Nelson-Denny Reading Test Reading Comprehension: Analyzing Textual Evidence 2

Question 1

A passage states: 'Despite widespread criticism, the policy remained in effect for three more years, during which accident rates fell by 12%.' Which conclusion is best supported by this evidence?

Accepted Answer

The policy had some measurable positive outcome despite opposition

Answer

The criticism was invalid from the start

Answer

Accident rates would have fallen anyway without the policy

Answer

The policy was eventually repealed due to its failure

Question 2

When an author uses a personal anecdote as evidence in an argument, a critical reader should recognize that this type of evidence is:

Accepted Answer

Limited in scope and may not represent broader patterns

Answer

The strongest form of textual evidence available

Answer

Always more reliable than statistical data

Answer

Irrelevant to the argument being made

Question 3

A paragraph ends with: 'These findings suggest a link between sleep deprivation and reduced cognitive performance.' The word 'suggest' indicates that the author is:

Accepted Answer

Presenting a cautious, qualified interpretation of the evidence

Answer

Overstating the certainty of the conclusion

Answer

Dismissing the findings as unreliable

Answer

Claiming absolute proof of causation

Question 4

Two paragraphs in a passage both describe the same historical event but reach different conclusions. The best way to resolve this discrepancy is to:

Accepted Answer

Examine the specific evidence each paragraph uses to support its conclusion

Answer

Accept whichever conclusion comes later in the passage

Answer

Ignore one paragraph entirely

Answer

Assume the author made an error

Question 5

A passage claims that 'most scientists agree' on a particular point but cites no specific sources. This weakens the argument because:

Accepted Answer

Vague references to unnamed experts cannot be verified or evaluated

Answer

Scientists are not credible sources

Answer

The number of agreeing scientists is irrelevant

Answer

All scientific claims require visual data

Question 6

A student reads: 'The river flooded four times between 1990 and 2000, compared to once between 1980 and 1990.' Which inference is most directly supported by this evidence?

Accepted Answer

Flood frequency increased in the decade from 1990 to 2000

Answer

Climate change is entirely responsible for the flooding

Answer

The river will flood more in the future

Answer

The 1980s floods were more severe than the 1990s floods

Question 7

Which of the following would serve as the strongest textual evidence that a character in a story is dishonest?

Accepted Answer

The character's own words contradict their earlier statements in the text

Answer

Another character suspects the person

Answer

The narrator describes the character as 'mysterious'

Answer

The character smiles frequently