Core Academic Skills Assessment Reading 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An author uses the phrase 'the economy is a ticking time bomb.' This is an example of which literary device?
- Simile
- Personification
- Metaphor (Correct answer)
- Alliteration
Correct answer: Metaphor
Comparing the economy directly to a ticking time bomb without using 'like' or 'as' makes this a metaphor.
Question 2: 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?
- Uncertain and questioning
- Objective and neutral
- Urgent and prescriptive (Correct answer)
- Humorous and lighthearted
Correct answer: Urgent and prescriptive
The modal verb 'must' conveys obligation and urgency, revealing an assertive, prescriptive tone.
Question 3: 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?
- To indicate a pause before a contrasting or clarifying idea (Correct answer)
- To introduce a list
- To show a time range
- To replace a semicolon between two independent clauses
Correct answer: To indicate a pause before a contrasting or clarifying idea
The dash introduces a clarifying clause that elaborates on 'not everyone agreed.'
Question 4: 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?
- Article B, because blog posts are more current
- Article A, because peer-reviewed studies are vetted by experts (Correct answer)
- Both are equally credible since they cover the same topic
- Article B, because it is easier to read
Correct answer: Article A, because peer-reviewed studies are vetted by experts
Peer-reviewed sources undergo expert evaluation, making Article A more credible.
Question 5: A passage opens: 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.' This sentence is best described as an example of:
- Paradox (Correct answer)
- Hyperbole
- Understatement
- Foreshadowing
Correct answer: Paradox
Presenting two contradictory truths as simultaneously valid is a paradox.
Question 6: Which type of context clue is used in: 'The ornithologist, or bird scientist, spent years in the field'?
- Synonym clue
- Antonym clue
- Definition clue (Correct answer)
- Example clue
Correct answer: Definition clue
The phrase 'or bird scientist' directly defines 'ornithologist,' making it a definition/restatement clue.
Question 7: A student is skimming an article to find specific facts quickly. Which strategy is most appropriate for skimming?
- Reading every word carefully from start to finish
- Reading only headings, bold text, and the first sentence of each paragraph (Correct answer)
- Reading only the conclusion
- Highlighting every sentence
Correct 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.
Core Academic Skills Assessment Reading 3
An author uses the phrase 'the economy is a ticking time bomb.' This is an example of which literary device?