NBT Reading Comprehension 3

Question 1

A passage argues that social media has increased political polarization. The author's primary purpose in this passage is most likely to:

Accepted Answer

Persuade readers that social media harms political discourse.

Answer

When an author presents a position and supports it with evidence, the primary purpose is persuasion.

Question 2

Identify the meaning of 'pragmatic' in: 'Rather than pursuing an ideal solution, the negotiators took a pragmatic approach and settled for what was achievable.'

Accepted Answer

Practical and focused on realistic outcomes

Answer

Pragmatic means dealing with things sensibly and practically, focusing on what can realistically be achieved.

Question 3

A passage includes this sentence: 'Deforestation is driven by agriculture, logging, and urban expansion — yet forests absorb roughly 2.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually.' The dash is used here to:

Accepted Answer

Add a contrasting or supplementary fact to the main clause.

Answer

A dash can introduce additional information that elaborates on or contrasts with the preceding clause.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes an 'inference' in reading comprehension?

Accepted Answer

A conclusion drawn from evidence not explicitly stated in the text.

Answer

An inference is a logical conclusion the reader reaches by reading between the lines, using clues not directly stated.

Question 5

Read the following: 'The new policy was met with a lukewarm reception — polite applause, few questions, and employees who avoided eye contact.' What can be inferred about the employees' reaction?

Accepted Answer

They were largely indifferent or quietly disapproving.

Answer

Polite but minimal engagement and avoidance of eye contact suggest the employees were unenthusiastic or subtly resistant.

(NBT) National Benchmark Test Practice Test

(NBT) National Benchmark Test Practice Test

NBT Reading Comprehension 3