ELTIS Reading Comprehension 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage reads: 'Coral reefs support approximately 25% of all marine species despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor.' What is the main point?
- Coral reefs are very large
- Coral reefs are disproportionately important for marine biodiversity (Correct answer)
- Most species live in the deep ocean
- The ocean floor is mostly coral
Correct answer: Coral reefs are disproportionately important for marine biodiversity
The contrast between covering less than 1% but supporting 25% of species shows coral reefs' outsized importance.
The passage uses contrasting statistics to make its point: small area (less than 1%) but enormous ecological impact (25% of species). The word 'despite' signals this contrast.
Question 2: In a passage about American schools, 'curriculum' most likely refers to:
- The school building
- The subjects and content taught in a course of study (Correct answer)
- The sports teams
- The teachers
Correct answer: The subjects and content taught in a course of study
Curriculum refers to the planned set of subjects, topics, and learning materials in a course of study.
Curriculum refers to the subjects, topics, lessons, and educational content planned and taught in a school or course.
Question 3: A passage states: 'Benjamin Franklin was not only a Founding Father but also a scientist, inventor, writer, and diplomat.' What does this emphasize?
- He was only a political figure
- He was remarkably versatile and accomplished (Correct answer)
- He was primarily a scientist
- He failed at most things
Correct answer: He was remarkably versatile and accomplished
Listing multiple different roles emphasizes Franklin's versatility and many accomplishments.
The 'not only... but also' structure emphasizes that Franklin's achievements extended far beyond his most famous role.
Question 4: 'Unlike her shy older brother, Emma was outgoing and loved meeting new people.' What does this reveal about Emma?
- She and her brother are similar
- She is more sociable than her brother (Correct answer)
- She does not like her brother
- Her brother enjoys meeting people
Correct answer: She is more sociable than her brother
'Unlike' establishes a contrast: brother is shy, Emma is outgoing.
The word 'unlike' signals a direct contrast. The brother is shy; Emma is outgoing and social.
Question 5: In 'Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are essential components of a balanced diet,' what does 'essential components' mean?
- Optional ingredients
- Necessary parts that are required (Correct answer)
- Expensive food items
- Best-tasting foods
Correct answer: Necessary parts that are required
'Essential components' means necessary and important parts required for something to work properly.
'Essential' means absolutely necessary; 'components' means parts. Together: the necessary parts that must be included for a balanced diet.
Question 6: A passage ends: 'Therefore, protecting endangered species is not just an environmental issue — it is a matter of preserving biological heritage for future generations.' What is the author's purpose?
- Introduce a new topic
- Argue species are not important
- Persuade readers that protection has broad significance beyond environmentalism (Correct answer)
- Summarize history
Correct answer: Persuade readers that protection has broad significance beyond environmentalism
The author expands the issue from environmental to heritage/legacy, persuading readers of broader importance.
The author reframes the issue from narrow (environmental) to broader (preserving heritage for future generations), using persuasion to elevate its importance.
ELTIS Reading Comprehension 2
A passage reads: 'Coral reefs support approximately 25% of all marine species despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor.' What is the main point?