Core Academic Skills Assessment Reading Comprehension 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage states: 'Although the policy was implemented with good intentions, its outcomes were largely counterproductive.' What does 'counterproductive' mean in this context?
- Producing the opposite of the desired effect (Correct answer)
- Producing results slowly over time
- Producing outcomes that were unpredictable
- Producing results that were widely praised
Correct answer: Producing the opposite of the desired effect
'Counterproductive' means working against the intended goal, producing the opposite of what was desired.
Question 2: A reader encounters an unfamiliar word in a passage. Which strategy is MOST effective for determining the word's meaning without a dictionary?
- Skip the word and continue reading
- Look for context clues in surrounding sentences (Correct answer)
- Assume the word is a synonym for the previous unknown word
- Replace the word with a familiar word that looks similar
Correct answer: Look for context clues in surrounding sentences
Context clues in surrounding sentences often reveal the meaning of unfamiliar words through examples, definitions, or contrasting ideas.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes the difference between a primary source and a secondary source?
- A primary source is more recent; a secondary source is older
- A primary source is original material; a secondary source interprets or analyzes primary sources (Correct answer)
- A primary source is written by experts; a secondary source is written by students
- A primary source is shorter; a secondary source is longer
Correct answer: A primary source is original material; a secondary source interprets or analyzes primary sources
Primary sources are original documents or firsthand accounts, while secondary sources analyze, interpret, or summarize primary sources.
Question 4: A passage argues that 'renewable energy is the only viable solution to climate change.' This statement is best characterized as:
- An objective fact supported by universal scientific consensus
- A biased opinion that ignores other possible solutions (Correct answer)
- A hypothesis requiring no further evidence
- A logical conclusion based on irrefutable data
Correct answer: A biased opinion that ignores other possible solutions
Using absolute language like 'only viable solution' signals a strong opinion that dismisses alternative approaches without full justification.
Question 5: Read this sentence: 'The author uses a series of rhetorical questions to challenge the reader's assumptions.' What is the purpose of rhetorical questions in writing?
- To request specific factual information from the reader
- To create suspense by withholding key answers
- To emphasize a point or provoke thought without expecting a direct answer (Correct answer)
- To demonstrate the author's lack of knowledge on the topic
Correct answer: To emphasize a point or provoke thought without expecting a direct answer
Rhetorical questions are used for emphasis or to make the reader think, not to solicit an actual response.
Question 6: A passage presents two opposing viewpoints on school uniforms without taking a side. This organizational structure is best described as:
- Cause and effect
- Chronological order
- Compare and contrast (Correct answer)
- Problem and solution
Correct answer: Compare and contrast
Presenting two opposing viewpoints side by side is a compare-and-contrast structure that highlights similarities and differences.
Question 7: Which sentence contains a logical fallacy known as a 'false dilemma'?
- Studies show that exercise improves mental health in most participants.
- You are either with us or against us—there is no middle ground. (Correct answer)
- The experiment was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions.
- Several economists disagree about the long-term effects of the policy.
Correct answer: You are either with us or against us—there is no middle ground.
A false dilemma presents only two options when more exist, as in 'you are either with us or against us.'
Core Academic Skills Assessment Reading Comprehension 2
A passage states: 'Although the policy was implemented with good intentions, its outcomes were largely counterproductive.' What does 'counterproductive' mean in this context?