire group being studied
A subset of the population selected for study (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A subset of the population selected for study

A sample is a smaller, selected subset of a larger population, used to make inferences about the whole group.

Question 88: What does 'statistical significance' indicate?

The sample size was large enough for accurate results
The result agrees with previous research findings
The study's finding is practically important in real life
The result is unlikely to have occurred by chance alone, based on a chosen significance level (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The result is unlikely to have occurred by chance alone, based on a chosen significance level

Statistical significance means the result exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., p < 0.05), indicating the result is unlikely due to random chance.

Question 89: In the AQL writing section, which type of evidence is generally considered most credible?

Peer-reviewed research studies or government data (Correct answer)
Personal anecdotes or hearsay
Social media posts
Opinions from anonymous sources

Correct answer: Peer-reviewed research studies or government data

Peer-reviewed research and government data undergo rigorous review and verification, making them the most credible types of evidence for academic arguments.

Question 90: What is an 'abstract' in an academic journal article?

The full list of references at the end
A brief summary of the article's purpose, methods, results, and conclusions (Correct answer)
The introduction section of the paper
A footnote explaining technical terms

Correct answer: A brief summary of the article's purpose, methods, results, and conclusions

An abstract is a concise summary (typically 150–300 words) placed at the beginning of a research article that outlines the study's key elements.

Question 91: What is a 'frequency distribution' used for in statistics?

To calculate the mean of a data set
To display the relationship between two variables
To determine the probability of a future event
To show how often each value or category occurs within a data set (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To show how often each value or category occurs within a data set

A frequency distribution organizes data by listing each possible value (or range of values) alongside the number of times it occurs in the data set.

Question 92: Carry-over effects are related to:

Pretest-posttest design
Solomon four-group design
Factorial design
Repeated measures design (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Repeated measures design

Carry-over effects refer to the influence of a previous condition or treatment on the subsequent condition or treatment in a study. In a repeated measures design, the same participants are exposed to multiple conditions or treatments, allowing for the examination of carry-over effects. This design is particularly useful when studying within-subject changes over time or when controlling for individual differences. Therefore, the correct answer is repeated measures design.

Question 93: Solve for x: 3x - 7 = 14

x = 9
x = 7 (Correct answer)
x = 21
x = 3

Correct answer: x = 7

Adding 7 to both sides gives 3x = 21, then dividing by 3 gives x = 7.

Question 94: When should you use an encyclopedia entry as a source in academic research?

Only when no other sources are available
Whenever you need a quotation from an expert
As the main source supporting your central argument
As a starting point for background information, not as a primary citation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: As a starting point for background information, not as a primary citation

Encyclopedia entries are useful for getting a general overview of a topic at the beginning of research but lack the depth and specificity required as primary academic sources.

Question 95: What is an 'annotated bibliography'?

A bibliography that includes only internet sources
A collection of direct quotations from each source
A list of sources sorted by topic rather than author
A list of sources where each citation is followed by a brief summary and evaluation of the source (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A list of sources where each citation is followed by a brief summary and evaluation of the source

An annotated bibliography includes each citation followed by a short paragraph (annotation) that describes and evaluates the source's content, credibility, and relevance.

Question 96: Which of the following is considered as a threat to internal validity of a research?

Maturation (Correct answer)
The Hawthorne effect
Experimenter effects
Novelty effect

Correct answer: Maturation

Maturation refers to the changes that occur naturally over time in the participants of a study, which can potentially influence the results. These changes could be due to physical, psychological, or social factors that are unrelated to the independent variable being studied. Maturation is considered a threat to internal validity because it can confound the results by causing changes in the dependent variable that are not actually caused by the independent variable. This can make it difficult to determine if the observed effects are truly a result of the manipulation or simply due to natural maturation processes.

Question 97: One pipe can fill a tank three times as fast as another pipe. If together the two pipes can fill the tank in 36 minutes, then the slower pipe alone will be able to fill the tank in:

192 min.
108 min.
144 min (Correct answer)
81 min.

Correct answer: 144 min

The faster pipe fills the tank three times faster than the slower pipe. So, if the slower pipe takes x minutes to fill the tank, the faster pipe will take x/3 minutes. Together, they can fill the tank in 36 minutes. Therefore, the equation becomes x + x/3 = 36. Solving this equation, we find that x = 27. Hence, the slower pipe alone will be able to fill the tank in 27 minutes, which is equal to 144 minutes.

Question 98: What is plagiarism in academic contexts?

Writing an essay that is too similar in topic to another student's
Presenting another person's words, ideas, or work as your own without proper attribution (Correct answer)
Failing to reach the minimum word count
Using too many direct quotations in a paper

Correct answer: Presenting another person's words, ideas, or work as your own without proper attribution

Plagiarism is the unethical act of using someone else's intellectual property—words, ideas, or data—without giving proper credit to the original source.

Question 99: Investigations in which samples from a general population are studied over time with respect to some phenomenon is termed as

Outcome research
Trend studies (Correct answer)
Questionnaires
Action research

Correct answer: Trend studies

Trend studies involve the investigation of samples from a general population over a period of time to observe and analyze changes in a specific phenomenon. This type of research aims to identify patterns, trends, and developments over time, providing valuable insights into the long-term effects of various factors. By studying a representative sample of the population, researchers can make informed predictions and recommendations based on the observed trends.

Question 100: What does the term 'bias' mean in the context of academic reading?

A passage with more than five paragraphs
A tendency to present information in a one-sided or skewed manner (Correct answer)
A citation style such as APA or MLA
The author's use of technical vocabulary

Correct answer: A tendency to present information in a one-sided or skewed manner

Bias is a slant or predisposition that causes an author to present information unfairly or one-sidedly, often favoring a particular viewpoint.

Question 101: A graph's y-axis starts at 500 instead of 0. This could be misleading because:

It exaggerates the visual difference between data points (Correct answer)
It makes the graph easier to read
It shows a more accurate trend line
It removes unnecessary whitespace

Correct answer: It exaggerates the visual difference between data points

A truncated axis (not starting at zero) compresses the visual scale and can make small differences appear much larger than they actually are.

Question 102: What does it mean to 'evaluate the credibility' of a source?

Count the number of references it cites
Check if the source is longer than five pages
Assess the expertise, objectivity, and evidence quality of the source (Correct answer)
Determine whether the source is printed or online

Correct answer: Assess the expertise, objectivity, and evidence quality of the source

Evaluating credibility involves examining the author's qualifications, the objectivity of the content, and the strength of the evidence provided.

Question 103: If a table shows that Product A sold 300 units and Product B sold 450 units, what is the ratio of Product A sales to Product B sales in simplest form?

3:5
2:3 (Correct answer)
3:4
1:2

Correct answer: 2:3

300:450 simplifies by dividing both by 150 to get 2:3.

Question 104: What is the difference between 'correlation' and 'causation'?

Correlation requires an experiment; causation can be shown from observational data
Causation means two variables are observed together; correlation means one causes the other
Correlation shows two variables move together; causation means one variable directly causes the other (Correct answer)
Correlation and causation are interchangeable terms in statistics

Correct answer: Correlation shows two variables move together; causation means one variable directly causes the other

Correlation means two variables tend to change together, but causation requires evidence that one variable directly produces a change in the other.

Question 105: What is 'intellectual property' in the context of academic integrity?

Original creative or intellectual work that belongs to its creator and is protected by law (Correct answer)
Knowledge shared openly in public domain without restrictions
A method of organizing sources in a research paper
Any information found on the internet, which is free to use without citation

Correct answer: Original creative or intellectual work that belongs to its creator and is protected by law

Intellectual property refers to original works of the mind—writing, research, inventions—that are legally protected and require permission or citation to use.

Question 106: What does the 'mean' of a data set represent?

The value that appears most frequently in the data
The difference between the largest and smallest values
The arithmetic average, calculated by dividing the sum of all values by the number of values (Correct answer)
The middle value when data is arranged in order

Correct answer: The arithmetic average, calculated by dividing the sum of all values by the number of values

The mean is calculated by adding all values together and dividing by the total count of values, representing the data's arithmetic center.

Question 107: A bar graph shows that City A has 40,000 residents and City B has 25,000 residents. How many more residents does City A have than City B?

5,000
15,000 (Correct answer)
10,000
65,000

Correct answer: 15,000

40,000 − 25,000 = 15,000 more residents in City A than City B.

Question 108: A table shows that 120 out of 480 students chose science as their favorite subject. What percentage chose science?

12%
25% (Correct answer)
40%
30%

Correct answer: 25%

120 ÷ 480 = 0.25, and 0.25 × 100 = 25%.

Question 109: What does 'peer-reviewed' mean in relation to academic journal articles?

The article has been read by at least 100 readers
The article was published in a school newspaper
The article was written by a group of students
The article was evaluated and approved by other experts in the field before publication (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The article was evaluated and approved by other experts in the field before publication

Peer review is a rigorous evaluation process in which other qualified experts in the field assess the accuracy, methodology, and significance of research before it is published.

Question 110: Which of the following data collection method has better subjectivity?

Questionnaires
Biophysiologic measures (Correct answer)
Self-reports
Observation

Correct answer: Biophysiologic measures

Biophysiologic measures have better subjectivity compared to the other data collection methods listed. This is because biophysiologic measures involve collecting data directly from the body, such as heart rate, blood pressure, or brain activity. These measures provide objective and accurate information about the physiological state of the subject, without relying on subjective interpretation or self-reporting biases. In contrast, self-reports, observation, and questionnaires are more susceptible to subjective biases and may be influenced by individual perceptions, memory, or social desirability.

Question 111: Which of the following is an example of a logical fallacy known as 'ad hominem'?

Assuming that because two things are correlated they are causally related
Attacking the person making the argument rather than the argument itself (Correct answer)
Presenting only two options when more exist
Drawing a conclusion from insufficient evidence

Correct answer: Attacking the person making the argument rather than the argument itself

An ad hominem fallacy attacks the character or credibility of a person rather than addressing the substance of their argument.

Question 112: A bag contains 5 red marbles and 3 blue marbles. What is the probability of randomly selecting a blue marble?

5/8
1/3
3/8 (Correct answer)
3/5

Correct answer: 3/8

There are 3 blue marbles and 8 total marbles (5 + 3), so the probability = 3/8.

Question 113: In an APA in-text citation, what information is typically included?

Author's last name and year of publication (Correct answer)
Author's full name, year, and page number
Publisher's name and location
Title of the article and the journal name

Correct answer: Author's last name and year of publication

APA in-text citations follow the author-date format: (Smith, 2021), with a page number added for direct quotations (Smith, 2021, p. 45).

Question 114: Which of the following is NOT related to dealing with extraneous variables in a quantitative research?

Homogeneity
Randomization
Bracketing (Correct answer)
Repeated measures

Correct answer: Bracketing

Bracketing is not related to dealing with extraneous variables in quantitative research. Bracketing is a method used in qualitative research to acknowledge and minimize the researcher's biases and preconceived notions. It involves self-reflection and awareness of the researcher's own beliefs and perspectives. However, when it comes to dealing with extraneous variables in quantitative research, methods such as randomization, repeated measures, homogeneity, and blocking are commonly used to control and minimize their impact on the study's results.

Question 115: When should you use a direct quotation rather than a paraphrase?

Whenever you reference another source
When the source is longer than one page
To avoid the difficulty of restating ideas
When the original wording is particularly powerful, precise, or distinctive (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When the original wording is particularly powerful, precise, or distinctive

Direct quotations are best used when the exact wording of the source is important for its precision, rhetorical effect, or authority.

Question 116: What is the 'appeal to authority' fallacy?

Using expert testimony alongside other evidence
Claiming something is true because an authority figure says so, without other supporting evidence (Correct answer)
Presenting statistics from a government agency
Citing peer-reviewed research to support a claim

Correct answer: Claiming something is true because an authority figure says so, without other supporting evidence

The appeal to authority fallacy occurs when someone asserts a claim is true solely because an authority endorses it, without providing independent supporting evidence.

Question 117: In statistics, an 'outlier' is best described as:

A data point that is far removed from the rest of the data set (Correct answer)
The midpoint of the data range
The average value in a data set
The most frequently occurring value

Correct answer: A data point that is far removed from the rest of the data set

An outlier is an unusually high or low value relative to the rest of the data, which can significantly affect the mean and range of a data set.

Question 118: A savings account earns 5% simple interest per year. If you deposit $400, how much interest will you earn after 3 years?

$80
$40
$60 (Correct answer)
$20

Correct answer: $60

Simple interest = Principal × Rate × Time = $400 × 0.05 × 3 = $60.

Question 119: What does it mean to 'evaluate evidence' in the context of the AQL exam?

Focus only on evidence that supports the conclusion
Count the number of examples provided
Accept all stated evidence as factually correct
Determine whether the evidence is relevant, sufficient, and reliable (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Determine whether the evidence is relevant, sufficient, and reliable

Evaluating evidence means judging whether it is relevant to the claim, sufficient in quantity, and reliable in quality and source.

Question 120: What is 'confirmation bias' in the context of research?

An ethical requirement to disclose conflicts of interest
The process of getting a second researcher to verify your findings
The tendency to seek out and favor information that confirms one's existing beliefs (Correct answer)
A statistical method for confirming research results

Correct answer: The tendency to seek out and favor information that confirms one's existing beliefs

Confirmation bias is the cognitive tendency to search for, interpret, and recall information in a way that confirms pre-existing beliefs, which can undermine objective research.

Question 121: Father is aged three times more than his son Ronit. After 8 years, he would be two and a half times of Ronit's age. After a further 8 years, how many times would he be of Ronit's age?

2 times (Correct answer)
2 1/2 times
3 times
2 3/4 times

Correct answer: 2 times

Let's assume Ronit's current age is x. According to the given information, the father's current age is 3x. After 8 years, Ronit's age would be x+8 and the father's age would be 3x+8. It is given that after 8 years, the father would be two and a half times Ronit's age, so we can write the equation 3x+8 = 2.5(x+8). Solving this equation, we get x = 8. Therefore, Ronit's current age is 8 and the father's current age is 24. After a further 8 years, Ronit's age would be 16 and the father's age would be 32, which is exactly 2 times Ronit's age.

Question 122: Which of the following is the best example of a strong, specific thesis statement?

Many people think remote work is good.
Remote work has advantages and disadvantages.
Remote work increases employee productivity by reducing commute stress and enabling flexible scheduling. (Correct answer)
This essay will discuss remote work.

Correct answer: Remote work increases employee productivity by reducing commute stress and enabling flexible scheduling.

A strong thesis statement is specific, arguable, and previews the main supporting points, as in the first option.

Question 123: Which of the following is the LEAST reliable source for an academic research paper?

An anonymous blog post with no cited sources (Correct answer)
A government health agency's official website
A published textbook from a university press
A peer-reviewed journal article

Correct answer: An anonymous blog post with no cited sources

An anonymous blog with no cited sources has no accountability, no editorial oversight, and no verifiability—making it the least reliable source for academic work.

Question 124: When a plot is sold for Rs. 18,700, the owner loses 15%. At what price must that plot be sold in order to gain 15%?

Rs. 22,500
Rs. 25,800
Rs. 21,000
Rs. 25,300 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Rs. 25,300

If the owner loses 15% when selling the plot for Rs. 18,700, it means that the selling price is only 85% of the original price. To calculate the original price, we can divide Rs. 18,700 by 0.85. This gives us approximately Rs. 22,000. To gain 15% on this original price, we need to add 15% of Rs. 22,000 to the original price. 15% of Rs. 22,000 is Rs. 3,300. Adding this to Rs. 22,000 gives us Rs. 25,300. Therefore, the plot must be sold for Rs. 25,300 in order to gain 15%.

Question 125: A survey of 50 people found 60% prefer Brand A. What is the number of people who prefer Brand A?

60
20
12
30 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 30

60% of 50 = 0.60 × 50 = 30 people prefer Brand A.

Question 126: Which number is a prime number?

57
53 (Correct answer)
51
55

Correct answer: 53

53 is prime because it has no divisors other than 1 and itself; 51 = 3×17, 55 = 5×11, and 57 = 3×19.

Question 127: What does it mean when an AQL passage uses signal words like 'however,' 'although,' or 'on the other hand'?

A cause-and-effect relationship is being shown
A definition is being provided
A sequence of events is being listed
A contrast or opposing idea is being introduced (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A contrast or opposing idea is being introduced

Signal words like 'however,' 'although,' and 'on the other hand' indicate that the author is contrasting two ideas or positions.

Question 128: A car travels 180 miles in 3 hours. What is the average speed in miles per hour?

54 mph
60 mph (Correct answer)
90 mph
45 mph

Correct answer: 60 mph

Average speed = distance ÷ time = 180 ÷ 3 = 60 mph.

Question 129: When a question asks about the author's 'tone' in an AQL reading passage, you are being asked to identify:

The vocabulary level of the text
The number of words in the passage
The attitude the author expresses toward the subject (Correct answer)
The structure of the passage's paragraphs

Correct answer: The attitude the author expresses toward the subject

Tone refers to the author's attitude or emotional stance toward the subject, which can range from objective and neutral to critical or enthusiastic.

NBT AQL Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test

The National Benchmark Test (NBT) AQL assesses Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy skills required for success in South African higher education institutions.

125

Questions

180 min

Time Limit

64%

To Pass

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