Reading Flashcards

A passage states: 'The committee voted unanimously to table the motion.' In US English, what does 'table' mean in this context?

Answer: To postpone or set aside for later discussion

In US parliamentary usage, 'table' means to postpone or set aside a motion indefinitely.

Which text structure is used when an author presents a problem and then offers one or more solutions?

Answer: Problem and solution

Problem-solution structure identifies an issue and proposes ways to address it.

A reader encounters the word 'ephemeral' in a passage about social media trends. Based on the context clue 'here today and forgotten tomorrow,' what does 'ephemeral' mean?

Answer: Lasting only a short time

The context clue 'here today and forgotten tomorrow' signals that ephemeral means short-lived.

An author writes: 'While renewable energy has made strides, critics argue the infrastructure costs remain prohibitive for developing nations.' What is the author's primary purpose?

Answer: To present a balanced view acknowledging both progress and limitations

The author presents both a positive development ('made strides') and a counterpoint ('critics argue'), indicating a balanced perspective.

Read: 'The senator, despite her party's platform, voted against the bill.' What does 'despite' signal about the relationship between ideas?

Answer: The senator's vote contradicted expectations based on her party's platform

'Despite' is a contrast signal word indicating the senator's action was contrary to what her party's platform would suggest.

A graph shows literacy rates rising steadily from 1990 to 2010, then plateauing. Which conclusion is best supported by this data?

Answer: Progress in literacy slowed after 2010

A plateau indicates that growth slowed, not that rates declined or that programs ended.

Which of the following is an example of a primary source?

Answer: A diary entry written by a Civil War soldier

A diary written by someone who directly experienced the event is a primary source.

An author uses the phrase 'the economy is a ticking time bomb.' This is an example of which literary device?

Answer: Metaphor

Comparing the economy directly to a ticking time bomb without using 'like' or 'as' makes this a metaphor.

In a passage about climate policy, the author repeatedly uses the word 'must' when describing government actions. What does this word choice reveal about the author's tone?

Answer: Urgent and prescriptive

The modal verb 'must' conveys obligation and urgency, revealing an assertive, prescriptive tone.

A passage includes this sentence: 'Not everyone agreed — in fact, a vocal minority strongly opposed the measure.' What is the function of the dash here?

Answer: To indicate a pause before a contrasting or clarifying idea

The dash introduces a clarifying clause that elaborates on 'not everyone agreed.'

A researcher reads two articles on the same topic. Article A cites peer-reviewed studies; Article B cites anonymous blog posts. Which article is more credible, and why?

Answer: Article A, because peer-reviewed studies are vetted by experts

Peer-reviewed sources undergo expert evaluation, making Article A more credible.

A passage opens: 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.' This sentence is best described as an example of:

Answer: Paradox

Presenting two contradictory truths as simultaneously valid is a paradox.

Which type of context clue is used in: 'The ornithologist, or bird scientist, spent years in the field'?

Answer: Definition clue

The phrase 'or bird scientist' directly defines 'ornithologist,' making it a definition/restatement clue.

A student is skimming an article to find specific facts quickly. Which strategy is most appropriate for skimming?

Answer: Reading only headings, bold text, and the first sentence of each paragraph

Skimming involves focusing on structural elements like headings and topic sentences to locate information quickly.

A passage argues that standardized testing improves educational outcomes and cites only studies funded by testing companies. What weakness does this argument have?

Answer: The sources may be biased due to a financial conflict of interest

Studies funded by companies with a financial stake in the outcome may be biased, weakening the argument's credibility.

Which sentence uses the word 'affect' correctly?

Answer: The storm will affect flight schedules.

'Affect' is typically used as a verb meaning to influence; 'effect' is typically the noun.

An article states: 'Studies suggest that reading fiction may improve empathy.' The word 'may' indicates that the claim is:

Answer: A tentative or uncertain finding

The modal verb 'may' signals possibility and uncertainty rather than certainty.

Read this passage: 'After decades of decline, the wolf population rebounded following reintroduction efforts. Elk herds, previously overgrazing meadows, began to migrate more. Vegetation recovered, stabilizing riverbanks.' What organizational pattern does this passage use?

Answer: Cause and effect

Each sentence describes an effect triggered by the previous cause, forming a cause-and-effect chain.

An author writes a restaurant review and says: 'The pasta was so salty it could preserve a mummy.' This is an example of:

Answer: Hyperbole

Exaggerating the saltiness to an extreme degree for effect is hyperbole.

Which of the following best describes the difference between a fact and an opinion?

Answer: Facts can be verified objectively; opinions express personal beliefs or judgments

Facts are objectively verifiable claims, while opinions express personal beliefs that cannot be proven true or false.