Free Reading Comprehension Subject Sentence Question and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Pick the one that strengthens or supports it the most. <br> <br> To stop heat transfer, a fireplace should be coated with specific fire bricks.
- Modern houses don’t use as much lumber as older homes did.
- Good up-drafts can make a pleasant fire, however.
- Fire codes also require a smoke alarm in every room.
- Normal bricks are not dense enough to withstand excessive heat. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Normal bricks are not dense enough to withstand excessive heat.
The topic sentence states that specific fire bricks are needed to stop heat transfer in a fireplace. Option D, "Normal bricks are not dense enough to withstand excessive heat," directly supports this by explaining *why* specialized fire bricks are necessary, thus strengthening the argument for their use in preventing heat transfer.
Question 2: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Pick the one that strengthens or supports it the most. <br> <br> One of the areas of American medicine that is expanding the fastest is cosmetic plastic surgery.
- This increase in cosmetic plastic surgery says something quite disturbing about our culture.
- The price of cosmetic plastic surgery is also on the rise.
- Americans are eager to make their bodies as perfect as possible and to minimize the visible signs of aging. (Correct answer)
- Cosmetic plastic surgery can have dangerous side effects, some of which can be fatal.
Correct answer: Americans are eager to make their bodies as perfect as possible and to minimize the visible signs of aging.
The topic sentence states that cosmetic plastic surgery is rapidly expanding. Option C directly supports this by providing the underlying reason for this growth: Americans' desire for physical perfection and to minimize aging signs. This explanation clarifies *why* the expansion is occurring, making it the most supportive statement.
Question 3: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Choose the one that best develops or supports it. <br> <br> It's possible that a driver will react incorrectly out of instinct if their automobile starts to skid on ice.
- Cars can be very unpredictable on ice.
- New tires can help reduce the risk of skidding on ice.
- Many people instinctively turn the wheel in the wrong direction, making the skid worse. (Correct answer)
- Skids can be a terrifying experience.
Correct answer: Many people instinctively turn the wheel in the wrong direction, making the skid worse.
The topic sentence discusses a driver's incorrect instinctive reaction to a skid on ice. Option C directly elaborates on this by giving a specific example of such an incorrect instinct: turning the wheel in the wrong direction. This makes the general statement more concrete and understandable by detailing the nature of the incorrect reaction.
Question 4: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Choose the one that best develops or supports it. <br> <br> Common pencils contain lead"" that isn't truly lead at all.
- The substance used in pencils today is graphite. (Correct answer)
- Pencils were invented in 1603 by William Ledbelly.
- Even when sharpened, a pencil may not write as well as a pen.
- Pencils were invented in 1603 by William Ledbelly.
Correct answer: The substance used in pencils today is graphite.
The topic sentence highlights a common misconception that pencils contain actual lead. Option A directly clarifies this by identifying the true substance used in pencils, which is graphite. This provides the factual information needed to correct the misconception and develop the initial statement.
Question 5: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Choose the one that best develops or supports it. <br> <br> The modern free agent superstar most nearly reflects the Greek ideal of the hero.
- The Greek warrior’s focus was on grasping at immortality, and he did this by ensuring that his name would live on, long after he died.
- The Greek hero valued self-interest above loyalty to a cause, his king, or to his army, just as the free-agent superstar values his contract salary above any special team, coach, or the game. (Correct answer)
- superstar is an athlete who commands a great salary based on his individual skills.
- The Greek hero was impressive in his performance on the battlefield as well as in the sports arena.
Correct answer: The Greek hero valued self-interest above loyalty to a cause, his king, or to his army, just as the free-agent superstar values his contract salary above any special team, coach, or the game.
The topic sentence draws a parallel between modern free agent superstars and Greek heroes. Option B provides a detailed comparison, explaining the specific shared characteristic of valuing self-interest over loyalty. This directly supports and develops the initial analogy by offering a concrete example of how both figures embody similar ideals.
Question 6: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Choose the one that best develops or supports it. <br> <br> There is no intentional imitation by the juvenile or training in flight motions by the older bird.
- More extraordinary than the fact that a bird is able to fly untaught, is that it is able to build a nest untaught.
- The most obvious way in which birds differ from humans in behavior is that they can do all that they have to do, without ever being taught. (Correct answer)
- Young birds brought up in artificial environments will build the proper kind of nest for their species when the time comes.
- Young birds frequently make their first flights with their parents out of sight.
Correct answer: The most obvious way in which birds differ from humans in behavior is that they can do all that they have to do, without ever being taught.
The topic sentence states that young birds learn to fly without intentional imitation or training. Option B provides a broader principle that encompasses this observation, highlighting that birds, unlike humans, perform essential behaviors without being taught. This general statement serves as a strong foundation that the specific example of flight learning supports.
Question 7: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Choose the one that best develops or supports it. <br> <br> In terms of their children's academic progress, parents are crucial.
- Video games have a negative impact on children’s academic success.
- Studies show that watching less television and spending less time playing video games help children get better grades.
- Children who are avid readers get much better grades than their peers.
- Studies show that children of parents who regularly assist with homework and show an active interest in their child’s studies bring home better grades. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Studies show that children of parents who regularly assist with homework and show an active interest in their child’s studies bring home better grades.
The correct codes are I11.0 for hypertensive heart disease with heart failure, I50.31 for acute diastolic congestive heart failure, and F17.210 for nicotine dependence on cigarettes, severe, uncomplicated. This sequence accurately captures the patient's primary conditions, specifying the type of heart failure and her long-standing smoking habit. The other options either miss key diagnoses or use less specific codes.
Question 8: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Choose the one that best develops or supports it. <br> <br> In certain circumstances, desperate individuals with nowhere else to go are allowed to enter the United States as refugees.
- The total number of newcomers was over one million.
- Other people, however, enter the United States illegally.
- As many as 12 million people may be living in the United States illegally.
- United States immigration laws put limits on the number of people permitted to enter the United States. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: United States immigration laws put limits on the number of people permitted to enter the United States.
The topic sentence discusses specific circumstances allowing refugees into the U.S. Option D provides essential background context by stating that U.S. immigration laws generally limit entry. This helps frame the refugee allowance as a specific provision within a broader, more restrictive legal framework, thus developing the understanding of the initial statement.
Question 9: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Choose the one that best develops or supports it. <br> <br> The majority of conventional weed herbicides act by poisoning the plant's roots.
- Some weeds can grow even during drought.
- The poison is absorbed by the leaves and carried down to the roots. (Correct answer)
- Weed killer can be dangerous to pets.
- When using weed killer, always wear gloves.
Correct answer: The poison is absorbed by the leaves and carried down to the roots.
The topic sentence states that herbicides poison plant roots. Option B explains the *mechanism* by which this occurs, detailing how the poison is absorbed by the leaves and then transported to the roots. This provides a clear and specific explanation of how the herbicide achieves its stated effect, directly supporting and developing the initial statement.
Question 10: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Choose the one that best develops or supports it. <br> <br> People are eating more and more fruits and vegetables that are cultivated organically.
- Fresh organic produce contains more vitamins, minerals, and enzymes than non-organic produce. (Correct answer)
- Raw foods are enjoying increasing popularity, now that people are discovering how a raw-foods diet leaves you feeling and looking great.
- A wide variety of organic chocolate products are now available in stores.
- Organic food is usually more expensive than non-organic food.
Correct answer: Fresh organic produce contains more vitamins, minerals, and enzymes than non-organic produce.
The topic sentence notes the increasing consumption of organic produce. Option A provides a primary reason *why* people might be choosing organic foods, by highlighting a perceived health benefit of higher nutritional content. This directly supports the idea of increased popularity by explaining a key motivation behind consumer choice.
Question 11: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Choose the one that best develops or supports it. <br> <br> In Oklahoma, it's against the law for a woman to eat her date's hamburger.
- Youngsters may not spin Yo-Yos on Sunday in Memphis, Tennessee.
- It’s illegal for teenagers to take a bath during the winter in Clinton, Indiana.
- It is illegal to parade an elephant down Main Street in Austin, Texas.
- It may be hard to believe, but these types of strange laws are still on the books! (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It may be hard to believe, but these types of strange laws are still on the books!
The topic sentence provides a specific, unusual example of a law. Option D generalizes this example, stating that 'these types of strange laws' still exist. This broadens the scope from a single anecdote to a larger phenomenon, suggesting the initial example is not isolated and setting up a potential discussion about the persistence of peculiar regulations.
Question 12: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Choose the one that best develops or supports it. <br> <br> Cat's whiskers are among the most ideal touch organs; pick the one that best supports or develops it.
- Whiskers are generally white in color.
- The hairs themselves are very sensitive. (Correct answer)
- Dogs have very sensitive noses.
- Touch is very important to a cat.
Correct answer: The hairs themselves are very sensitive.
The topic sentence claims cat whiskers are ideal touch organs. Option B directly supports this claim by explaining *why* they are ideal: the hairs themselves are very sensitive. This provides the specific characteristic that makes them effective sensory tools, developing the initial statement with a clear reason.
Question 13: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Choose the one that best develops or supports it. <br> <br> The Inuit Eskimos were most likely taught how to play dominoes by French explorers.
- It was known in 181 a.d. in China.
- Also, it was played during the eighteenth century in Italy.
- From Italy, it was then introduced to the rest of the world.
- The game of dominoes has been popular for centuries. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The game of dominoes has been popular for centuries.
The topic sentence suggests a specific origin for dominoes among the Inuit. Option D provides broader historical context, stating that the game has been popular for centuries. This general statement about the game's long-standing popularity helps frame the specific instance of its introduction to the Inuit, implying it was a well-established game that could have been spread by explorers.
Question 14: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Pick the one that strengthens or supports it the most. <br> <br> Whether it refers to upscale French cuisine or a traditional apple pie with cinnamon flavor, the word "spices" is pleasant. ____________. In the past, individuals traveled the world seeking exotic spices for profit and, in searching, have changed the course of history. Nations have engaged in war in order to seize control of territories that contain exotic spices.
- The history of spices, however, is another matter altogether, and at times, it can be filled with danger and intrigue. (Correct answer)
- It is exciting to find a good cookbook and experiment with spices from other lands—indeed, it is one way to travel around the globe!
- The term might equally bring to mind Indian curry made thousands of miles away and those delicious barbecued ribs sold on the corner.
- The taste and aroma of spices are the main elements that make food such a source of fascination and pleasure.
Correct answer: The history of spices, however, is another matter altogether, and at times, it can be filled with danger and intrigue.
The topic sentence describes the pleasant connotations of the word 'spices.' The subsequent sentences, however, shift to discussing the historical dangers and intrigue associated with spices. Option A acts as a perfect transition, contrasting the pleasant perception with the often dangerous and intriguing history, thus setting the stage for the supporting details that follow.
Question 15: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Pick the one that strengthens or supports it the most. <br> <br> It is barely more appealing to look at than an overripe cauliflower and weighs less than three pounds.___________________________ . It has written poetry and music, orchestrated and carried out heinous battles, and developed complex scientific theories. It has easily more information than all of the libraries on Earth, thinks and dreams, plans and schemes, and plots.
- However, scientists say that each person uses only 10% of his or her brain over the course of a lifetime!
- Nevertheless, the human brain is the most mysterious and complex object on Earth. (Correct answer)
- The science of neurology has found a way to map the most important areas of the human brain.
- The human brain is made of gelatinous matter and contains no nerve endings.
Correct answer: Nevertheless, the human brain is the most mysterious and complex object on Earth.
The first sentence describes the brain's unimpressive physical appearance. The sentences following the blank then list its extraordinary capabilities. Option B creates a strong contrast using 'Nevertheless,' highlighting that despite its appearance, the human brain is incredibly complex and capable, effectively bridging the initial description with the subsequent details about its profound abilities.
Question 16: A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry. Pick the one that strengthens or supports it the most. <br> <br> _____. Rain fell in both April and May. Both the mornings and the afternoons saw rain. It rained no matter what, whether it poured, drizzled, showedered, or misted. The good news is that this summer won't see a drought.
- Scientists know very little about the global climate.
- Rain is nice, but I prefer sunshine.
- The rain makes me gloomy.
- This spring was the rainiest on record. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: This spring was the rainiest on record.
The sentences following the blank provide numerous details about the extensive rainfall during April and May, emphasizing its frequency and intensity. Option D serves as an excellent topic sentence because it summarizes this information by stating that the spring was 'the rainiest on record,' which is then directly supported by the specific examples of continuous rain.
Free Reading Comprehension Subject Sentence Question and Answers 1
A topic sentence is provided for this inquiry.
Pick the one that strengthens or supports it the most.
To stop heat transfer, a fireplace should be coated with specific fire bricks.