CLAST Reading Comprehension 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CLAST reading passage states: 'Despite widespread belief to the contrary, studies show that multitasking reduces overall productivity.' What is the main idea of this sentence?
- Multitasking is universally beneficial
- Multitasking actually lowers productivity despite popular belief (Correct answer)
- Studies on multitasking are unreliable
- Productivity is unaffected by multitasking
Correct answer: Multitasking actually lowers productivity despite popular belief
The sentence directly states that multitasking reduces productivity, contradicting a widespread belief.
Question 2: In a CLAST passage, the author uses the phrase 'a double-edged sword' to describe social media. This phrase most likely means social media:
- Is entirely harmful
- Has both benefits and drawbacks (Correct answer)
- Is a weapon used online
- Should be banned immediately
Correct answer: Has both benefits and drawbacks
A 'double-edged sword' is a figurative expression meaning something has both positive and negative consequences.
Question 3: A passage concludes: 'Therefore, early childhood literacy programs are essential investments.' The word 'therefore' signals that this sentence is:
- An unrelated aside
- A conclusion drawn from prior evidence (Correct answer)
- A new topic introduction
- A counterargument
Correct answer: A conclusion drawn from prior evidence
'Therefore' is a logical connector indicating the sentence is a conclusion supported by previous statements.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes an 'inference' in reading comprehension on the CLAST?
- A direct quote from the text
- A conclusion drawn from implied information (Correct answer)
- A summary of all paragraphs
- A definition found in the glossary
Correct answer: A conclusion drawn from implied information
An inference is a logical conclusion the reader draws from clues in the text, not explicitly stated.
Question 5: A CLAST passage discusses both sides of a debate about nuclear energy. What is the author's most likely purpose?
- To persuade readers to oppose nuclear energy
- To entertain readers with fictional stories
- To inform readers by presenting multiple perspectives (Correct answer)
- To instruct readers on building a reactor
Correct answer: To inform readers by presenting multiple perspectives
Presenting both sides of a debate indicates the author's purpose is to inform by offering a balanced view.
Question 6: In context, the word 'lucid' in the sentence 'Her lucid explanation made the complex topic easy to understand' most nearly means:
- Confusing
- Clear and easy to understand (Correct answer)
- Lengthy and detailed
- Emotional and passionate
Correct answer: Clear and easy to understand
The context clue 'easy to understand' directly supports that 'lucid' means clear.
CLAST Reading Comprehension 1
A CLAST reading passage states: 'Despite widespread belief to the contrary, studies show that multitasking reduces overall productivity.' What is the main idea of this sentence?