STEP Reading Comprehension

Question 1

Read the passage: 'Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aims to reduce the Kingdom's dependence on oil by diversifying its economy.
Key sectors include tourism, entertainment, technology, and renewable energy.' What is the main idea?

Accepted Answer

Saudi Arabia plans to broaden its economic base beyond oil revenue

Answer

Saudi Arabia will stop producing oil

Answer

Tourism will replace oil completely

Answer

Vision 2030 focuses only on technology

Question 2

In the sentence 'The unprecedented growth of NEOM has attracted international attention,' what does 'unprecedented' mean?

Accepted Answer

Never done or known before; without previous example

Answer

Expected and planned

Answer

Slow and gradual

Answer

Controversial and debated

Question 3

A passage states: 'Although solar energy requires significant initial investment, its long-term benefits for Saudi Arabia are substantial.' What relationship does the author establish?

Accepted Answer

A contrast between short-term costs and long-term advantages

Answer

Solar energy is too expensive

Answer

Solar energy has no benefits

Answer

The investment will never be recovered

Question 4

Which of the following is an inference, not a directly stated fact? 'Riyadh's population has grown rapidly. New schools, hospitals, and roads are being built.'

Accepted Answer

The government is investing in Riyadh's infrastructure to accommodate population growth

Answer

Riyadh's population has grown

Answer

New infrastructure is being built

Answer

Schools are being built

Question 5

What is the author's purpose in writing: 'Every citizen should support recycling programs. Our environment depends on responsible waste management.'?

Accepted Answer

To persuade the reader to support recycling by emphasizing environmental responsibility

Answer

To entertain the reader

Answer

To provide a neutral news report

Answer

To describe recycling processes

Question 6

In academic reading, what does 'synthesizing information' mean?

Accepted Answer

Combining information from multiple sources to form a comprehensive understanding

Answer

Copying text word for word

Answer

Translating text into another language

Answer

Memorizing every detail