CLAST Reading Comprehension 3

Question 1

A CLAST passage argues that public transportation reduces traffic congestion. Which of the following would BEST support this argument?

Accepted Answer

Data showing fewer cars on roads in cities with strong transit systems

Answer

Statistical data directly connecting public transit use to reduced car traffic provides the strongest objective support.

Question 2

A passage describes events in this order: earthquake → infrastructure damage → government response → community recovery. What organizational structure is used?

Accepted Answer

Chronological / sequential order

Answer

Presenting events in the order they occurred (earthquake first, recovery last) is chronological organization.

Question 3

The CLAST tests the ability to identify the 'author's purpose.' Which of the following purposes is MOST associated with a passage that teaches readers how to perform a task?

Accepted Answer

To inform/instruct

Answer

A passage that teaches how to perform a task has an informative or instructional purpose.

Question 4

A CLAST passage contains this sentence: 'The administration claimed success, but the data told a different story.' The phrase 'a different story' is an example of:

Accepted Answer

A figurative expression implying contradiction

Answer

Using 'a different story' figuratively implies a contradiction between the administration's claim and the data.

Question 5

Which context clue type is used in: 'The arid, or extremely dry, climate made farming nearly impossible'?

Accepted Answer

Definition clue embedded in the sentence

Answer

The phrase 'or extremely dry' directly defines 'arid' within the same sentence, making it an embedded definition clue.

CLAST - College Level Academic Skills Test Practice Test

CLAST - College Level Academic Skills Test Practice Test

CLAST Reading Comprehension 3