Basic Ability Test Basic Ability Reading Comprehension Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the passage: 'The library opened its new wing last Tuesday. The wing houses over 10,000 new books, a digital media lab, and three study rooms. Community members can reserve study rooms online up to two weeks in advance.' What can community members do online?
- Borrow books digitally
- Reserve study rooms (Correct answer)
- Access the digital media lab remotely
- Register for a library card
Correct answer: Reserve study rooms
The passage explicitly states that community members can reserve study rooms online up to two weeks in advance.
Question 2: Read the passage: 'Employees must complete safety training within 30 days of hire. Failure to do so may result in suspension of work privileges until training is complete. Refresher courses are required annually.' When must new employees finish safety training?
- Before their first day
- Within two weeks of hire
- Within 30 days of hire (Correct answer)
- Within 60 days of hire
Correct answer: Within 30 days of hire
The passage states employees must complete safety training within 30 days of hire.
Question 3: Read the passage: 'Rising temperatures have caused glaciers worldwide to retreat at unprecedented rates. Scientists warn that if current trends continue, many glaciers could disappear entirely within a century.' What do scientists warn could happen within a century?
- Temperatures will stabilize
- Many glaciers could disappear entirely (Correct answer)
- Glaciers will form in new regions
- Sea levels will drop significantly
Correct answer: Many glaciers could disappear entirely
The passage states scientists warn that many glaciers could disappear entirely within a century if trends continue.
Question 4: A passage states: 'Unlike synthetic fertilizers, compost improves soil structure over time and introduces beneficial microorganisms.' What advantage does compost have over synthetic fertilizers according to the passage?
- It works faster
- It is cheaper to produce
- It improves soil structure and adds microorganisms (Correct answer)
- It requires less water to activate
Correct answer: It improves soil structure and adds microorganisms
The passage contrasts compost with synthetic fertilizers by noting compost improves soil structure and introduces beneficial microorganisms.
Question 5: Read the notice: 'Parking permits expire on December 31 each year and must be renewed by January 15 to avoid a $50 late fee. Permits may be renewed online or in person at the main office.' What happens if you renew your permit after January 15?
- The permit is automatically cancelled
- You must renew in person only
- You are charged a $50 late fee (Correct answer)
- You must reapply from scratch
Correct answer: You are charged a $50 late fee
The notice states that permits must be renewed by January 15 to avoid a $50 late fee, implying the fee is charged for late renewals.
Question 6: Read the passage: 'The committee reviewed three proposals. Proposal A was the most cost-effective but required the longest timeline. Proposal B balanced cost and speed but lacked innovation. Proposal C was the most innovative but also the most expensive.' Which proposal was most cost-effective?
- Proposal A (Correct answer)
- Proposal B
- Proposal C
- None of the proposals
Correct answer: Proposal A
The passage directly states that Proposal A was the most cost-effective.
Question 7: Read the passage: 'The new transit line will reduce average commute times by 20 minutes. Construction is expected to be complete by spring, though delays are possible due to weather.' What may cause delays in construction completion?
- Budget overruns
- Labor shortages
- Weather conditions (Correct answer)
- Equipment failure
Correct answer: Weather conditions
The passage specifically mentions that delays are possible due to weather.
Basic Ability Test Basic Ability Reading Comprehension Analysis 2
Read the passage: 'The library opened its new wing last Tuesday.
The wing houses over 10,000 new books, a digital media lab, and three study rooms.
Community members can reserve study rooms online up to two weeks in advance.' What can community members do online?