ITBS Reading Comprehension 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage says: 'The library was her sanctuary — a quiet refuge from the noise of the city.' In this context, 'sanctuary' MOST nearly means:
- A place of danger
- A noisy public space
- A safe, peaceful place (Correct answer)
- A government building
Correct answer: A safe, peaceful place
The context words 'quiet' and 'refuge from the noise' make clear that a sanctuary here is a safe, peaceful place.
Question 2: Read: 'Jake wanted to quit the team. But when he remembered how his father had driven two hours to every game, he laced up his cleats and returned to the field.' What MOST LIKELY causes Jake to return?
- His coach made him play
- He remembered his father's dedication and support (Correct answer)
- He decided he loved the sport again
- His teammates begged him to stay
Correct answer: He remembered his father's dedication and support
The memory of his father's sacrifice (driving two hours to games) is what motivates Jake to return, as stated directly in the passage.
Question 3: An author writes a passage listing reasons why students should learn a second language. This passage is MOST likely an example of:
- Narrative fiction
- Informational reference material
- Persuasive writing (Correct answer)
- Procedural instructions
Correct answer: Persuasive writing
A passage that lists reasons 'why' students should do something is designed to convince or persuade the reader.
Question 4: A graphic shows: 'Reading Scores by Grade Level — Grade 3: 72%, Grade 4: 78%, Grade 5: 85%, Grade 6: 91%.' Which conclusion is BEST supported by this graphic?
- All students in Grade 6 passed their reading tests
- Reading scores generally improve as grade level increases (Correct answer)
- Grade 3 students do not read at all
- Grade 5 students scored lower than Grade 4 students
Correct answer: Reading scores generally improve as grade level increases
The data shows a consistent increase in reading scores from Grade 3 to Grade 6, supporting a trend of improvement with grade level.
Question 5: A fictional story includes this line: 'The classroom clock seemed to crawl as the last hour of school dragged by.' This is an example of:
- A literal description of a broken clock
- Personification and figurative language describing a feeling of boredom (Correct answer)
- A factual statement about clock mechanics
- An example of onomatopoeia
Correct answer: Personification and figurative language describing a feeling of boredom
Clocks cannot literally 'crawl'; this is personification used figuratively to show how slowly time seemed to pass when the student was bored.
Question 6: Read two sources: Source 1 says 'Cats make ideal pets because they are independent.' Source 2 says 'Dogs are better pets because they are loyal and social.' A student comparing these sources should note that:
- Both sources are factual and equally accurate
- The sources express different opinions about which pet is better (Correct answer)
- Source 1 is correct and Source 2 is wrong
- Both sources are written by the same author
Correct answer: The sources express different opinions about which pet is better
Both passages express opinions (not proven facts) about which pet is better, and the opinions differ — this is an author's perspective difference.
Question 7: A passage's first sentence reads: 'Not all heroes wear capes — some wear lab coats.' This opening sentence MOST LIKELY serves to:
- Confuse the reader about what the passage is about
- Hook the reader's attention and introduce the idea that scientists are heroic (Correct answer)
- Provide a detailed definition of a hero
- Persuade readers to become scientists immediately
Correct answer: Hook the reader's attention and introduce the idea that scientists are heroic
The catchy contrast between 'capes' and 'lab coats' is a hook designed to grab attention and preview the idea that scientists can be heroes.
ITBS Reading Comprehension 5
A passage says: 'The library was her sanctuary — a quiet refuge from the noise of the city.' In this context, 'sanctuary' MOST nearly means: