BCA Reading Comprehension

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the 'main idea' of a passage?

Accepted Answer

The central point the author is making throughout the passage

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Recognizing cause and effect

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Shrinking and moving backward

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Chronological order

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

'The Grand Canyon is located in Arizona and is approximately 277 miles long.'

Answer

A fact is a statement that can be verified with evidence; the Grand Canyon's location and length are measurable, objective, verifiable facts.

(BCA) Bergen County Academies Practice Test

(BCA) Bergen County Academies Practice Test

BCA Reading Comprehension