Critical Reading Flashcards
7 cards from real CHSPE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Critical Reading flashcards as text
A passage compares two approaches to reducing traffic congestion: expanding highways and improving public transit. This structure is best described as:
Answer: Compare and contrast
When a passage examines similarities and differences between two subjects or approaches, it uses a compare-and-contrast structure.
Which of the following is the best example of an inference?
Answer: Based on the character's nervousness, the reader concludes she is about to perform.
An inference is a conclusion drawn from evidence rather than directly stated; nervousness suggesting a performance is not stated but reasoned from clues.
Read the passage: 'Despite years of research, scientists have not found a single cause of autism. Studies suggest a combination of genetic and environmental factors.' What conclusion is best supported?
Answer: Autism likely results from multiple interacting factors
The passage explicitly states no single cause exists and that both genetic and environmental factors are involved, supporting a multi-factor conclusion.
An author writes: 'Critics call the film a masterpiece; others find it unwatchably slow.' What technique is the author using?
Answer: Presenting contrasting perspectives
By including both positive ('masterpiece') and negative ('unwatchably slow') views, the author presents contrasting perspectives.
A reader notices that a health article is published on the website of a company that sells vitamins. Why is this important to consider?
Answer: The source may have a conflict of interest that could bias the information
A company with a financial interest in vitamins may present biased information to encourage purchases, creating a conflict of interest.
The phrase 'buried under a mountain of homework' is an example of:
Answer: Hyperbole
Hyperbole is extreme exaggeration for emphasis; no one is literally buried under homework, so this is a figurative exaggeration.
A passage describes the problem of food deserts in cities and then explains how community gardens could address the issue. This is an example of which text structure?
Answer: Problem and solution
The passage identifies a problem (food deserts) and proposes a solution (community gardens), which defines the problem-and-solution structure.