DAT Reading Comprehension: Scientific Passages 2

Question 1

On the DAT Reading Comprehension section, what is the best initial strategy when encountering a dense scientific passage?

Accepted Answer

Map the passage structure and locate key ideas, then refer back for specifics

Answer

Mapping structure lets you locate details efficiently rather than memorizing everything.

Question 2

A passage states a hypothesis was 'not supported by the data.' What does this most directly imply?

Accepted Answer

The collected evidence failed to confirm the proposed explanation

Answer

Lack of support means the evidence did not confirm the hypothesis, not that fraud or error occurred.

Question 3

When a question asks for the 'main idea' of a scientific passage, the correct answer usually:

Accepted Answer

Captures the overall central theme spanning the whole passage

Answer

Main-idea answers encompass the entire passage rather than one detail.

Question 4

A signal phrase like 'in contrast' indicates the author is about to:

Accepted Answer

Present an opposing or differing idea

Answer

'In contrast' signals a shift to a contrasting idea.

Question 5

If a passage describes a process in sequential steps, a question about 'what happens immediately after step three' is best answered by:

Accepted Answer

Locating the sequence in the text and reading the next described step

Answer

Sequence questions require returning to the passage's described order.

DAT Practice Test