BCA Reading Comprehension 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the 'main idea' of a passage?
- The first sentence of the passage
- The central point the author is making throughout the passage (Correct answer)
- A specific detail that supports the author's argument
- The conclusion of the passage
Correct answer: The central point the author is making throughout the passage
The main idea is the central, overarching point or argument the author makes throughout the entire passage, not just one part of it.
Question 2: A passage states: 'The factory emitted harmful chemicals, leading to the decline of fish populations in the nearby river.' This sentence best demonstrates which reading skill?
- Identifying the main idea
- Understanding vocabulary in context
- Recognizing cause and effect (Correct answer)
- Making inferences
Correct answer: Recognizing cause and effect
The sentence directly shows a cause (factory emissions) producing a specific effect (fish population decline), making it a clear example of cause and effect.
Question 3: In a passage about climate change, the author writes that glaciers are 'retreating.' Based on context, what does 'retreating' most likely mean?
- Growing larger and advancing forward
- Becoming more colorful in appearance
- Shrinking and moving backward (Correct answer)
- Temporarily freezing in place
Correct answer: Shrinking and moving backward
In the context of glaciers and warming temperatures, 'retreating' means the glaciers are melting and receding — shrinking and moving backward.
Question 4: A student reads a passage that begins with the Old Kingdom of Egypt, then describes the Middle Kingdom, and finally discusses the New Kingdom. Which organizational structure is the author using?
- Compare and contrast
- Problem and solution
- Chronological order (Correct answer)
- Cause and effect
Correct answer: Chronological order
Presenting events in the sequence in which they occurred in time is called chronological order, and discussing the three kingdoms sequentially follows this structure.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a FACT rather than an opinion?
- 'The Grand Canyon is the most beautiful natural wonder in the world.'
- 'Everyone should visit national parks at least once in their lifetime.'
- 'The Grand Canyon is located in Arizona and is approximately 277 miles long.' (Correct answer)
- 'National parks are more interesting than museums.'
Correct answer: 'The Grand Canyon is located in Arizona and is approximately 277 miles long.'
A fact is a statement that can be verified with evidence; the Grand Canyon's location and length are measurable, objective, verifiable facts.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a supporting detail in a reading passage?
- To introduce a new, unrelated topic
- To provide evidence or examples that strengthen the main idea (Correct answer)
- To contradict the author's central argument
- To summarize the entire passage
Correct answer: To provide evidence or examples that strengthen the main idea
Supporting details provide specific evidence, examples, or explanations that reinforce and strengthen the main idea of a passage.
Question 7: A passage describes how solar panels work, then explains their benefits, and finally discusses their limitations. Which of the following best summarizes this passage?
- Solar panels are too expensive and unreliable to be practical energy sources.
- Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, offering environmental benefits but also presenting some challenges. (Correct answer)
- Solar panels are the best solution to climate change and should be used everywhere.
- The government should require all homes to install solar panels immediately.
Correct answer: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, offering environmental benefits but also presenting some challenges.
A good summary captures all major points — how solar panels work, their benefits, and their limitations — without adding unsupported opinion.
BCA Reading Comprehension 1
Which of the following best describes the 'main idea' of a passage?