Reading: Critical Analysis 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: Critical Analysis flashcards as text
A reader notices that a passage shifts from describing a factory's efficiency to detailing workers' long hours without breaks. What can the reader most reasonably infer?
Answer: Efficiency gains may come at a cost to workers' well-being
The juxtaposition of productivity and poor working conditions implies a hidden cost behind the factory's success.
Which of the following is the best example of an unstated assumption in an argument?
Answer: Since Maria graduated top of her class, she will be an excellent teacher.
The argument assumes academic excellence automatically transfers to teaching ability, a link that is assumed but never stated or proven.
A passage describes an event using mostly long, slow sentences with muted word choices. Then it shifts to short, punchy sentences with urgent verbs. This shift most likely signals:
Answer: An increase in narrative tension or urgency
Short, urgent sentences create a faster pace that typically signals increased tension or a dramatic shift in the narrative.
Read this claim: 'Natural remedies are always safer than prescription drugs because they come from nature.' What is the primary flaw in this reasoning?
Answer: It equates 'natural' with 'safe,' ignoring that many natural substances are harmful
The 'natural = safe' assumption is a false equivalence; many natural substances (e.g., arsenic, hemlock) are toxic.
A passage presents two viewpoints on urban farming: one from a city planner and one from a nutritionist. The author does NOT state a personal opinion. The author's purpose is most likely to:
Answer: Inform readers of multiple perspectives without advocating one
Presenting multiple expert views without expressing a preference indicates an informational, balanced approach rather than a persuasive one.
Which transition word or phrase best signals that the information that follows will contradict what was just stated?
Answer: Nevertheless
'Nevertheless' is an adversative transition that signals contrast or contradiction with the preceding idea.
A writer states: 'Experts widely agree that regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease.' A critical reader should ask:
Answer: Who are these experts, and what evidence supports their agreement?
Vague appeals to unnamed 'experts' should prompt readers to identify the source and evaluate the quality of the underlying evidence.