Nelson-Denny Reading Test Reading Comprehension 4

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

A metaphor

Answer

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

Question 4

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:

Accepted Answer

Integrating information to construct an overall meaning

Answer

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

Question 5

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:

Accepted Answer

Counterargument or qualification to the main claim

Answer

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

Nelson-Denny Reading Test Practice Test

Nelson-Denny Reading Test Practice Test

Nelson-Denny Reading Test Reading Comprehension 4