Reading and Writing Flashcards
6 cards from real DSAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Reading and Writing flashcards as text
What is the main purpose of identifying an author's purpose?
Answer: To understand why the text was written and how to interpret it
Understanding the author's purpose (inform, persuade, entertain) helps readers interpret the text correctly.
What does 'making an inference' mean?
Answer: Drawing a conclusion from evidence not explicitly stated
Inferring means using clues and prior knowledge to reach a conclusion that isn't directly stated in the text.
What is the difference between a main idea and a supporting detail?
Answer: Main idea is the central message; details provide evidence for it
The main idea is the overarching point the author makes, while supporting details are specific facts, examples, or evidence that back it up.
What is a primary source?
Answer: An original, firsthand account of an event
Primary sources are original materials from the time period (diaries, letters, photographs, official records) providing firsthand evidence.
What does 'compare and contrast' mean in reading?
Answer: Identifying similarities and differences between two or more things
Compare and contrast involves analyzing two or more subjects to find their similarities (compare) and differences (contrast).
What is the purpose of a conclusion paragraph?
Answer: To summarize key points and provide closure
A conclusion summarizes the main points, reinforces the thesis, and provides a sense of closure for the reader.