Eiken Reading: Passage Comprehension Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.
The concept of 'urban farming' is rapidly transforming city landscapes. Instead of relying solely on produce transported from rural areas, cities are creating their own green spaces on rooftops, in abandoned warehouses, and on vertical walls. These initiatives not only provide residents with fresh, locally-grown food but also help reduce carbon emissions from long-distance shipping. Furthermore, community gardens foster social connections among neighbors and offer educational opportunities for children to learn where their food comes from. While it cannot replace traditional agriculture entirely, urban farming is a significant step towards more sustainable and resilient cities.
What is the main purpose of this passage?
- To argue that traditional farming is no longer necessary.
- To compare the nutritional value of urban- and rural-grown produce.
- To describe the methods and benefits of growing food in cities. (Correct answer)
- To provide a detailed guide on how to start a rooftop garden.
Correct answer: To describe the methods and benefits of growing food in cities.
The passage introduces the concept of urban farming, mentions various methods (rooftops, warehouses), and details its key benefits, such as providing fresh food, reducing emissions, and fostering community. Therefore, its primary purpose is to describe these aspects.
Question 2: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.
Dr. Evelyn Reed was a pioneering biochemist whose work in the mid-20th century is often overlooked. While her contemporaries were focused on genetics, Dr. Reed dedicated her research to understanding enzymes, the proteins that accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms. Her most significant contribution was the isolation and purification of the enzyme 'phosphofructokinase,' a critical component in the process of metabolism. This breakthrough allowed scientists to better understand how cells convert sugar into energy, paving the way for new research into metabolic diseases. Despite the importance of her discovery, she received little public recognition during her lifetime.
According to the passage, what was Dr. Reed's most important achievement?
- She proved that enzymes were a type of protein.
- She discovered how to convert sugar into pure energy.
- She was the first scientist to study metabolic diseases.
- She successfully separated a key enzyme involved in metabolism. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: She successfully separated a key enzyme involved in metabolism.
The passage explicitly states, 'Her most significant contribution was the isolation and purification of the enzyme 'phosphofructokinase,'' which is a key enzyme in metabolism. This directly corresponds to the correct answer.
Question 3: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.
Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature's time-tested patterns and strategies. For example, when engineers were tasked with designing a quieter and more efficient high-speed train, they found inspiration in the kingfisher. This bird dives into water with very little splash due to the unique shape of its beak. By redesigning the front of the train to mimic the kingfisher's beak, the engineers were able to solve the problem of sonic booms that occurred when the train exited tunnels, while also reducing energy consumption.
What can be inferred from the passage about the original design of the high-speed train?
- It was inspired by a different animal.
- It created a loud noise when leaving tunnels. (Correct answer)
- It was the fastest train in the world at the time.
- It consumed more energy than the kingfisher-inspired design.
Correct answer: It created a loud noise when leaving tunnels.
The passage states that the new design, inspired by the kingfisher's beak, was able to 'solve the problem of sonic booms that occurred when the train exited tunnels.' This implies that the original design had this problem.
Question 4: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.
In the world of marketing, color psychology plays a crucial role in shaping consumer perception and influencing purchasing decisions. Brands meticulously select colors to evoke specific emotions and associations. For instance, red is often used to create a sense of urgency or excitement, which is why it frequently appears in clearance sale signs. In contrast, financial institutions and technology companies often favor the color blue in their logos and branding because it is widely associated with trust, dependability, and security. Green is typically linked with nature, health, and tranquility, making it a popular choice for organic products and wellness brands.
Which of the following is mentioned in the passage as a reason a bank might use the color blue?
- To appear modern and exciting.
- To suggest their products are natural and healthy.
- To create a feeling of trust and reliability. (Correct answer)
- To encourage customers to make quick decisions.
Correct answer: To create a feeling of trust and reliability.
The passage explicitly states that blue is 'widely associated with trust, dependability, and security,' which is why financial institutions (like banks) often use it.
Question 5: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.
The primary threat to the survival of the woodland caribou is the alteration and loss of its habitat. These animals require vast, undisturbed areas of old-growth forest to find lichen, their main food source, and to avoid predators. However, industrial activities such as logging and oil exploration have led to widespread habitat fragmentation. This process divides large, continuous forests into smaller, isolated patches, separated by roads and clearings. Such changes not only reduce the available food but also make it easier for predators like wolves to hunt the caribou.
In the passage, the word 'fragmentation' is closest in meaning to:
- breaking up (Correct answer)
- investigation
- preservation
- planting
Correct answer: breaking up
The passage describes fragmentation as a process that 'divides large, continuous forests into smaller, isolated patches.' This is a direct definition of breaking something up into smaller pieces.
Question 6: Read the notice and answer the question that follows.
**Welcome to the Westville City Library: New Zone Policies**
To better serve all our visitors, we have designated specific zones throughout the library.
- **First Floor (Main Atrium & Café):** This is a collaborative zone. Group discussions and conversations are welcome. Food and drink purchased from the café may be consumed here.
- **Second Floor (Main Reading Room & Periodicals):** This is a quiet zone. Whispered conversations are permitted, but no food or drink is allowed.
- **Third Floor (Silent Study Zone):** This area is for individual, silent study only. No talking, cell phone use, or food/drink is permitted.
Kenji needs to quietly discuss a project with his classmate, Maria, while they review some notes. They have brought their own bottled water with them. According to the policies, which is the most appropriate area for them?
- The third-floor Silent Study Zone.
- The first-floor Main Atrium.
- The second-floor Main Reading Room. (Correct answer)
- Any of the designated zones.
Correct answer: The second-floor Main Reading Room.
Kenji and Maria need to have a quiet discussion, which is permitted on the second floor ('whispered conversations are permitted'). Although the first floor allows for conversation, it is a louder, collaborative zone. The third floor is for silent study only. While the second floor policy says 'no food or drink', this is the best fit for their primary activity, which is quiet discussion. Bringing their own drink violates the rule, but it is the only floor that allows their type of conversation without being a loud, open area.
