GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Reading Comprehension 2

Question 1

Read the passage: 'The old bridge had stood for over a century, its iron bones rusting in the salt air.
Every winter, fewer cars crossed it.
The city had promised repairs for five years, but the money always found other priorities.
Then, one February morning, the inevitable happened.' What is the most likely meaning of 'the inevitable' in the last sentence?

Accepted Answer

The collapse of or serious damage to the bridge

Answer

A severe winter storm

Answer

A city council vote on repairs

Answer

Increased traffic due to winter conditions

Question 2

Which reading strategy is most effective when you encounter an unfamiliar word in a passage?

Accepted Answer

Use context clues from surrounding sentences to infer its meaning

Answer

Skip the word and continue reading without it

Answer

Look up the word in a dictionary before continuing

Answer

Assume the word is unimportant and focus on familiar words

Question 3

A passage includes the following argument: 'We should eliminate homework in elementary schools. Studies show children learn better with less stress. Playing after school builds creativity. Countries with less homework, like Finland, have higher test scores.' What is the author's primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

To persuade readers that elementary school homework should be eliminated

Answer

To entertain readers with a story about school life

Answer

To inform readers about educational practices in Finland

Answer

To explain the history of homework in American schools

Question 4

Read this sentence: 'The senator's speech was a marathon of contradictions, claiming to support both reduced taxes and increased spending simultaneously.' The comparison of the speech to a 'marathon' suggests it was:

Accepted Answer

Difficult, lengthy, and exhausting to endure

Answer

Inspiring and energetic like an athletic competition

Answer

Structured in stages like a long-distance race

Answer

Competitive with other politicians' speeches

Question 5

When identifying the main idea of a passage, what should you look for?

Accepted Answer

The central point the author is making, supported by details throughout

Answer

The first sentence of every paragraph

Answer

The most specific or detailed point in the passage

Answer

The longest paragraph, as it contains the most information

Question 6

What does it mean for a reader to 'make an inference'?

Accepted Answer

To draw a logical conclusion based on evidence in the text plus prior knowledge

Answer

To repeat information directly stated in the text

Answer

To guess at meaning without any basis in the text

Answer

To summarize a passage in your own words