Reading: Comprehension and Research Flashcards
7 cards from real CBEST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Reading: Comprehension and Research flashcards as text
A research passage states: 'Nine out of ten dentists recommend this toothpaste.' Without additional context, a critical reader should question:
Answer: Who conducted the survey and how dentists were selected
Without knowing the survey's methodology and sample selection, the statistic cannot be properly evaluated for bias or reliability.
Which of the following BEST describes the difference between skimming and scanning a text?
Answer: Skimming gets a general overview; scanning searches for specific information
Skimming involves reading quickly for the main idea, while scanning involves searching for a specific word, fact, or detail.
Read this excerpt: 'The report was thorough, exhaustive, and comprehensive.' The author's use of three similar adjectives is an example of:
Answer: Redundancy used for rhetorical emphasis
Using multiple synonymous words together is a rhetorical technique to stress a point, even though it is technically redundant.
A passage's conclusion begins: 'In light of the evidence presented above...' This phrase signals that the author is about to:
Answer: Summarize and draw conclusions based on prior evidence
Phrases like 'in light of the evidence' signal a summary or conclusion that synthesizes the information already presented.
Which of the following sentences contains a context clue that BEST helps define the word 'benevolent'?
Answer: The benevolent donor gave generously to the food bank every year.
The detail 'gave generously to the food bank every year' provides a concrete example that clarifies benevolent means kind and charitable.
A student is writing a research paper and finds two sources that contradict each other. The BEST next step is to:
Answer: Investigate additional sources to determine which is better supported
Consulting additional credible sources helps determine which claim has stronger evidence and is the appropriate research strategy.
The passage states: 'Rising sea levels pose an existential threat to coastal cities.' The word 'existential' in this context most nearly means:
Answer: Relating to existence or survival
In this context, 'existential threat' means a threat to the very existence or survival of coastal cities.