LEAP Analyzing Informational Text 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student reads two articles about the same flood event. One is a government report and the other is a personal account from a survivor. What is the BEST reason to read both?
- To find out which author is more qualified
- To compare the types of evidence each source provides (Correct answer)
- To decide which article is longer
- To determine which article was written first
Correct answer: To compare the types of evidence each source provides
Reading both sources allows readers to compare official data with personal perspective, giving a fuller picture of the event.
Question 2: In an informational text, a heading such as 'Causes of Soil Erosion' signals that the section will MOST LIKELY:
- Describe the history of soil science
- List the effects of erosion on crops
- Explain what leads to erosion occurring (Correct answer)
- Compare two types of soil
Correct answer: Explain what leads to erosion occurring
A heading labeled 'Causes' signals the section will explain why or how something happens.
Question 3: Which sentence from an article BEST represents a central idea rather than a supporting detail?
- The hurricane made landfall at 6:00 a.m. on August 29.
- Scientists have been studying hurricanes for over 100 years.
- Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of major hurricanes. (Correct answer)
- One meteorologist noted wind speeds exceeding 150 mph.
Correct answer: Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of major hurricanes.
A central idea is the main point the entire text supports; the claim about climate change and hurricanes is broad enough to be the main argument.
Question 4: An author uses the phrase 'on the other hand' to connect two paragraphs. This transition word signals a relationship of:
- Cause and effect
- Contrast (Correct answer)
- Sequence
- Definition
Correct answer: Contrast
'On the other hand' signals that a contrasting or opposing idea is about to be presented.
Question 5: A reader encounters a footnote at the bottom of a page in a nonfiction book. What is the MOST LIKELY purpose of the footnote?
- To entertain readers with a related story
- To provide extra information or cite a source (Correct answer)
- To summarize the chapter's main idea
- To list vocabulary words used in the chapter
Correct answer: To provide extra information or cite a source
Footnotes typically provide supplementary information, clarifications, or citations for sources referenced in the text.
Question 6: Which text structure is being used when an author writes: 'First, seeds are planted. Next, they germinate. Then, the seedlings grow. Finally, the plant produces fruit.'?
- Compare and contrast
- Problem and solution
- Chronological/sequence order (Correct answer)
- Cause and effect
Correct answer: Chronological/sequence order
Signal words like first, next, then, and finally indicate a sequential or chronological text structure.
Question 7: When evaluating an author's argument, a reader should FIRST identify:
- The length of the article
- The claim the author is making (Correct answer)
- The number of paragraphs
- The publication date
Correct answer: The claim the author is making
Understanding the author's claim is the foundation for evaluating whether the evidence supports the argument.
LEAP Analyzing Informational Text 2
A student reads two articles about the same flood event.
One is a government report and the other is a personal account from a survivor.
What is the BEST reason to read both?