i-Ready Diagnostic Test Diagnostic Reading Comprehension: Informational Text 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An author uses a cause-and-effect text structure. Which signal word would most likely appear in this type of informational text?
- Furthermore
- Therefore (Correct answer)
- Similarly
- For example
Correct answer: Therefore
'Therefore' signals a result or effect, which is a hallmark of cause-and-effect text structure.
Question 2: A student reads an article about ocean pollution. The text states: 'Plastic waste breaks down into tiny particles called microplastics, which fish mistake for food.' What is the MAIN idea of this sentence?
- Fish are difficult to study in the ocean.
- Microplastics come from broken-down plastic waste and are eaten by fish. (Correct answer)
- Ocean pollution only affects large sea creatures.
- Scientists have solved the problem of ocean pollution.
Correct answer: Microplastics come from broken-down plastic waste and are eaten by fish.
The sentence directly explains what microplastics are and why fish consume them.
Question 3: Which text feature would BEST help a reader locate information about a specific subtopic in an informational book?
- The dedication page
- The glossary
- The index (Correct answer)
- The title page
Correct answer: The index
An index lists specific topics alphabetically with page numbers, making it the best tool for locating subtopics.
Question 4: A diagram shows how bees transfer pollen from flower to flower. What purpose does this diagram serve in an informational text about pollination?
- It replaces the need to read the text at all.
- It provides a visual explanation of a process described in words. (Correct answer)
- It gives the author's opinion about bees.
- It lists the scientific names of flowers.
Correct answer: It provides a visual explanation of a process described in words.
Diagrams visually illustrate processes, helping readers understand how steps connect.
Question 5: An article includes both primary and secondary sources. Which of the following is an example of a PRIMARY source?
- A textbook chapter summarizing the Civil War
- A journal written by a Civil War soldier (Correct answer)
- A documentary film about the Civil War
- An encyclopedia entry about Abraham Lincoln
Correct answer: A journal written by a Civil War soldier
A primary source is an original document or account created by someone who experienced the events firsthand.
Question 6: The author of an informational text uses bold text for certain words throughout an article. What is the MOST LIKELY reason for this?
- To make the article look more colorful
- To highlight key vocabulary terms important to understanding the topic (Correct answer)
- To indicate sentences the reader can skip
- To show which facts the author is uncertain about
Correct answer: To highlight key vocabulary terms important to understanding the topic
Bold text in informational texts typically signals key vocabulary or essential terms readers should know.
Question 7: A reader is trying to determine the author's purpose in writing an informational article about recycling. Which question should the reader ask FIRST?
- How long is the article?
- What does the author want the reader to know, feel, or do? (Correct answer)
- Does the article have photographs?
- Was the article published recently?
Correct answer: What does the author want the reader to know, feel, or do?
Author's purpose is best determined by asking what the author intends the audience to take away from the text.
An author uses a cause-and-effect text structure.
Which signal word would most likely appear in this type of informational text?