BKSB Reading and Comprehension Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a passage uses the phrase 'on the other hand,' what is the author most likely doing?
- Giving an example
- Introducing a contrasting viewpoint (Correct answer)
- Summarizing the main idea
- Providing a definition
Correct answer: Introducing a contrasting viewpoint
'On the other hand' is a transitional phrase that signals a contrast or opposing perspective.
Question 2: A workplace memo states: 'All staff must complete fire safety training by Friday.' What type of text is this?
- Persuasive text
- Informational/instructional text (Correct answer)
- Narrative text
- Descriptive text
Correct answer: Informational/instructional text
A memo giving a directive is informational and instructional in purpose.
Question 3: Which reading strategy helps you identify the meaning of an unfamiliar word without a dictionary?
- Skimming the entire passage
- Using context clues from surrounding sentences (Correct answer)
- Reading only the first paragraph
- Counting how many times the word appears
Correct answer: Using context clues from surrounding sentences
Context clues in nearby sentences or phrases can reveal the meaning of an unknown word.
Question 4: A paragraph begins with 'Studies show that exercise improves mood.' The rest of the paragraph lists research findings. What role does the first sentence play?
- Concluding sentence
- Supporting detail
- Topic sentence (Correct answer)
- Transition sentence
Correct answer: Topic sentence
The first sentence introduces the paragraph's main idea, making it the topic sentence.
Question 5: You are reading a product label that says 'Keep out of reach of children.' What is the primary purpose of this text?
- To advertise the product
- To entertain the reader
- To provide a safety warning (Correct answer)
- To explain how the product was made
Correct answer: To provide a safety warning
Safety warnings on labels exist to protect users from potential harm.
Question 6: If a text says a character 'dragged her feet all morning,' what does this most likely mean?
- She was physically tired from walking
- She was moving slowly and reluctantly (Correct answer)
- She needed new shoes
- She was running late
Correct answer: She was moving slowly and reluctantly
'Dragged her feet' is an idiom meaning to do something slowly or without enthusiasm.
Question 7: What is the best way to locate specific information quickly in a long document?
- Read every word from start to finish
- Use headings, subheadings, or an index (Correct answer)
- Read only the conclusion
- Ignore any charts or tables
Correct answer: Use headings, subheadings, or an index
Headings, subheadings, and indexes are navigation tools that help locate specific information efficiently.
When a passage uses the phrase 'on the other hand,' what is the author most likely doing?