Reading Comprehension and Passage Analysis Flashcards

A passage describes how a city's population grew, then infrastructure expanded, then services improved. What organizational pattern is this?

Answer: Chronological / sequential order

Events listed in the order they happened follow a chronological or sequential pattern.

Read: 'The scientist's findings were groundbreaking, yet the scientific community remained skeptical.' What does 'skeptical' mean?

Answer: Doubtful and questioning

Skeptical means doubtful or not easily convinced, fitting the community's cautious response to the findings.

Which detail would BEST support a main idea that states 'Exercise improves mental health'?

Answer: Studies show aerobic exercise reduces symptoms of depression.

A study linking aerobic exercise to reduced depression directly supports the claim that exercise improves mental health.

An author writes: 'Everyone should be required to volunteer in their community.' This statement is BEST categorized as:

Answer: An opinion or claim

Using 'should' expresses the author's belief about what is right, making it an opinion.

A paragraph begins with a broad statement and then provides three specific examples. This paragraph is organized using which structure?

Answer: General to specific

Starting with a broad statement and supporting it with specific examples is the general-to-specific structure.

Read: 'After reading the dense manual, Maria felt overwhelmed.' What does 'dense' suggest about the manual?

Answer: It was packed with complex, difficult information.

In this context, 'dense' means packed with information that is hard to process, explaining Maria's overwhelmed reaction.

Which question is MOST helpful to ask yourself to identify the main idea of a passage?

Answer: What is the most important point the author is making throughout the entire passage?

The main idea is the central message sustained throughout the passage, not just a detail found in one place.