Free Reading Comprehension Short Passage Question and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In cities throughout the country, there is a new direction in local campaign coverage. Frequently in local elections, journalists are not giving voters enough information to understand the issues and evaluate the candidates. The local news media devotes too much time to scandal and not enough time to policy. <br> <br> The statement that ""local news media"" is the strongest is supported by this paragraph.
- should learn how to cover politics by watching the national news media.
- is not doing an adequate job when it comes to covering local campaigns. (Correct answer)
- has no interest in covering stories about local political events.
- does not understand either campaign issues or politics.
Correct answer: is not doing an adequate job when it comes to covering local campaigns.
The paragraph explicitly criticizes local journalists for 'not giving voters enough information to understand the issues' and for devoting 'too much time to scandal and not enough time to policy.' These statements directly indicate a failure to perform their job adequately in covering local campaigns. Thus, the correct answer summarizes these criticisms.
Question 2: The use of desktop computer equipment and software to create highquality documents such as newsletters, business cards, letterhead, and brochures is called Desktop Publishing, or DTP. The most important part of any DTP project is planning. Before you begin, you should know your intended audience, the message you want to communicate, and what form your message will take. <br> <br> The statement that is supported by this paragraph is the best one.
- Desktop Publishing is one way to become acquainted with a new business audience.
- the planning stage of any DTP project should include talking with the intended audience.
- computer software is continually being refined to produce highquality printing.
- the first stage of any proposed DTP project should be organization and design. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: the first stage of any proposed DTP project should be organization and design.
The passage clearly states, 'The most important part of any DTP project is planning.' It then elaborates on what this planning entails: knowing the audience, message, and form. This emphasis on planning as the crucial initial step directly supports that organization and design are the first stages of a DTP project.
Question 3: The entire low-carbohydrate versus low-fat diet argument is so prevalent that one would think that these are the only two options available for losing weight and staying healthy. Some experts even feel that the low-carb/low-fat debate distracts us from an even more important issue—our culture’s reliance on processed and manufactured foods. <br> <br> The statement that is supported by this paragraph is the best one.
- low-carbohydrate diets lead to significant and sustained weight loss.
- experts state that not all fats are equal, so we need not reduce our intake of all fats; just those that contain partially hydrogenated oils.
- processed foods can lead to many adverse health problems including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
- important health concerns get overlooked when we focus exclusively on the low-fat versus low-carb question. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: important health concerns get overlooked when we focus exclusively on the low-fat versus low-carb question.
The paragraph highlights that the low-carb/low-fat debate 'distracts us from an even more important issue—our culture’s reliance on processed and manufactured foods.' This indicates that by focusing solely on these two diet options, other significant health concerns, like the impact of processed foods, are being overlooked. Therefore, important health concerns are indeed getting overlooked.
Question 4: Every year, Americans use over one billion sharp objects to administer healthcare in their homes. These sharp objects include lancets, needles, and syringes. If not disposed of in puncture-resistant containers, they can injure sanitation workers. Sharp objects should be disposed of in hard plastic or metal containers with secure lids. The containers should be clearly marked and be puncture resistant. <br> <br> The passage best demonstrates the possibility of harm to sanitation personnel.
- come in contact with sharp objects that have not been placed in secure containers. (Correct answer)
- do not place sharp objects in puncture-resistant containers.
- do not mark the containers they pick up with a warning that those containers contain sharp objects.
- are careless with sharp objects such as lancets, needles, and syringes in their homes.
Correct answer: come in contact with sharp objects that have not been placed in secure containers.
The passage explicitly states, 'If not disposed of in puncture-resistant containers, they can injure sanitation workers.' This sentence directly links the potential for injury to sanitation workers with sharp objects that are not properly contained. Therefore, coming into contact with unsecured sharp objects is the cause of harm.
Question 5: Litigation is not always the only or best way to resolve conflicts. Mediation offers an alternative approach and it is one that can be quite efficient and successful. Mediation can be faster, less expensive, and can lead to creative solutions not always possible in a court of law. Additionally, mediation focuses on mutually acceptable solutions, rather than on winning or losing. <br> <br> This passage demonstrates this claim the strongest.
- there is too much reliance on litigation in our society.
- mediation can be an effective way to resolve conflicts. (Correct answer)
- litigation is expensive, slow, and limited by its reliance on following the letter of the law.
- mediation is the best way to resolve a crisis.
Correct answer: mediation can be an effective way to resolve conflicts.
The passage extensively praises mediation as an 'alternative approach' that 'can be quite efficient and successful.' It lists several benefits, including being 'faster, less expensive, and can lead to creative solutions' and focusing on 'mutually acceptable solutions.' These points collectively demonstrate that mediation is an effective way to resolve conflicts.
Question 6: One of the missions of the Peace Corps is to help the people of interested countries meet their need for trained men and women. People who work for the Peace Corps do so because they want to, but to keep the agency dynamic with fresh ideas, no staff member can work for the agency for more than five years. <br> <br> The passage most convincingly demonstrates that Peace Corps employees
- are highly intelligent people.
- have both academic and work experience.
- must train for about five years.
- are hired for a limited term of employment. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: are hired for a limited term of employment.
The text explicitly states that 'no staff member can work for the agency for more than five years.' This rule directly implies that Peace Corps employees are hired for a specific, limited duration, rather than for permanent positions. Their term of employment is clearly defined and restricted.
Question 7: More and more office workers telecommute from offices in their own homes. The upside of telecommuting is both greater productivity and greater flexibility. Telecommuters produce, on average, 20% more than if they were to work in an office, and their flexible schedule allows them to balance both their family and work responsibilities. <br> <br> The sentence that says ""telecommuters"" is better supported by the paragraph.
- produce a better quality work product than workers who travel to the office.
- get more work done in a given time period than workers who travel to the office. (Correct answer)
- would do 20% more work if they were to work in an office.
- are more flexible in their ideas than workers who travel to the office.
Correct answer: get more work done in a given time period than workers who travel to the office.
The passage directly states, 'Telecommuters produce, on average, 20% more than if they were to work in an office.' This quantifiable increase in production clearly means that telecommuters accomplish more work within the same timeframe compared to their office-based counterparts. Therefore, they get more work done in a given period.
Question 8: Sushi, the thousand-year-old Japanese delicacy, started small in the United States, in a handful of restaurants in big cities. Today, sushi consumption in America is 50% greater than it was ten years ago and not just in restaurants. Sushi is also sold at concession stands in sports stadiums, university dining halls, and in supermarkets throughout the country. <br> <br> The thesis of this sentence is best supported by this paragraph.
- sushi is now a fast food as popular as hot dogs, burgers, and fries.
- sushi wasn’t always widely available in the United States. (Correct answer)
- Americans are more adventurous eaters than they were in the past.
- more sushi is sold in restaurants than in supermarkets.
Correct answer: sushi wasn’t always widely available in the United States.
The passage begins by stating that sushi 'started small in the United States, in a handful of restaurants in big cities.' It then contrasts this with its current widespread availability in various locations. This progression from limited to widespread availability clearly shows that sushi was not always easily accessible in the U.S.
Question 9: Today’s shopping mall has as its antecedents historical marketplaces, such as Greek agoras, European piazzas, and Asian bazaars. The purpose of these sites, as with the shopping mall, is both economic and social. People not only go to buy and sell wares, but also to be seen, catch up on news, and be part of the human drama. <br> <br> The statement that is supported by this paragraph is the best one.
- shopping malls serve an important purpose in our culture.
- there are historical antecedents for almost everything in contemporary society.
- modern Americans spend an average of 15 hours a month in shopping malls.
- shopping malls have a social as well as commercial function. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: shopping malls have a social as well as commercial function.
The passage explicitly states that the purpose of shopping malls, like historical marketplaces, is 'both economic and social.' It further elaborates on the social aspects, mentioning that people go 'to be seen, catch up on news, and be part of the human drama,' in addition to buying and selling. This clearly outlines both functions.
Question 10: Many animals hibernate during parts of the year, entering a state that is similar to a very deep sleep. But hibernation is more than simply a deep sleep. The animal’s body temperature drops well below its normal range, the animal does not wake up for a long period of time, and its metabolism slows to the point that the animal does not need to eat or relieve itself during that period. In order to prepare for hibernation, the animal must build up its body weight and increase its body fat. This is important, since the animal will be living off its own body fat during the months of hibernation. Of course, once the period of hibernation is over, the animal “wakes up” to find itself slim and trim once again! <br> <br> How does a creature get ready to hibernate?
- It gradually increases its sleeping habits.
- It exercises for two months.
- It eats more food than usual. (Correct answer)
- It grows extra fur.
Correct answer: It eats more food than usual.
The passage states, 'In order to prepare for hibernation, the animal must build up its body weight and increase its body fat.' To achieve this increase in body weight and fat, an animal would naturally need to consume more food than usual. This is the direct action required for such preparation.
Question 11: Many animals hibernate during parts of the year, entering a state that is similar to a very deep sleep. But hibernation is more than simply a deep sleep. The animal’s body temperature drops well below its normal range, the animal does not wake up for a long period of time, and its metabolism slows to the point that the animal does not need to eat or relieve itself during that period. In order to prepare for hibernation, the animal must build up its body weight and increase its body fat. This is important, since the animal will be living off its own body fat during the months of hibernation. Of course, once the period of hibernation is over, the animal “wakes up” to find itself slim and trim once again! <br> <br> The section in question most convincingly demonstrates
- bears hibernate every year.
- all animals hibernate to some degree.
- food is scarce in the winter.
- hibernation is very different from normal sleep. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: hibernation is very different from normal sleep.
The passage explicitly states, 'But hibernation is more than simply a deep sleep.' It then details several significant physiological differences, such as a drop in body temperature, not waking for long periods, and a slowed metabolism that eliminates the need to eat or relieve oneself. These details highlight that hibernation is fundamentally distinct from normal sleep.
Question 12: Patrick Henry is considered one of the great patriots of America’s early history. He was a leader in every protest against British tyranny and in every movement for colonial rights, openly speaking against the unfair taxation and overly burdensome regulations imposed upon the American colonists by the British Parliament.In March 1775, Patrick Henry urged his fellow Virginians to arm themselves in self-defense. He spoke boldly in Richmond, Virginia, during the meeting of the state legislature. He closed that famous speech with the immortal words, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” <br> <br> The passage best demonstrates what is claimed.
- the Virginia legislature was not listening to Henry’s speech.
- Patrick Henry later became a governor of West Virginia.
- People in Colonial times faced harsh living conditions.
- Patrick Henry was willing to lay down his life for his country. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Patrick Henry was willing to lay down his life for his country.
Patrick Henry's famous closing words, 'give me liberty or give me death,' are a direct and powerful declaration of his ultimate commitment to freedom. This statement unequivocally expresses his willingness to sacrifice his own life rather than live under tyranny, demonstrating his profound dedication to his country's cause.
Question 13: Patrick Henry is considered one of the great patriots of America’s early history. He was a leader in every protest against British tyranny and in every movement for colonial rights, openly speaking against the unfair taxation and overly burdensome regulations imposed upon the American colonists by the British Parliament.In March 1775, Patrick Henry urged his fellow Virginians to arm themselves in self-defense. He spoke boldly in Richmond, Virginia, during the meeting of the state legislature. He closed that famous speech with the immortal words, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” <br> <br> What one of the following would make the best heading for this passage?
- Patrick Henry, American Patriot (Correct answer)
- History of the Virginia Legislature
- The Speeches of Patrick Henry
- Early American Patriots
Correct answer: Patrick Henry, American Patriot
The passage introduces Patrick Henry as 'one of the great patriots of America’s early history' and focuses entirely on his actions and words in advocating for colonial rights and liberty. The entire text describes his patriotic contributions and his famous speech. Therefore, 'Patrick Henry, American Patriot' best encapsulates the main subject and theme.
Question 14: Ratatouille is a dish that has grown in popularity over the last few years. It features eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, and garlic chopped, mixed, sautéed, and finally, cooked slowly over low heat. As the vegetables cook slowly, they make their own broth, which may be extended with a little tomato paste. The name ratatouille comes from the French word touiller, meaning to stir or mix together. <br> <br> Which of the following describes how to prepare ratatouille in the proper order?
- chop vegetables, add tomato paste, stir or mix together
- add tomato paste to extend the broth and cook slowly over low heat
- mix the vegetables together, sauté them, and add tomato paste (Correct answer)
- cook the vegetables slowly, mix them together, add tomato paste
Correct answer: mix the vegetables together, sauté them, and add tomato paste
The passage describes the preparation sequence as 'chopped, mixed, sautéed, and finally, cooked slowly over low heat.' It then mentions that the broth 'may be extended with a little tomato paste' during the slow cooking. Option C follows this order: mixing (after chopping), sautéing, and then adding tomato paste as part of the cooking process.
Question 15: Ratatouille is a dish that has grown in popularity over the last few years. It features eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, and garlic chopped, mixed, sautéed, and finally, cooked slowly over low heat. As the vegetables cook slowly, they make their own broth, which may be extended with a little tomato paste. The name ratatouille comes from the French word touiller, meaning to stir or mix together. <br> <br> The best way to characterize Ratatouille is as a
- vegetable stew. (Correct answer)
- pasta dish extended with tomato paste.
- French pastry.
- sauce to put over vegetables.
Correct answer: vegetable stew.
The description of ratatouille as a dish featuring various 'eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, and garlic chopped, mixed, sautéed, and finally, cooked slowly over low heat' and making 'their own broth' perfectly aligns with the definition of a vegetable stew. It's a combination of vegetables cooked together in a liquid base.
Question 16: The competitive civil-service system is designed to give candidates fair and equal treatment and to ensure that federal applicants are hired based on objective criteria. Hiring has to be based solely on a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities (which you’ll sometimes see abbreviated as ksa), and not on external factors such as race, religion, sex, and so on. Whereas employers in the private sector can hire employees for subjective reasons, federal employers must be able to justify their decision with objective evidence that the candidate is qualified. <br> <br> The statement that is supported by this paragraph is the best one.
- the civil service strives to hire on the basis of a candidate’s abilities. (Correct answer)
- hiring in the private sector is inherently unfair.
- federal hiring practices are simpler than those employed by the private sector.federal hiring practices are simpler than those employed by the private sector.
- ksa is not as important as test scores to federal employers.
Correct answer: the civil service strives to hire on the basis of a candidate’s abilities.
The passage explicitly states that the civil-service system ensures federal applicants are hired 'based solely on a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities (ksa).' This directly indicates that the system's primary goal is to evaluate and select individuals based on their inherent capabilities and qualifications, rather than external factors.
Free Reading Comprehension Short Passage Question and Answers 1
In cities throughout the country, there is a new direction in local campaign coverage.
Frequently in local elections, journalists are not giving voters enough information to understand the issues and evaluate the candidates.
The local news media devotes too much time to scandal and not enough time to policy.
The statement that ""local news media"" is the strongest is supported by this paragraph.
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