Reading Comprehension Flashcards
7 cards from real Language Proficiency practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Reading Comprehension flashcards as text
A passage states: 'The committee tabled the motion after lengthy debate.' In American English, this most likely means the committee:
Answer: Postponed discussion of the motion
In American English, 'tabled' means to postpone or set aside, unlike British English where it means to bring forward.
When an author uses italics to emphasize a word in a passage, a reader should:
Answer: Recognize the word carries special stress or importance
Italics signal that the author wants to draw attention to that word's particular significance in context.
A passage's final paragraph begins: 'In light of the evidence presented, one can only conclude...' This phrase signals:
Answer: The author is about to state their main conclusion
'In light of the evidence...one can only conclude' is a classic signal phrase indicating the author's final logical conclusion.
A reader encounters an unfamiliar word in a technical passage. The most reliable strategy to determine its meaning is to:
Answer: Look for context clues in the surrounding sentences
Context clues in surrounding sentences are the most reliable in-passage strategy for inferring an unfamiliar word's meaning.
A passage describes a scientist who 'doggedly pursued her hypothesis despite years of failed experiments.' The word 'doggedly' most nearly means:
Answer: Persistently
'Doggedly' means with tenacious, stubborn persistence, as implied by continuing despite repeated failure.
Which reading strategy is MOST useful when a question asks about the author's attitude toward the subject?
Answer: Identifying emotionally charged words and evaluative phrases
An author's attitude (tone) is revealed through word choice, particularly emotionally charged or evaluative language.
A passage arguing for stricter food labeling laws uses phrases like 'consumers deserve full transparency' and 'corporations must be held accountable.' These phrases suggest the author's tone is:
Answer: Persuasive and morally urgent
Words like 'deserve' and 'must be held accountable' convey a tone of moral urgency and advocacy.