NCAE Reading Comprehension Flashcards
6 cards from real NCAE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 NCAE Reading Comprehension flashcards as text
In academic writing, what is the primary purpose of a thesis statement?
Answer: To present the main argument or central claim of the essay
A thesis statement presents the main argument or central claim that the essay will support and develop. It guides the direction of the entire essay and tells the reader what to expect.
Read the passage: 'Aeta communities in the Philippines possess extensive knowledge of medicinal plants found in their forests. Studies show that many of these plants contain compounds with proven therapeutic properties. However, deforestation threatens both the forests and this valuable indigenous knowledge.' What is the author's concern?
Answer: Both the forests and indigenous medicinal knowledge are at risk due to deforestation
The author's concern is that deforestation endangers both the physical forests (and their medicinal plants) and the traditional knowledge that indigenous communities have about using those plants.
What is the meaning of the idiom 'to burn the midnight oil'?
Answer: To work or study late into the night
The idiom 'to burn the midnight oil' means to work or study late into the night. It originates from the time when people used oil lamps for light, so burning oil at midnight meant working after dark.
Read the passage: 'The K-12 program was implemented in the Philippines to align the country's education system with global standards. It added two years of senior high school, allowing students to gain specialized skills. Supporters believe it better prepares students for college or employment.' What organizational pattern does this passage use?
Answer: Cause and effect
The passage presents the K-12 program (cause) and its effects (alignment with global standards, specialized skills, better preparation). The relationship between the program implementation and its outcomes follows a cause-and-effect pattern.
Which of the following sentences contains a context clue that helps define the underlined concept? 'The archipelago, a chain of islands, stretches across the western Pacific Ocean.'
Answer: The phrase 'a chain of islands' provides the definition
The phrase 'a chain of islands' is an appositive that directly defines 'archipelago.' This is a common type of context clue where the definition is placed right next to the unfamiliar word, usually set off by commas.
Read the passage: 'Unlike the wet markets that have served Filipino communities for generations, modern supermarkets offer air-conditioned shopping and packaged products. While wet markets provide fresh produce at lower prices, supermarkets offer convenience and a wider variety of imported goods.' What text structure is used?
Answer: Compare and contrast
The passage compares and contrasts wet markets and supermarkets using signal words like 'unlike' and 'while.' It highlights the differences in shopping experience, pricing, and product offerings.