Reading Comprehension: Informational Text Flashcards

Read the following excerpt from a historical article: 'The construction of the Panama Canal was a monumental undertaking, fraught with challenges. French efforts in the 1880s were plagued by disease and financial problems, ultimately leading to their failure. The United States took over the project in 1904, and one of its first priorities was to control the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses like yellow fever and malaria. Dr. William Gorgas implemented sanitation programs that virtually eradicated these diseases from the canal zone, a critical step that enabled the workforce to proceed. The engineering feats were equally impressive, involving the creation of the massive Gatun Lake and a series of complex locks to lift ships over the continental divide.' Which of the following statements best summarizes the central idea of the passage?

Answer: The successful construction of the Panama Canal by the United States was dependent on both overcoming disease and achieving significant engineering feats.

This answer choice correctly synthesizes the two main points discussed in the text: the crucial role of sanitation and disease control, and the impressive engineering accomplishments. The other options are either inaccurate or focus on only one aspect of the passage.

A scientific article about climate change includes a graph showing a steady increase in global average temperatures from 1880 to the present. The text discusses the correlation between rising CO2 levels and this temperature increase. What is the most likely purpose of including the graph?

Answer: To visually represent the data discussed in the text, making the trend easier to understand.

In informational texts, graphs, charts, and other visual aids are used to present complex data in a way that is easy to comprehend and that supports the claims made in the text. The graph of rising temperatures visually reinforces the article's discussion of global warming.

An online article argues that schools should implement later start times for high school students. Which of the following pieces of evidence would most effectively support the author's claim?

Answer: A study from the American Academy of Pediatrics linking adolescent sleep cycles to improved academic performance with later school start times.

To support a claim in an informational text, the strongest evidence is typically from a credible, expert source. A study from a professional medical organization like the American Academy of Pediatrics provides authoritative, research-based evidence, which is more persuasive than personal opinions or unrelated data.

Read this sentence from a biography: 'Her rise through the company's ranks was meteoric; in just five years, she went from an entry-level assistant to the chief executive officer.' What is the meaning of the word 'meteoric' as it is used in this sentence?

Answer: Very rapid and brilliant

The context clue 'in just five years, she went from an entry-level assistant to the chief executive officer' shows that her rise was extremely fast and impressive. Therefore, 'meteoric' is used figuratively to mean very rapid and brilliant, like a meteor streaking across the sky.

An informational text is structured with the following headings: I. The Problem: Plastic in Our Oceans II. A Major Source: Single-Use Plastics III. A Potential Solution: Biodegradable Alternatives IV. The Path Forward: Policy and Personal Responsibility What is the primary organizational structure of this text?

Answer: Problem and solution

The headings clearly indicate that the text first identifies a problem (plastic in oceans), explores its cause (single-use plastics), and then proposes solutions (biodegradable alternatives, policy changes). This is a classic problem-and-solution structure.

Which of the following best describes the author's purpose in a text that explains the process of photosynthesis, detailing the roles of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide?

Answer: To inform the reader about a biological process.

The text's focus on explaining a scientific process (photosynthesis) by providing factual details and steps indicates that the author's primary purpose is to inform or explain. The other options (persuade, entertain, express feelings) do not align with the content described.