Nelson-Denny Reading Test Reading Comprehension 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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?
- To encourage readers to multitask more effectively
- To challenge a common assumption with research evidence (Correct answer)
- To explain why efficiency cannot be measured accurately
- To argue that productivity is an outdated concept
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which reading comprehension strategy involves restating a passage's main idea in your own words to check understanding?
- Skimming
- Paraphrasing (Correct answer)
- Scanning
- Annotating
Correct answer: Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing means expressing the author's ideas in your own words, which is a direct way to verify comprehension.
Question 3: 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?
- The scientist used too many variables
- The documentation methods were flawed
- The sample size is too small to support broad conclusions (Correct answer)
- The conclusions were not documented properly
Correct 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.
Question 4: In a Nelson-Denny passage, an author writes: 'The policy was not without its critics.' What does this phrase mean?
- The policy had no critics
- Some people criticized the policy (Correct answer)
- Critics were not allowed to comment
- The policy was universally praised
Correct answer: Some people criticized the policy
The double negative 'not without' means the same as 'had some,' so the policy did have critics.
Question 5: 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?
- Refutation
- Transition
- Elaboration and support (Correct answer)
- Counterargument
Correct answer: Elaboration and support
Providing a new example that supports the thesis is a form of elaboration and support, reinforcing the main argument.
Question 6: When a Nelson-Denny question asks for the 'tone' of a passage, what is it asking you to identify?
- The volume at which the passage should be read
- The author's attitude or emotional stance toward the subject (Correct answer)
- The number of arguments in the passage
- The intended audience's reading level
Correct 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.
Question 7: 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?
- Accurate inference
- Over-generalization beyond what the text states (Correct answer)
- Correct literal comprehension
- Appropriate use of prior knowledge
Correct 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.
Nelson-Denny Reading Test Reading Comprehension 2
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?