AST Reading Comprehension 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
- To state the main idea of the paragraph (Correct answer)
- To provide a concluding thought
- To introduce a new topic
- To give supporting details
Correct answer: To state the main idea of the paragraph
A topic sentence presents the central idea that the rest of the paragraph develops and supports.
Question 2: When a reader identifies the author's tone as 'sardonic,' the author is most likely expressing:
- Bitter mockery or scorn (Correct answer)
- Warm admiration
- Neutral objectivity
- Deep sadness
Correct answer: Bitter mockery or scorn
Sardonic tone conveys harsh, cutting sarcasm or cynical contempt toward a subject.
Question 3: A passage states: 'The law was passed swiftly despite widespread public opposition.' What can be inferred?
- Legislators prioritized the law over public opinion. (Correct answer)
- The public eventually supported the law.
- The law was later repealed.
- Public opposition helped shape the law.
Correct answer: Legislators prioritized the law over public opinion.
The word 'despite' signals that the legislators acted contrary to the public's wishes.
Question 4: Which reading strategy best helps a reader identify the main idea of a lengthy passage?
- Reading the introduction and conclusion carefully (Correct answer)
- Reading only the first sentence of each paragraph
- Skimming for bolded words only
- Counting how many times key words appear
Correct answer: Reading the introduction and conclusion carefully
Introductions and conclusions typically state and reinforce the central argument or main idea of a passage.
Question 5: The word 'ubiquitous' in a passage most likely means:
- Present everywhere (Correct answer)
- Extremely rare
- Highly valuable
- Temporarily available
Correct answer: Present everywhere
'Ubiquitous' means appearing or found everywhere; it is derived from the Latin 'ubique' meaning 'everywhere.'
Question 6: Which technique does an author use when saying 'The deadline crept closer like a predator stalking its prey'?
- Simile (Correct answer)
- Metaphor
- Personification
- Hyperbole
Correct answer: Simile
A simile compares two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'—here the deadline is compared to a predator using 'like.'
AST Reading Comprehension 1
What is the primary purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?