CAEC Reading Comprehension Skills 2

Question 1

When a reader makes an inference, what are they doing?

Accepted Answer

Drawing a conclusion based on clues in the text combined with their own knowledge

Answer

An inference is a conclusion the reader draws from evidence in the text and their own background knowledge, rather than information explicitly stated.

Question 2

What is the difference between the 'main idea' and 'supporting details' in a paragraph?

Accepted Answer

The main idea is the broad central point; supporting details provide evidence, examples, or explanations that develop it

Answer

The main idea is the central message or argument of a paragraph; supporting details back it up with specifics.

Question 3

What does it mean when a text is described as having a 'formal' tone?

Accepted Answer

The text uses professional, impersonal language suited to academic or professional contexts

Answer

A formal tone uses professional, objective language — avoiding slang, contractions, and first-person perspective — appropriate for academic, legal, or business writing.

Question 4

A reader who identifies the author's purpose is recognizing:

Accepted Answer

Why the author wrote the text — to inform, to persuade, or to entertain

Answer

Author's purpose identifies why a text was written — the three main purposes are to inform (give facts), to persuade (change minds), or to entertain (engage or amuse).

Question 5

What is a synonym for the word 'ambiguous' as used in a sentence like 'The contract contained several ambiguous clauses'?

Accepted Answer

Open to more than one interpretation; unclear

Answer

'Ambiguous' means having more than one possible meaning, making it unclear or open to different interpretations.

(CAEC) Canadian Adult Education Credential Practice Test

(CAEC) Canadian Adult Education Credential Practice Test

CAEC Reading Comprehension Skills 2