Nelson-Denny Reading Comprehension: Analyzing Textual Evidence Questions and Answers

Question 1

Read the following passage and answer the question.

'The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, was constructed on the Athenian Acropolis beginning in 447 BCE and was substantially completed by 438 BCE. The decorative sculptures and friezes, a major part of the project, were worked on until 432 BCE. The project was overseen by the sculptor Phidias, who was also responsible for the massive chryselephantine statue of Athena housed inside. The temple was built using funds from the Delian League, an alliance of Greek city-states, which caused considerable resentment among allied members.'

Based on the evidence in the passage, what can be concluded about the construction timeline of the Parthenon?

Accepted Answer

The main structure was finished years before the decorative elements were completed.

Answer

The passage states that the temple was 'substantially completed by 438 BCE' but that the 'decorative sculptures and friezes... were worked on until 432 BCE.' This shows a multi-year gap between the completion of the main structure and the finalization of its decorations.

Question 2

Read the passage below and answer the question that follows.

'The phenomenon of colony collapse disorder (CCD) in honeybees is characterized by the abrupt disappearance of a hive's worker bees, leaving behind a queen, plenty of food, and a few nurse bees. (1) Research has explored various potential causes, including pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and pathogens. (2) A 2018 study in the journal 'Science' demonstrated a link between exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides and impaired bee immune systems. (3) Many beekeepers also report higher losses after seasons of poor nectar flow due to drought. (4) Ultimately, scientists believe CCD is likely not caused by a single factor, but by a combination of these stressors.'

Which sentence provides the most specific piece of evidence supporting the theory that pesticides are a contributing factor to CCD?

Accepted Answer

Sentence 2

Answer

Sentence 2 provides the most specific evidence by citing a study in a named journal ('Science'), identifying a specific class of pesticides (neonicotinoids), and stating the mechanism of harm (impaired immune systems). The other sentences are more general.

Question 3

A manager is drafting a report on employee productivity. The report includes the following statements:

'Our team's average response time to customer inquiries decreased by 15% in the last quarter. Additionally, data from our internal software shows that project completion rates have increased from 78% to 85% since implementing the new workflow. One team member, Sarah, mentioned that she 'feels much more efficient now.' We believe these positive trends are a direct result of the new workflow.'

Which piece of evidence presented is anecdotal?

Accepted Answer

Sarah's comment about feeling more efficient.

Answer

Anecdotal evidence is based on personal accounts or stories rather than data or statistics. Sarah's subjective feeling, presented as a quote, is an anecdote. The other options are statistical data points.

Question 4

Read the passage below and answer the question that follows.

'The advent of the assembly line is credited with revolutionizing industrial production. Before its implementation, a single worker or a small team would build an entire product from start to finish. This process was time-consuming and required highly skilled craftsmen. The assembly line, by contrast, broke production down into a series of small, repetitive tasks. This allowed for the use of less-skilled labor and dramatically increased the volume of output. However, this shift also led to a decline in the need for traditional artisans and was criticized for dehumanizing the labor process.'

All of the following are identified in the passage as consequences of the assembly line EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

An improvement in the quality of the final product.

Answer

The passage mentions increased output volume, the use of less-skilled labor (implying a decline for artisans), and the repetitive/dehumanizing nature of the work. It does not, however, make any claim about the quality of the products improving; in fact, the shift away from skilled artisans could imply the opposite.

Question 5

A historical text states: 'The Great Fire of London in 1666 consumed over 13,000 houses and 87 parish churches. Official records of the time list a surprisingly low death toll, with some reports claiming as few as six verified deaths. However, modern historians argue that the true number was likely much higher, as the deaths of the poor and middle class were not systematically recorded and the intense heat of the fire may have cremated many victims, leaving no remains to be counted.'

What evidence do modern historians use to question the official death toll?

Accepted Answer

The lack of systematic record-keeping for non-wealthy citizens and the destructive power of the fire.

Answer

The passage explicitly states two reasons for the modern argument: 'the deaths of the poor and middle class were not systematically recorded' and 'the intense heat of the fire may have cremated many victims.' These two points form the basis of the historians' challenge to the official numbers.

Nelson-Denny Reading Test Practice Test

Nelson-Denny Reading Test Practice Test

Nelson-Denny Reading Comprehension: Analyzing Textual Evidence Questions and Answers