NCDAP Reading Comprehension & Vocabulary Skills 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read: 'Fast food companies have dramatically increased portion sizes since the 1970s. A standard soda serving has grown from 7 ounces to over 30 ounces. Nutrition experts link these larger portions to rising obesity rates.' What inference is MOST supported?
- Soda was not sold in the 1970s
- Obesity rates have not changed since the 1970s
- Larger portion sizes may contribute to obesity (Correct answer)
- Nutrition experts disagree about the causes of obesity
Correct answer: Larger portion sizes may contribute to obesity
The passage links increased portion sizes to rising obesity rates, supporting the inference that larger portions contribute to obesity.
Question 2: Which word is an ANTONYM for 'transparent'?
- Clear
- Obvious
- Opaque (Correct answer)
- Visible
Correct answer: Opaque
'Opaque' means not see-through or unclear, which is the opposite of 'transparent.'
Question 3: In the sentence 'The scientist meticulously documented every observation,' the word 'meticulously' means:
- Quickly and carelessly
- With great attention to detail (Correct answer)
- Without any planning
- In a public setting
Correct answer: With great attention to detail
'Meticulously' means with extreme care and precision; it fits a scientist carefully recording observations.
Question 4: A student reads a persuasive essay arguing that the school day should start later. Which of the following would be the STRONGEST evidence to include?
- The author's personal preference for sleeping late
- A peer-reviewed study showing later start times improve student test scores (Correct answer)
- An anecdote about one student who does better in the afternoon
- A general statement that teenagers are tired in the morning
Correct answer: A peer-reviewed study showing later start times improve student test scores
Peer-reviewed research provides objective, verifiable data and is more persuasive than personal anecdotes or vague generalizations.
Question 5: Read: 'The author uses the metaphor of a ship without a compass to describe a teenager without goals.' What does this metaphor SUGGEST about teenagers without goals?
- They enjoy sailing and ocean travel
- They are directionless and unlikely to reach a clear destination (Correct answer)
- They are extremely independent and self-reliant
- They face the same dangers as sailors
Correct answer: They are directionless and unlikely to reach a clear destination
A ship without a compass cannot navigate toward a destination, so the metaphor implies goalless teenagers lack direction.
Question 6: Which sentence uses the word 'novel' correctly as an ADJECTIVE?
- She read a novel before bed every night.
- The engineer proposed a novel solution to the design problem. (Correct answer)
- He purchased the novel at the airport bookstore.
- The novel was over four hundred pages long.
Correct answer: The engineer proposed a novel solution to the design problem.
In option B, 'novel' is used as an adjective meaning new and original, modifying the noun 'solution.'
Question 7: Read: 'Ancient Romans built roads so durable that sections still exist today. Their engineering techniques included multiple layers of gravel and stone.' What is the PURPOSE of the second sentence?
- To introduce a new topic about Roman culture
- To contradict the claim made in the first sentence
- To provide a supporting detail that explains how the roads lasted so long (Correct answer)
- To summarize the entire passage
Correct answer: To provide a supporting detail that explains how the roads lasted so long
The second sentence explains the engineering methods that account for the durability described in the first sentence, serving as a supporting detail.
NCDAP Reading Comprehension & Vocabulary Skills 5
Read: 'Fast food companies have dramatically increased portion sizes since the 1970s.
A standard soda serving has grown from 7 ounces to over 30 ounces.
Nutrition experts link these larger portions to rising obesity rates.' What inference is MOST supported?