GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Reading Comprehension 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A paragraph states: 'The factory employed hundreds of workers. Smoke poured from its chimneys day and night. Nearby residents complained of health problems.' What is the most logical inference from this passage?
- The factory was very profitable
- The factory's pollution may be causing health issues for residents (Correct answer)
- The residents wanted the factory to close permanently
- The factory was violating environmental laws
Correct answer: The factory's pollution may be causing health issues for residents
The proximity of the smoke and the health complaints logically implies the pollution is contributing to residents' health problems.
Question 2: Which sentence contains a context clue that best helps define the word 'arduous'? 'She loved to read. The arduous climb up the mountain left her exhausted and sore. The view was worth it.'
- She loved to read
- The arduous climb up the mountain left her exhausted and sore (Correct answer)
- The view was worth it
- None of the sentences provide a context clue
Correct answer: The arduous climb up the mountain left her exhausted and sore
The words 'exhausted and sore' following 'arduous climb' indicate that arduous means extremely difficult or tiring.
Question 3: An author writes: 'Some argue that social media connects people. However, studies show teenagers who spend more than three hours daily on social media report higher rates of loneliness.' What is the author's primary purpose?
- To celebrate the benefits of social media
- To ban social media use among teenagers
- To challenge the idea that social media creates genuine connection (Correct answer)
- To summarize research findings without taking a position
Correct answer: To challenge the idea that social media creates genuine connection
By contrasting the claim that social media 'connects people' with evidence of loneliness, the author challenges that assumption.
Question 4: Read this passage: 'Marcus arrived early, organized the chairs, and prepared the agenda. When the meeting started, he guided every discussion and resolved a heated argument.' What can be concluded about Marcus?
- Marcus dislikes working with others
- Marcus is a natural leader and organizer (Correct answer)
- Marcus was forced to take on these responsibilities
- Marcus had done none of this work before
Correct answer: Marcus is a natural leader and organizer
Marcus's actions—organizing, guiding, and resolving conflict—demonstrate leadership and organizational skills.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a FACT rather than an opinion?
- The new park is the most beautiful in the city
- Everyone should exercise at least three times a week
- The park was opened to the public on June 1, 2020 (Correct answer)
- Walking is a more enjoyable activity than jogging
Correct answer: The park was opened to the public on June 1, 2020
A specific date of a public opening is a verifiable fact, unlike subjective statements about beauty or preference.
Question 6: A passage about climate change states: 'Arctic ice has declined by 13% per decade since 1979, according to NASA data.' What type of evidence is this?
- Anecdotal evidence
- Personal testimony
- Statistical evidence from a credible source (Correct answer)
- An expert opinion
Correct answer: Statistical evidence from a credible source
Percentage data cited from NASA constitutes statistical evidence from a credible scientific organization.
Question 7: Read this sentence: 'The politician's speech was a masterclass in saying everything while promising nothing.' This is an example of:
- Simile
- Literal description
- Hyperbole
- Irony (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Irony
The sentence uses irony because 'saying everything while promising nothing' is a contradictory, satirical observation about the politician's speech.
GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Reading Comprehension 3
A paragraph states: 'The factory employed hundreds of workers.
Smoke poured from its chimneys day and night.
Nearby residents complained of health problems.' What is the most logical inference from this passage?