iTEP Reading Comprehension Passages 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the passage: 'Despite widespread skepticism, the study's conclusions have been replicated in multiple independent laboratories.' What does 'replicated' mean in this context?
- Reproduced with the same results in separate research settings (Correct answer)
- Criticized and challenged by other scientists
- Published in multiple academic journals
- Supported by government funding
Correct answer: Reproduced with the same results in separate research settings
'Replicated' in scientific contexts means the study's results were reproduced in independent research — a key validation step in science.
In scientific methodology, 'replication' means repeating a study in independent settings and obtaining consistent results. This is a gold standard for validating scientific findings. 'The study's conclusions have been replicated' means other independent laboratories conducted the same experiment and found the same results, confirming the original findings. The contrast with 'widespread skepticism' makes the replication even more noteworthy. 'Replicated' does not mean criticized, published, or funded. Vocabulary-in-context from scientific passages is a key component of iTEP reading tasks.
Question 2: A passage states: 'The novelist's prose was lauded for its economy of language — every word served a precise purpose.' What does 'economy of language' suggest about the writing style?
- The writing is concise and avoids unnecessary words. (Correct answer)
- The writing focuses on economic and financial themes.
- The writing uses simple vocabulary to reach a wide audience.
- The writing is sparse due to limited vocabulary.
Correct answer: The writing is concise and avoids unnecessary words.
'Economy of language' is a literary term meaning conciseness — using only the words necessary to convey meaning precisely, without excess.
'Economy of language' or 'economy of words' is a literary and stylistic term praising concise writing in which every word has a specific purpose and no unnecessary words are used. It comes from the economic concept of efficiency — getting the most effect from the least expenditure. It has nothing to do with economic themes, vocabulary level, or limited vocabulary. The phrase 'every word served a precise purpose' confirms that the meaning is about precision and conciseness. iTEP reading tasks test understanding of figurative and literary language.
Question 3: Read: 'The policy, while well-intentioned, had unintended consequences that exacerbated the very problems it sought to address.' What does 'exacerbated' mean?
- Made worse or more severe (Correct answer)
- Temporarily solved
- Brought attention to
- Gradually reduced
Correct answer: Made worse or more severe
'Exacerbated' means made a problem worse or more intense — the opposite of solving it.
'Exacerbate' (verb) / 'exacerbated' (past tense) means to make an existing problem, condition, or situation worse or more severe. In the passage, the irony is that a well-intentioned policy worsened the very problems it was trying to fix. The phrase 'the very problems it sought to address' makes clear that the problems were not solved but intensified. Options B, C, and D all suggest neutral or positive outcomes, which contradict the critical tone. 'Exacerbate' is a formal academic vocabulary word frequently tested in iTEP reading comprehension.
Question 4: A passage reads: 'The author argues that urbanization, rather than being the primary driver of inequality, is merely a symptom of deeper structural issues.' What is the author's main claim?
- Urbanization does not cause inequality; it is itself a result of underlying structural problems. (Correct answer)
- Urbanization is the most important cause of inequality in modern societies.
- Structural issues are less significant than urbanization in explaining inequality.
- Inequality causes both urbanization and other structural problems simultaneously.
Correct answer: Urbanization does not cause inequality; it is itself a result of underlying structural problems.
The author argues that urbanization is a symptom (effect), not the primary driver (cause), of deeper structural issues that are the real source of inequality.
The sentence uses a contrast structure: 'rather than being X, it is merely Y'. The author argues against the common view that urbanization drives inequality and instead posits that urbanization is itself caused by deeper structural issues. 'Symptom' means an outward sign of an underlying condition — not a cause. Option B is the view the author is rejecting. Option C inverts the relationship. Option D introduces a simultaneous causation not stated in the passage. Understanding the direction of cause-and-effect argumentation is tested in iTEP analytical reading tasks.
Question 5: Read the excerpt: 'Critics contend that the proposed legislation is draconian, arguing it would strip citizens of fundamental rights.' What does 'draconian' mean?
- Excessively harsh and severe (Correct answer)
- Carefully planned and well-researched
- Ambiguous and poorly defined
- Temporary and subject to regular review
Correct answer: Excessively harsh and severe
'Draconian' describes laws or measures that are extremely harsh or severe, derived from the ancient Athenian lawmaker Draco known for his severe legal code.
'Draconian' comes from the ancient Athenian lawmaker Draco (7th century BC) whose legal code was infamous for prescribing death as punishment for almost all offenses. In modern usage, 'draconian' describes any law, rule, or measure that is considered excessively harsh, severe, or cruel. The context ('strip citizens of fundamental rights') confirms the harsh nature of the critics' characterization. It does not mean carefully planned, ambiguous, or temporary. Knowing the etymology and usage of formal vocabulary is tested in iTEP reading tasks.
Question 6: A passage states: 'The committee reached a consensus after lengthy deliberations.' What does 'deliberations' mean?
- Careful discussions and considerations of all sides before making a decision (Correct answer)
- Formal votes conducted by committee members
- Written reports submitted to the committee
- Public announcements of the committee's findings
Correct answer: Careful discussions and considerations of all sides before making a decision
'Deliberations' are careful, thorough discussions and weighing of options before reaching a decision — they involve extended consideration rather than quick judgment.
'Deliberations' (noun, usually plural) refers to the process of careful and lengthy consideration and discussion of a matter before a decision is made. In legal, committee, and governance contexts, deliberations are the formal discussions during which all aspects of a question are examined before a conclusion is reached. 'Lengthy deliberations' emphasizes the extended and thorough nature of the process. Deliberations are not merely votes, written documents, or public announcements — they are the discussion process that precedes any formal decision or vote.
iTEP Reading Comprehension Passages 2
Read the passage: 'Despite widespread skepticism, the study's conclusions have been replicated in multiple independent laboratories.' What does 'replicated' mean in this context?