ITBS Reading Comprehension 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read: 'The new park brought neighbors together. Families picnicked on its lawns, children played on the equipment, and seniors walked its shaded paths.' The author's attitude toward the park is BEST described as:
- Critical
- Neutral and factual
- Positive and supportive (Correct answer)
- Uncertain and questioning
Correct answer: Positive and supportive
The passage highlights multiple benefits of the park for different groups, showing the author views it positively.
Question 2: In a passage about ocean pollution, the author writes: 'Millions of plastic bottles wash into the sea each year — a silent disaster no one seems willing to stop.' The phrase 'silent disaster' is an example of:
- A literal description of a quiet event
- Figurative language used to emphasize the seriousness of pollution (Correct answer)
- A direct quote from a scientist
- A statistic about plastic waste
Correct answer: Figurative language used to emphasize the seriousness of pollution
Calling pollution a 'silent disaster' is figurative — disasters aren't literally quiet, but the phrase emphasizes the gravity of the unseen harm.
Question 3: A passage includes both an author's opinion and facts. Which of the following is a FACT rather than an opinion?
- 'The Amazon rainforest is the most beautiful place on Earth.'
- 'Everyone should visit South America at least once.'
- 'The Amazon River stretches approximately 4,000 miles.' (Correct answer)
- 'Rainforests are more important than oceans.'
Correct answer: 'The Amazon River stretches approximately 4,000 miles.'
The length of the Amazon River (approximately 4,000 miles) is a measurable, verifiable fact, unlike the other statements which express opinions.
Question 4: A student reads a passage with this sentence: 'Despite the freezing temperatures, the expedition pushed onward.' The word 'despite' indicates:
- The expedition stopped because of the cold
- The expedition continued even though conditions were difficult (Correct answer)
- The weather became warmer as they traveled
- The team was afraid of the cold
Correct answer: The expedition continued even though conditions were difficult
'Despite' signals a contrast — the team continued even though the cold was a challenge, not a reason to stop.
Question 5: An author writes about two types of energy: 'Solar panels produce clean, renewable electricity, while coal plants emit greenhouse gases and will eventually run out of fuel.' This passage PRIMARILY uses which text structure?
- Problem and solution
- Compare and contrast (Correct answer)
- Cause and effect
- Narrative sequence
Correct answer: Compare and contrast
The passage directly contrasts solar panels and coal plants by listing different characteristics of each, using compare-and-contrast structure.
Question 6: Which question can ONLY be answered by reading the passage itself, not by prior knowledge?
- What does the word 'habitat' mean?
- What type of animal is a panda?
- According to the passage, how many pandas remain in the wild? (Correct answer)
- Why are giant pandas classified as mammals?
Correct answer: According to the passage, how many pandas remain in the wild?
Specific statistics given in the passage (like panda population numbers) require reading the text, unlike general knowledge questions about pandas.
Question 7: Read: 'The mayor announced new recycling rules. Some residents were frustrated by the changes, while others applauded the city's environmental commitment.' Which statement BEST describes the passage?
- The passage argues that recycling rules are unfair
- The passage presents multiple perspectives on a new policy (Correct answer)
- The passage proves that recycling reduces pollution
- The passage explains exactly how recycling works
Correct answer: The passage presents multiple perspectives on a new policy
The passage shows both frustrated and supportive reactions to the new rules, reflecting multiple perspectives on the policy.
ITBS Reading Comprehension 3
Read: 'The new park brought neighbors together.
Families picnicked on its lawns, children played on the equipment, and seniors walked its shaded paths.' The author's attitude toward the park is BEST described as: