HAST Reading Comprehension 2

Question 1

A passage states that wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone and rivers changed course as a result. This is an example of what kind of effect?

Accepted Answer

A trophic cascade

Answer

When the reintroduction of a predator causes changes that ripple down through an ecosystem and alter even physical geography, it is called a trophic cascade.

Question 2

An author uses the phrase 'a sea of faces.' This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

A metaphor

Answer

Calling a crowd 'a sea of faces' directly equates two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as,' making it a metaphor.

Question 3

A story's narrator says: 'I never trusted him, and now I know why.' This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Foreshadowing resolved

Answer

The narrator's earlier distrust is now explained by a revealed event, showing that the earlier hint was foreshadowing now being resolved.

Question 4

A persuasive essay opens: 'Every child deserves access to quality education.' What rhetorical strategy is this?

Accepted Answer

Appeal to shared values (ethos/pathos)

Answer

Opening with a universally held value about children's welfare is a classic appeal to shared values to build agreement before presenting the argument.

Question 5

A paragraph describes the pros and cons of solar energy. What is the text structure?

Accepted Answer

Compare and contrast

Answer

Presenting advantages alongside disadvantages is the compare-and-contrast text structure.

HAST - Higher Ability Selection Test Practice Test

HAST - Higher Ability Selection Test Practice Test

HAST Reading Comprehension 2