HAST Reading Comprehension 3

Question 1

A passage argues that students who read for pleasure outperform peers academically. What would most strengthen this argument?

Accepted Answer

A large-scale study linking pleasure reading to test scores

Answer

A large-scale study provides systematic evidence across many cases, which is the strongest type of support for a causal claim.

Question 2

A text says: 'The factory was silent as a grave.' What effect does this simile create?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes an eerie, lifeless atmosphere

Answer

Comparing the factory's silence to a grave evokes a sense of desolation and lifelessness, creating an eerie mood.

Question 3

An article reports: 'Sales rose sharply in Q1, fell in Q2, and recovered in Q3.' Which graph best represents this?

Accepted Answer

A line graph with a peak, dip, and recovery

Answer

A line graph is ideal for showing changes over time, and one with a peak, dip, and recovery matches the described trend.

Question 4

Which sentence contains a fact rather than an opinion?

Accepted Answer

The Great Wall of China spans approximately 13,000 miles.

Answer

The measurement of the Great Wall is a verifiable fact, while the other options express judgments or recommendations.

Question 5

A passage says: 'Despite the storm, the crew pressed on.' What does 'despite' signal?

Accepted Answer

A contrast between an obstacle and an action

Answer

Despite introduces a contrasting idea — the storm (obstacle) did not stop the crew's action.

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