ATLAS Reading Comprehension 2

Question 1

On ATLAS, what is the difference between 'plot' and 'theme' in a literary text?

Accepted Answer

Plot is the sequence of events; theme is the central message or lesson

Answer

ATLAS distinguishes plot (the series of events in a story) from theme (the deeper message or lesson the story conveys).

Question 2

Which ATLAS reading skill involves identifying how an author organizes information in a nonfiction text?

Accepted Answer

Recognizing text structure (e.g., cause/effect, compare/contrast)

Answer

Recognizing text structure—such as cause/effect, compare/contrast, or problem/solution—is a key ATLAS informational reading skill.

Question 3

In an ATLAS passage, if a character's feelings change from fear to courage, what literary element does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Character development (dynamic character)

Answer

A character who changes emotions or behavior across a story is a dynamic character, and tracking such development is assessed on ATLAS.

Question 4

What does ATLAS expect students to do when comparing two texts on the same topic?

Accepted Answer

Identify similarities and differences in content, structure, or author's purpose

Answer

ATLAS compare-and-contrast tasks ask students to analyze how two texts address the same topic differently or similarly in content, structure, or purpose.

Question 5

On ATLAS, which question type tests a student's ability to understand figurative language?

Accepted Answer

What does the phrase 'butterflies in my stomach' suggest about the character?

Answer

Questions about idioms, metaphors, or similes test figurative language understanding, which is a standard ATLAS reading skill.

ATLAS - Arkansas Teaching & Learning Assessment System Practice Test

ATLAS - Arkansas Teaching & Learning Assessment System Practice Test

ATLAS Reading Comprehension 2