NBT Reading Comprehension 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage states: 'The researcher cautioned that while the data showed a strong correlation between sleep deprivation and reduced cognitive performance, causation had not been established.' What does the researcher's caution imply?
- Sleep deprivation definitively causes cognitive decline.
- Two variables moving together does not prove one causes the other. (Correct answer)
- The data was collected incorrectly and should be discarded.
- Cognitive performance cannot be measured scientifically.
Correct answer: Two variables moving together does not prove one causes the other.
The researcher distinguishes correlation (variables moving together) from causation (one variable directly producing the other).
Question 2: Which sentence uses the word 'ambiguous' correctly in context?
- The ambiguous contract clearly specified every term and condition.
- Her ambiguous reply left the committee unsure whether she accepted the offer. (Correct answer)
- The ambiguous road sign pointed directly to the destination.
- His ambiguous answer confirmed exactly what everyone had suspected.
Correct answer: Her ambiguous reply left the committee unsure whether she accepted the offer.
Ambiguous means open to more than one interpretation, so an ambiguous reply would leave people uncertain.
Question 3: A paragraph opens: 'Not all renewable energy sources are equal in reliability.' The sentences that follow most likely discuss:
- The history of fossil fuel usage.
- Differences in consistency and availability among renewable sources. (Correct answer)
- The cost of building nuclear power plants.
- Government subsidies for traditional energy.
Correct answer: Differences in consistency and availability among renewable sources.
The opening claim about inequality in reliability signals that the paragraph will compare how dependable various renewable sources are.
Question 4: Read: 'The committee tabled the motion, postponing any decision until the next meeting.' In American English, 'tabled a motion' most likely means:
- Approved the motion immediately.
- Presented the motion for the first time.
- Postponed or set aside the motion. (Correct answer)
- Rejected the motion permanently.
Correct answer: Postponed or set aside the motion.
In American English, to 'table' a motion means to defer or postpone it, unlike British English where it means to bring it up for discussion.
Question 5: A text includes this transition: 'Urban farms can supply fresh produce to food deserts; however, the startup costs remain prohibitive for many communities.' The word 'however' signals:
- A supporting example follows.
- A contrasting or limiting point follows. (Correct answer)
- A conclusion is being drawn.
- A definition will be provided.
Correct answer: A contrasting or limiting point follows.
However is an adversative conjunction that introduces information contrasting with or qualifying the previous statement.
Question 6: An author writes in second person ('you') throughout an instruction manual. The most likely purpose is to:
- Create emotional distance between the reader and the subject.
- Directly address and guide the reader through each step. (Correct answer)
- Argue a persuasive position on a controversial topic.
- Provide a historical account of the product's development.
Correct answer: Directly address and guide the reader through each step.
Second-person point of view directly addresses the reader, making instructions feel personal and easy to follow.
Question 7: A passage claims: 'Standardized testing measures only a narrow slice of student ability.' Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this claim?
- Many students report feeling nervous before standardized tests.
- Scores on standardized tests correlate with a wide range of future academic and career outcomes. (Correct answer)
- Some standardized tests are longer than others.
- Schools in wealthy districts tend to score higher than schools in poorer districts.
Correct answer: Scores on standardized tests correlate with a wide range of future academic and career outcomes.
If scores correlate with many diverse outcomes, the tests appear to capture more than a narrow slice of ability, directly weakening the claim.
NBT Reading Comprehension 2
A passage states: 'The researcher cautioned that while the data showed a strong correlation between sleep deprivation and reduced cognitive performance, causation had not been established.' What does the researcher's caution imply?