Reading Comprehension Skills Flashcards

A passage reads: 'The report was succinct yet thorough.' Which pair of words best describes the report?

Answer: Brief and complete

'Succinct' means brief, and 'thorough' means complete, so the report was both short and comprehensive.

A form instructs: 'List all prior addresses for the past five years, beginning with your most recent.' How should you order the addresses?

Answer: Most recent address first

The instruction explicitly says 'beginning with your most recent,' so the latest address goes first.

You read: 'Despite numerous setbacks, the construction team finished the bridge ahead of schedule.' What is the main idea?

Answer: The team succeeded even though they faced obstacles

'Despite' introduces obstacles, but the main point is that the team finished early anyway, showing success over adversity.

A label states: 'Keep refrigerated. Best if used by date on package. Do not use if seal is broken.' Under which condition should the product NOT be used?

Answer: If the packaging seal is broken

The label explicitly says 'Do not use if seal is broken,' making a broken seal a clear disqualifying condition.

A passage states: 'The law was enacted to protect consumers from predatory lending practices.' What is the purpose of the law?

Answer: To shield borrowers from abusive lending

'Protect consumers from predatory lending' means the law shields borrowers from lenders who exploit them.

You read: 'The author implies that urban sprawl contributes to environmental degradation.' What is an implication?

Answer: A suggestion not explicitly stated

An implication is an idea suggested by the text but not directly stated — the reader must infer it.

A sentence reads: 'The council members were unanimous in their decision.' How many members agreed?

Answer: All of them

'Unanimous' means every single member agreed with no dissenting votes.