DAT Reading Comprehension: Scientific Passages 3

Question 1

A passage claims a correlation between two variables. A careful reader should recognize that correlation:

Accepted Answer

Does not by itself establish that one variable causes the other

Answer

Correlation alone does not prove causation.

Question 2

When the author uses the phrase 'it is widely believed, but recent evidence suggests otherwise,' the author's purpose is to:

Accepted Answer

Set up a challenge to a prevailing assumption

Answer

The phrasing introduces evidence that contradicts a common belief.

Question 3

To determine the 'tone' of a scientific passage, you should examine:

Accepted Answer

The author's word choices and qualifying language

Answer

Tone is inferred from word choice and qualifiers like 'may' or 'clearly.'

Question 4

A 'detail' question that asks 'According to the passage...' is best answered by:

Accepted Answer

Finding the specific statement in the text

Answer

'According to the passage' answers must be directly supported by the text.

Question 5

If two paragraphs present competing theories, a question asking which the author favors is answered by looking for:

Accepted Answer

Evaluative language showing the author's preference

Answer

Authorial preference shows in evaluative or endorsing language.

DAT Practice Test