NBT AQL Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which critical thinking skill involves breaking an argument into its component parts to understand how it works?

Application
Analysis (Correct answer)
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 2: Which of the following is the best example of a strong, specific thesis statement?

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

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

'We should trust the expert because she has a PhD.'
'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.'
'Everyone agrees this is the best approach.'

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 4: The 'straw man' fallacy involves:

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

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 5: What is an 'abstract' in an academic journal article?

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

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

Hypothesis
Assumptions (Correct answer)
Constructs
Propositions

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 7: What is plagiarism in academic contexts?

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

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

A perfect linear relationship
No correlation between the two variables (Correct answer)
A strong negative correlation
A strong positive 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 9: If a rectangle has a length of 9 cm and a width of 5 cm, what is the area?

28 cm²
45 cm² (Correct answer)
50 cm²
40 cm²

Correct answer: 45 cm²

Area of a rectangle = length × width = 9 × 5 = 45 cm².

Question 10: 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?

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

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 11: 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:

Internal validity
Maturation
Manipulation
Hawthorne effect (Correct answer)

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

3 (Correct answer)
5
7
9

Correct answer: 3

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

Question 13: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

The bell rang as she ran to class.
Before the bell rang, she rushed 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 14: What is the 'median' of the data set: 3, 7, 8, 12, 15?

3
7
9
8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 8

When the five values are arranged in order (3, 7, 8, 12, 15), the middle (third) value is 8, which is the median.

Question 15: What does 'information literacy' mean?

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

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

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

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

Whenever you reference another source
To avoid the difficulty of restating ideas
When the source is longer than one page
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 18: What does 'audience awareness' mean in academic writing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 23: What does 'objectivity' mean in academic analysis?

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

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

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

Correct answer: 3/8

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

Question 25: Which graph would best display the proportion of time a student spends on homework, sports, reading, and leisure each week?

Scatter plot
Line graph
Histogram
Pie chart (Correct answer)

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

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

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

420
445
404 (Correct answer)
414

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 28: An inference in academic reading is best described as:

A conclusion drawn from evidence not explicitly stated (Correct answer)
A direct quote from the text
A definition provided by the author
A heading found in the passage

Correct answer: A conclusion drawn from evidence not explicitly stated

An inference is a logical conclusion that goes beyond what is explicitly stated, based on clues and evidence in the text.

Question 29: A box plot (box-and-whisker plot) displays which of the following?

The exact value of every data point
The correlation between two variables
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 30: What is the main purpose of a concluding paragraph in an academic essay?

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

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

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

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

Homogeneity
Bracketing (Correct answer)
Repeated measures
Randomization

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

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

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 34: Which of the following has the most number of divisors?

101
176 (Correct answer)
182
99

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

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

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 36: In academic reading, 'context clues' are used to:

Determine the meaning of unfamiliar words from surrounding text (Correct answer)
Count the number of supporting details
Identify the author's biography
Recognize the text's font and formatting

Correct answer: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar words from surrounding text

Context clues are words and phrases surrounding an unfamiliar term that help the reader deduce its meaning without a dictionary.

Question 37: A stem-and-leaf plot is used to:

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

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 38: Which number is a prime number?

51
53 (Correct answer)
57
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 39: What does it mean to 'evaluate the credibility' of a source?

Check if the source is longer than five pages
Count the number of references it cites
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 40: 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?

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

Correct answer: 2:3

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

Question 41: When interpreting a table of data, what is the first step you should take?

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

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 42: What is a 'keyword search' strategy?

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

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 43: A data set has values: 4, 4, 5, 7, 9, 9, 9. What is the mode?

9 (Correct answer)
7
6.71
4

Correct answer: 9

The mode is the value that appears most frequently in the data; 9 appears three times, more than any other value.

Question 44: What is 'paraphrasing' in academic writing?

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

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

6
24
12 (Correct answer)
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 46: A histogram differs from a bar graph in that a histogram:

Displays parts of a whole as slices
Compares categories using separate bars
Shows a trend over time using connected points
Shows the distribution of continuous data grouped into intervals (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Shows the distribution of continuous data grouped into intervals

A histogram groups continuous data into intervals (bins) and shows frequency distribution, whereas a bar graph compares distinct categories.

Question 47: What is the 'hasty generalization' fallacy?

Presenting only two choices when more exist
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)

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 48: A number is increased by 40% and then decreased by 20%. What is the net percentage change?

No change
20% increase
12% increase (Correct answer)
20% decrease

Correct answer: 12% increase

Starting with 100, a 40% increase gives 140, and a 20% decrease gives 140 × 0.80 = 112, which is a 12% net increase.

Question 49: Which text structure presents events or steps in the order they occur?

Cause and effect
Problem and solution
Compare and contrast
Chronological order (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Chronological order

Chronological order presents information in the sequence in which events happened or steps should be performed.

Question 50: Solve the inequality: 2x + 5 > 11

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

Correct answer: x > 3

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

Question 51: Carry-over effects are related to:

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

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 52: A 'false dichotomy' fallacy occurs when:

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

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 53: What is deductive reasoning?

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

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

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

Correct answer: 25%

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

Question 55: In statistics, an 'outlier' is best described as:

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

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

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

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 57: What is 'unity' in a paragraph?

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

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

Use of correlational approach
No manipulation of independent variable
Manipulation, but no control group or randomization (Correct answer)
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 the correct use of a semicolon in academic writing?

To introduce a list after a complete sentence
Both B and C (Correct answer)
To separate items in a list when those items contain commas
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 60: Which reading strategy involves previewing headings, subheadings, and visuals before reading in depth?

Skimming (Correct answer)
Scanning
Annotating
Close reading

Correct answer: Skimming

Skimming involves quickly looking over headings, subheadings, and visuals to get a general sense of the text before detailed reading.

Question 61: What does 'citing sources' accomplish in academic writing?

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

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 62: 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
Internal consistency
Reliability

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

The tendency to seek out and favor information that confirms one's existing beliefs (Correct answer)
The process of getting a second researcher to verify your findings
An ethical requirement to disclose conflicts of interest
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 64: What is a 'thesis statement' in an academic essay?

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

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

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

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 66: What does 'statistical significance' indicate?

The sample size was large enough for accurate results
The study's finding is practically important in real life
The result agrees with previous research findings
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 67: Which of the following data collection method has better subjectivity?

Self-reports
Biophysiologic measures (Correct answer)
Observation
Questionnaires

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 68: What is the absolute value of -15?

0
-15
-1/15
15 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 15

Absolute value measures a number's distance from zero on the number line, so |-15| = 15.

Question 69: Which of the following is the best example of an 'assumption' in an argument?

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

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 70: What is a 'counterargument' in academic writing?

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

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 71: What does a 'sample' represent in statistical research?

The result of a statistical test
The entire group being studied
The margin of error in a survey
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 72: A line graph shows test scores rising from 65 in January to 82 in June. What is the overall increase in points?

82
12
17 (Correct answer)
147

Correct answer: 17

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

Question 73: What is the 'appeal to authority' fallacy?

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

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 74: What is a 'Boolean operator' in database searching?

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
A type of citation format

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

Beneficence (Correct answer)
Coercion
Nonmalificence
Justice

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

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

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 77: 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?

$9.00
$9.50 (Correct answer)
$7.50
$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 78: What is the purpose of a 'transition sentence' between paragraphs?

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

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 79: 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 points are clustered closely around the mean
The data set has many outliers below 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 80: What is the difference between a 'bibliography' and a 'works cited' list?

A bibliography is shorter than a works cited list
They are identical and the terms are completely interchangeable
A bibliography lists all sources consulted; a works cited list includes only sources actually cited in the paper (Correct answer)
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 81: What is a 'random sample' and why is it important?

A sample that mirrors the researcher's expected results
A sample that includes the most extreme values in the population
A sample chosen by the researcher based on convenience
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 82: Find a positive number which when increased by 17 is equal to 60 times the reciprocal of the number.

3 (Correct answer)
12
17
10

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

Trend studies (Correct answer)
Outcome research
Action research
Questionnaires

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

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

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 85: 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)
Subtracting the smallest count from the category's count
Multiplying the category's count by the total
Adding up all the frequencies in the table

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 86: If an AQL question asks you to 'summarize' a passage, you should:

List every fact mentioned in the passage
Copy several sentences directly from the passage
Analyze the author's rhetorical devices in detail
State the main idea and key supporting points in your own words (Correct answer)

Correct answer: State the main idea and key supporting points in your own words

A summary restates the main idea and the most important supporting points concisely in your own words, without including minor details.

Question 87: 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:

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

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 88: The 'slippery slope' fallacy claims that:

An argument is invalid because of the speaker's background
Two unrelated events are causally connected
One event will inevitably lead to a chain of negative consequences without sufficient evidence (Correct answer)
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 89: 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?

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

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 90: Which of the following represents a linear equation?

y = 2x + 5 (Correct answer)
y = x³ - 1
y = 1/x
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 91: When analyzing an argument, 'validity' refers to:

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

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

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

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

Presentation
Popularity
Purpose (Correct answer)
Plagiarism

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

0.03
0.7 (Correct answer)
1.3
0.3

Correct answer: 0.7

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

Question 95: 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 peer-reviewed journal article
A published textbook from a university press
A government health agency's official website

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

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

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 97: A pie chart shows that 35% of a budget goes to salaries. If the total budget is $200,000, how much is spent on salaries?

$65,000
$140,000
$35,000
$70,000 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $70,000

35% of $200,000 = 0.35 × 200,000 = $70,000.

Question 98: What is the difference between 'correlation' and 'causation'?

Correlation shows two variables move together; causation means one variable directly causes the other (Correct answer)
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 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 99: 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. 25,800
Rs. 21,000
Rs. 22,500
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 100: 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?

3 times
2 1/2 times
2 times (Correct answer)
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 101: What is 'intellectual property' in the context of academic integrity?

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

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 102: Which of the following is not a leap year?

700 (Correct answer)
2000
800
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 103: Which of the following is a method of integrating the findings of prior research studies using statistical procedures?

Meta-analysis (Correct answer)
Content analysis
Secondary 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 104: What is a 'DOI' and why is it important for academic sources?

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

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 105: 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
273m (Correct answer)
300m
173m

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 106: What is the primary purpose of identifying the main idea in an academic text?

To list every detail mentioned in the passage
To count the number of paragraphs
To summarize the author's central argument or point (Correct answer)
To find unfamiliar vocabulary words

Correct answer: To summarize the author's central argument or point

Identifying the main idea helps the reader understand the author's central argument, which is the foundation for comprehending the entire passage.

Question 107: If you roll a fair six-sided die, what is the probability of rolling a number greater than 4?

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

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 108: Simplify: (x³y²)(x²y⁴)

x⁵y⁶ (Correct answer)
x⁶y⁸
x⁶y⁶
x⁵y⁸

Correct answer: x⁵y⁶

Multiply by adding exponents of like bases: x^(3+2) = x⁵ and y^(2+4) = y⁶, giving x⁵y⁶.

Question 109: A survey of 50 people found 60% prefer Brand A. What is the number of people who prefer Brand A?

60
20
30 (Correct answer)
12

Correct answer: 30

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

Question 110: What is the purpose of a 'hook' at the beginning of an academic essay?

To provide a detailed outline of the 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)

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 111: What is an 'annotated bibliography'?

A list of sources sorted by topic rather than author
A collection of direct quotations from each source
A bibliography that includes only internet sources
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 112: In how many different ways can the letters of the word 'MATHEMATICS' be arranged so that the vowels always come together?

120960 (Correct answer)
4989600
10080
None of these

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

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

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 114: In a scatter plot, a positive correlation means that:

The two variables have no relationship
As one variable increases, the other variable also tends to increase (Correct answer)
As one variable increases, the other decreases
The data points form a horizontal line

Correct answer: As one variable increases, the other variable also tends to increase

A positive correlation means both variables tend to move in the same direction—when one goes up, the other also goes up.

Question 115: If a line graph shows a steep upward slope, what does that indicate about the rate of change?

The variable has no meaningful trend
The variable is increasing rapidly (Correct answer)
The variable is decreasing rapidly
The variable is staying constant

Correct answer: The variable is increasing rapidly

A steep upward slope on a line graph indicates a large, rapid increase in the measured variable over the given time period.

Question 116: A car travels 180 miles in 3 hours. What is the average speed in miles per hour?

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

Correct answer: 60 mph

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

Question 117: What is the difference between 'affect' and 'effect'?

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

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

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

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

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

Correct answer: $60

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

Question 120: Which of the following is equivalent to 0.375?

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

Correct answer: 3/8

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

Question 121: In critical thinking, 'synthesis' involves:

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

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

Maturation (Correct answer)
Experimenter effects
Novelty effect
The Hawthorne 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 123: Which of the following best defines 'inductive reasoning'?

Applying a universal law to a particular situation
Accepting an argument because an authority figure stated it
Using specific observations to form a general conclusion (Correct answer)
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 124: A double bar graph is most useful for:

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

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 125: Which sentence is written in active voice?

The report had been submitted before the deadline.
The student submitted the report. (Correct answer)
The report was submitted by the student.
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 126: 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 attitude the author expresses toward the subject (Correct answer)
The structure of the passage's paragraphs
The number of words in the passage

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.

Question 127: In an APA in-text citation, what information is typically included?

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

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

19
31
24 (Correct answer)
7

Correct answer: 24

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

Question 129: Which property is demonstrated by: 5(3 + 4) = 5(3) + 5(4)?

Distributive property (Correct answer)
Identity property
Commutative property
Associative property

Correct answer: Distributive property

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac, which is exactly what is shown here.

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%

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