Reading Comprehension Flashcards

Read the passage: 'The Amazon rainforest produces 20% of the world's oxygen and houses over 10% of all species on Earth. Despite its importance, deforestation has eliminated nearly 20% of the original forest in the past 50 years.' What is the main idea of this passage?

Answer: The Amazon rainforest is vital to Earth's ecosystem but faces serious deforestation threats

The passage presents both the ecological importance of the Amazon and the threat of deforestation, making option B the most complete main idea.

Read the passage: 'Remote work has increased productivity for 65% of employees, according to a Stanford study. However, 40% of remote workers report feeling isolated, and collaboration on creative projects has declined by 30% compared to in-office settings.' Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Answer: Remote work has both benefits and drawbacks depending on the type of task

The passage presents both a productivity gain and a collaboration decline, supporting a nuanced conclusion that remote work has both pros and cons.

Read the passage: 'Solar panel costs have fallen by 89% over the past decade, making solar energy competitive with fossil fuels in most markets. However, energy storage remains a challenge, as batteries capable of storing enough solar energy for overnight use are still prohibitively expensive for most households.' What does the author imply?

Answer: Solar energy has become cost-competitive but storage costs remain a barrier

The author presents solar panels as now cost-competitive but explicitly states that battery storage costs remain 'prohibitively expensive,' implying this is the remaining barrier.

Read the passage: 'The city council approved the new transit plan by a vote of 7 to 2. The plan includes three new bus routes, extended subway hours on weekends, and a 15% fare reduction for low-income riders. Critics argue the plan does not address downtown parking shortages.' What did the critics find lacking in the plan?

Answer: A solution to downtown parking shortages

The passage directly states that critics argue the plan 'does not address downtown parking shortages.'

Read the passage: 'Studies show that people who sleep fewer than 6 hours per night are four times more likely to catch a cold than those who sleep 7 or more hours. Sleep deprivation also impairs the immune system's ability to fight infections.' Based on this passage, what is the relationship between sleep and illness?

Answer: Adequate sleep strengthens the immune system and reduces susceptibility to illness

The passage shows that sufficient sleep (7+ hours) reduces illness risk fourfold and that sleep supports immune function, supporting option B as the relationship.

Read the passage: 'Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences — Physics in 1903 and Chemistry in 1911. Her research on radioactivity laid the groundwork for modern nuclear physics and cancer treatments.' The word 'groundwork' as used in the passage most closely means:

Answer: Foundational research

'Groundwork' in this context means foundational work — Curie's research formed the foundation upon which later nuclear physics and medical treatments were built.

Read the passage: 'While antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, they are completely ineffective against viral infections such as the flu or the common cold. Overprescription of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a growing public health crisis.' Which statement would the author most likely support?

Answer: Doctors should prescribe antibiotics only when a bacterial infection is confirmed

Since the passage warns that antibiotics don't work on viruses and that overprescription causes resistance, the author would support limiting antibiotics to confirmed bacterial infections.