Reading Comprehension Flashcards

A passage states: 'Despite widespread belief that multitasking increases productivity, research consistently shows that switching between tasks reduces efficiency by up to 40%.' What is the author's primary purpose?

Answer: To challenge a common assumption with research evidence

The author uses research data to contradict the 'widespread belief' about multitasking, making the primary purpose to challenge a misconception.

Which reading comprehension strategy involves restating a passage's main idea in your own words to check understanding?

Answer: Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing means expressing the author's ideas in your own words, which is a direct way to verify comprehension.

A passage describes a scientist who 'meticulously documented every variable but drew sweeping conclusions from a sample of only twelve participants.' What flaw does this imply?

Answer: The sample size is too small to support broad conclusions

A sample of twelve is far too small to justify 'sweeping conclusions,' indicating a problem with insufficient sample size.

In a Nelson-Denny passage, an author writes: 'The policy was not without its critics.' What does this phrase mean?

Answer: Some people criticized the policy

The double negative 'not without' means the same as 'had some,' so the policy did have critics.

A passage's final paragraph introduces a new example that supports the thesis stated in the first paragraph. What is the structural role of this final paragraph?

Answer: Elaboration and support

Providing a new example that supports the thesis is a form of elaboration and support, reinforcing the main argument.

When a Nelson-Denny question asks for the 'tone' of a passage, what is it asking you to identify?

Answer: The author's attitude or emotional stance toward the subject

Tone refers to the author's attitude or feeling toward the subject, conveyed through word choice and style.

A passage states that a new treatment 'may reduce symptoms in some patients.' A reader concludes that the treatment 'cures all patients.' This is an example of what reading error?

Answer: Over-generalization beyond what the text states

The text only says 'may reduce' for 'some patients,' so concluding it 'cures all' is an over-generalization not supported by the passage.

Read this excerpt: 'The industrial revolution, often romanticized as an era of progress, forced millions of rural families into dangerous factory conditions with no legal protections.' The word 'romanticized' most nearly means:

Answer: Idealized in an unrealistic way

To romanticize something means to portray it in an overly positive or idealized light, which the author then contrasts with harsh realities.

A passage presents two scientists with opposing views on climate timelines, then concludes: 'Both perspectives offer valuable data, though neither alone is sufficient.' What is the author's stance?

Answer: The author advocates a balanced, integrative view

By saying both offer 'valuable data' while neither is sufficient alone, the author promotes synthesis rather than choosing one side.

On the Nelson-Denny test, 'reading rate' is measured by:

Answer: The number of words read correctly per minute during a timed section

The Nelson-Denny reading rate score reflects words read per minute during the timed first minute of the reading section.

A passage opens with a vivid description of a drought, then shifts to discussing global water policy. What technique is the author using?

Answer: Concrete example leading to abstract principle

Starting with a specific, vivid scenario (drought) to introduce a broader topic (water policy) is the technique of moving from concrete to abstract.

A passage claims: 'Students who read for pleasure consistently outscore peers on standardized comprehension tests.' This statement is best described as:

Answer: An empirical claim that could be verified by data

A claim about consistent test score differences between groups is an empirical assertion that research data could confirm or refute.

In reading comprehension, an 'implicit' main idea differs from an 'explicit' one because it is:

Answer: Suggested through details but never directly stated

An implicit main idea must be inferred from the passage's details and overall message rather than being stated outright by the author.

A passage reads: 'Her tenure as director was brief but transformative.' Which word signals a contrast?

Answer: but

The conjunction 'but' signals that despite the short duration (brief), the impact was significant (transformative), creating a contrast.

A passage about renewable energy states: 'Solar installation costs have dropped 89% since 2010, yet adoption rates in rural areas remain stagnant.' What does this suggest?

Answer: Lower costs alone have not solved the adoption problem in rural areas

The word 'yet' signals that despite dramatically lower costs, rural adoption has not increased, implying cost is not the only barrier.

Which of the following best describes the difference between a passage's 'topic' and its 'main idea'?

Answer: The topic is what the passage is about; the main idea is the central point the author makes about the topic

The topic is the subject (e.g., 'climate change'), while the main idea is the author's specific argument or point about that subject.

A passage uses the phrase 'a double-edged sword' to describe social media. This is an example of:

Answer: A metaphor

Calling social media 'a double-edged sword' is a metaphor because it equates one thing to another without using 'like' or 'as.'

After reading a dense passage, you realize you understood every sentence but cannot summarize what it was about. This difficulty most likely indicates a problem with:

Answer: Integrating information to construct an overall meaning

Understanding sentences individually but failing to summarize points to a breakdown in integrating details into a coherent overall understanding.

A passage argues that stricter building codes would reduce earthquake casualties. A later paragraph notes that costs make strict codes unenforceable in developing nations. The second paragraph functions as a:

Answer: Counterargument or qualification to the main claim

By introducing a limitation (cost barriers in developing nations) that challenges the main argument's applicability, the paragraph serves as a counterargument or qualification.

The Nelson-Denny Reading Test is primarily used to:

Answer: Assess college students' and adults' reading proficiency for placement or diagnosis

The Nelson-Denny is a standardized diagnostic tool used primarily with secondary and post-secondary students to assess vocabulary and comprehension for placement purposes.