IDAT Reading Comprehension Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage states: 'Although renewable energy sources have grown significantly, fossil fuels still account for the majority of global energy consumption.' What is the primary purpose of the word 'Although' in this sentence?
- To introduce a concession before presenting a contrasting fact (Correct answer)
- To indicate that renewable energy is superior to fossil fuels
- To suggest that fossil fuel use is declining rapidly
- To imply that renewable energy growth is insignificant
Correct answer: To introduce a concession before presenting a contrasting fact
The word 'Although' signals a concession—acknowledging one fact (renewable energy growth) before introducing a contrasting or qualifying statement.
Question 2: Read this excerpt: 'The novel's protagonist rarely spoke but observed everything with sharp, calculating eyes.' Which inference is best supported by this description?
- The protagonist is shy and lacks confidence
- The protagonist is attentive and possibly strategic in nature (Correct answer)
- The protagonist dislikes the other characters in the story
- The protagonist has poor social skills due to a disability
Correct answer: The protagonist is attentive and possibly strategic in nature
Sharp, calculating eyes combined with quiet observation suggests the protagonist is attentive and deliberate, not simply shy or antisocial.
Question 3: A text includes this sentence: 'The committee postponed the vote indefinitely.' Which word is closest in meaning to 'indefinitely'?
- Permanently
- Without a set end date (Correct answer)
- For exactly one year
- Until the next scheduled meeting
Correct answer: Without a set end date
'Indefinitely' means without a defined or fixed time limit, leaving the duration open-ended.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the difference between a passage's main idea and its supporting details?
- The main idea is a specific example; supporting details are generalizations
- The main idea is the central claim; supporting details provide evidence or elaboration (Correct answer)
- The main idea appears only in the conclusion; supporting details appear in the introduction
- The main idea is always stated in a single sentence; supporting details never are
Correct answer: The main idea is the central claim; supporting details provide evidence or elaboration
The main idea is the overarching point of a passage, while supporting details are facts, examples, or explanations that develop or prove it.
Question 5: A student reads a passage arguing that standardized tests are poor predictors of college success. The author cites three studies showing low correlation between test scores and GPA. This evidence is best described as:
- Anecdotal evidence based on personal stories
- Empirical evidence drawn from research data (Correct answer)
- Expert opinion without factual backing
- Circular reasoning that restates the claim
Correct answer: Empirical evidence drawn from research data
Citing multiple studies with correlation data constitutes empirical evidence, which is grounded in research and observation.
Question 6: In a passage about urban planning, the author writes: 'Green spaces are the lungs of a city.' This statement is an example of:
- A simile comparing green spaces to lungs using 'like'
- A metaphor equating green spaces to lungs to highlight their function (Correct answer)
- A hyperbole exaggerating the size of urban parks
- An alliteration using repeated consonant sounds
Correct answer: A metaphor equating green spaces to lungs to highlight their function
A metaphor makes a direct comparison without 'like' or 'as,' here equating green spaces to lungs to suggest they purify city air.
Question 7: A passage describes a scientist who discovered a new species but did not publish her findings for two years. The author writes that she 'wanted to be absolutely certain before making any claims.' Which trait does this best illustrate?
- Recklessness in scientific methodology
- Caution and intellectual rigor (Correct answer)
- A lack of confidence in her discovery
- Reluctance to share credit with colleagues
Correct answer: Caution and intellectual rigor
Waiting to verify findings before publishing reflects scientific caution and rigor, core values of responsible research.
IDAT Reading Comprehension Skills 2
A passage states: 'Although renewable energy sources have grown significantly, fossil fuels still account for the majority of global energy consumption.' What is the primary purpose of the word 'Although' in this sentence?