NBT - National Benchmark Academic Literacy Comprehension Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Read the sentence: "The study was both comprehensive and methodical, leaving no variable unexamined." Which word is closest in meaning to "methodical"?

Accepted Answer

Systematic

Answer

"Methodical" means done according to a systematic, orderly procedure. "Systematic" is the closest synonym among the options.

Question 2

A passage argues: "Without access to clean water, sustainable development is impossible." Which type of argument structure does this use?

Accepted Answer

Causal claim

Answer

A causal claim asserts that one condition (lack of clean water) directly causes or prevents an outcome (sustainable development). This is a cause-and-effect argument structure.

Question 3

In the sentence "Notwithstanding the financial challenges, the university expanded its research programme," what does "notwithstanding" mean?

Accepted Answer

In spite of

Answer

"Notwithstanding" means in spite of or despite. The sentence conveys that the expansion occurred despite financial challenges.

Question 4

A text states: "The data strongly suggest — though do not prove — a link between diet and cognitive performance." What does this qualification indicate about the author's approach?

Accepted Answer

The author is being academically careful by distinguishing correlation from causation

Answer

Qualifying language like "suggest but do not prove" reflects academic rigour — the author acknowledges the limits of the data and avoids overstating conclusions.

Question 5

Which of the following paragraph structures is most common in academic writing?

Accepted Answer

Claim → Evidence → Explanation

Answer

Standard academic paragraph structure: begin with a clear topic sentence (claim), support it with evidence, then explain how the evidence supports the claim. This is known as the PEEL or TEEL structure.

(NBT) National Benchmark Test Practice Test

(NBT) National Benchmark Test Practice Test

NBT - National Benchmark Academic Literacy Comprehension Questions and Answers 2