NCDAP Critical Reading 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage includes this sentence: 'The so-called experts failed to predict the economic crash.' What does the author's use of 'so-called' suggest?
- The author respects the experts' credentials.
- The author questions whether the individuals truly deserve the label of experts. (Correct answer)
- The author is quoting another source.
- The author believes the crash was unavoidable.
Correct answer: The author questions whether the individuals truly deserve the label of experts.
'So-called' is a dismissive qualifier used to cast doubt on whether a label is truly deserved.
Question 2: Which of the following reading strategies helps a reader monitor their own understanding while reading?
- Reading as fast as possible to finish quickly
- Pausing to summarize each paragraph in your own words (Correct answer)
- Reading only the first and last sentences of each paragraph
- Avoiding re-reading any section
Correct answer: Pausing to summarize each paragraph in your own words
Pausing to self-summarize is a metacognitive strategy that reveals gaps in understanding before moving on.
Question 3: An author describes a character as 'methodical and precise, checking her work three times before submitting.' What can a reader infer about the character?
- She is careless and disorganized.
- She is detail-oriented and values accuracy. (Correct answer)
- She is lazy and avoids extra effort.
- She is anxious and lacks confidence.
Correct answer: She is detail-oriented and values accuracy.
The descriptors 'methodical,' 'precise,' and checking work multiple times all point to a careful, accuracy-focused character.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a 'thesis statement' in an essay?
- To provide background information on the topic
- To list all the evidence that will be used
- To state the author's central argument or claim (Correct answer)
- To summarize what previous researchers have found
Correct answer: To state the author's central argument or claim
A thesis statement presents the author's main claim or position that the rest of the essay will support.
Question 5: A reader disagrees with an author's conclusion. Which response demonstrates the strongest critical reading skill?
- Dismiss the passage because the conclusion is wrong.
- Identify specific weaknesses in the author's evidence or reasoning. (Correct answer)
- Accept the conclusion because the author seems credible.
- Stop reading once the disagreement is noticed.
Correct answer: Identify specific weaknesses in the author's evidence or reasoning.
Critical reading involves engaging with the text analytically — identifying logical gaps or weak evidence rather than simply rejecting or accepting.
Question 6: The phrase 'the evidence speaks for itself' is an example of which rhetorical move?
- Concession
- Rebuttal
- Appeal to logos
- Circular reasoning (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Circular reasoning
Claiming that evidence is self-evident without actually explaining it assumes the conclusion, which is a form of circular reasoning.
Question 7: A passage uses vivid sensory details — sounds, smells, textures — to describe a setting. What is the author most likely trying to achieve?
- To confuse the reader with unnecessary detail
- To create an immersive experience that helps the reader visualize the scene (Correct answer)
- To prove a factual argument with scientific data
- To summarize a series of events quickly
Correct answer: To create an immersive experience that helps the reader visualize the scene
Sensory details engage the reader's imagination and create a strong sense of place and atmosphere.
NCDAP Critical Reading 5
A passage includes this sentence: 'The so-called experts failed to predict the economic crash.' What does the author's use of 'so-called' suggest?