Core Academic Skills Assessment Reading 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Metaphor

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Urgent and prescriptive

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To indicate a pause before a contrasting or clarifying idea

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Paradox

Answer

Presenting two contradictory truths as simultaneously valid is a paradox.

Core Academic Skills Assessment Practice Test

Core Academic Skills Assessment Practice Test

Core Academic Skills Assessment Reading 3