Reading and Comprehension Flashcards

A student reads a passage and notices the author uses the word 'however' to connect two sentences. What does this signal?

Answer: The second idea contrasts with the first

'However' is a signal word indicating contrast or an opposing idea.

Read the sentence: 'The old lighthouse stood as a sentinel, guarding the rocky shore.' What does the word 'sentinel' most likely mean?

Answer: A guard or watchman

A sentinel is a guard or watchman, and the context of 'guarding' confirms this meaning.

Which question is best answered by skimming a text?

Answer: What are the three main topics covered in the article?

Skimming is best for identifying main topics and general structure, not fine details.

An author writes a biography of a scientist but includes only positive achievements. This is an example of which bias?

Answer: Selection bias

Selection bias occurs when an author cherry-picks only certain facts, omitting others that might change the reader's view.

In a persuasive essay, a writer states: 'Nine out of ten doctors agree.' Without citing the source, this is best described as:

Answer: An unsupported statistical claim

Statistics without a cited source cannot be verified and are considered unsupported claims.

A passage describes a character who 'clenched her jaw and stared at the floor.' What can the reader infer?

Answer: The character is frustrated or upset

Clenching the jaw and avoiding eye contact are physical signs typically associated with frustration or suppressed anger.

What is the primary purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

Answer: To introduce the main idea of that paragraph

A topic sentence states the main idea of its paragraph and sets up what the rest of the paragraph will discuss.