MoGEA Test Reading Informational Texts and Argument Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between a fact and an opinion?
- A fact is always supported by evidence; an opinion is a personal belief that cannot be proven. (Correct answer)
- Facts are written by experts; opinions are written by ordinary people.
- A fact is always true; an opinion is always false.
- Facts and opinions are the same in formal academic writing.
Correct answer: A fact is always supported by evidence; an opinion is a personal belief that cannot be proven.
A fact can be verified as objectively true or false, while an opinion expresses a personal belief or judgment that varies by perspective.
Question 2: When summarizing an informational text, a reader should:
- Include the reader's personal opinions about the topic.
- Restate the main ideas and key details in the reader's own words. (Correct answer)
- Copy the most important sentences verbatim.
- Focus only on the introduction and conclusion of the text.
Correct answer: Restate the main ideas and key details in the reader's own words.
A summary objectively restates the main ideas and key supporting details in the reader's own words without adding personal opinions.
Question 3: An author uses 'loaded language' in an argument. This means the author is:
- Providing objective, balanced information.
- Using emotionally charged words to influence the reader's feelings. (Correct answer)
- Citing multiple credible sources.
- Presenting data in a straightforward manner.
Correct answer: Using emotionally charged words to influence the reader's feelings.
Loaded language consists of emotionally charged words chosen to provoke a strong response and sway reader opinion rather than inform.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a compare-and-contrast text structure?
- To explain the steps of a process in sequence.
- To identify the causes and results of an event.
- To highlight similarities and differences between two or more subjects. (Correct answer)
- To present a problem and propose a solution.
Correct answer: To highlight similarities and differences between two or more subjects.
Compare-and-contrast structures analyze how two or more subjects are alike and different to deepen understanding of both.
Question 5: Which is an example of an appeal to authority (ethos)?
- A speaker uses emotional stories about victims to gain support.
- A scientist cites her 20 years of research to support her claim. (Correct answer)
- A statistic is used to show that 90% of people agree.
- A slippery slope argument predicts disaster without evidence.
Correct answer: A scientist cites her 20 years of research to support her claim.
An appeal to authority (ethos) builds credibility by citing a person's expertise, credentials, or experience.
Question 6: What does it mean to evaluate an author's credibility?
- Determining whether the writing uses correct grammar.
- Assessing whether the author is qualified and trustworthy to discuss the topic. (Correct answer)
- Identifying whether the author's argument is interesting.
- Checking that the text includes a bibliography.
Correct answer: Assessing whether the author is qualified and trustworthy to discuss the topic.
Evaluating credibility means assessing the author's qualifications, expertise, and potential biases to judge how trustworthy their claims are.
MoGEA Test Reading Informational Texts and Argument Analysis 2
What is the difference between a fact and an opinion?