NFST Reading Comprehension Skills 5

Question 1

A passage reads: 'The company's profits have increased exponentially over the past decade.' What does 'exponentially' suggest about the growth?

Accepted Answer

Growth was rapid and accelerating

Answer

'Exponentially' means at a rate that increases rapidly and dramatically, much faster than a steady or linear rate.

Question 2

You read a memo: 'Effective immediately, all expense reports must be submitted within 72 hours of travel completion.' When must a report be submitted if travel ended on Monday at noon?

Accepted Answer

By Thursday at noon

Answer

72 hours after Monday noon is Thursday noon, so the deadline is Thursday at 12:00 p.m.

Question 3

A passage says: 'The diplomat's remarks were deliberately ambiguous, leaving both sides room to interpret them favorably.' What does 'ambiguous' mean?

Accepted Answer

Open to more than one interpretation

Answer

'Ambiguous' means having more than one possible meaning, making it unclear which interpretation is correct.

Question 4

A warning label reads: 'Flammable — Keep Away from Heat, Sparks, and Open Flames.' A candle is burning nearby. Is this a concern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an open flame is listed as a hazard

Answer

The label specifically lists 'open flames' as a hazard, and a candle is an open flame.

Question 5

A passage reads: 'The study's results were inconclusive, suggesting further research is needed.' What can you infer about the study?

Accepted Answer

It did not produce a definitive answer

Answer

'Inconclusive' means the results did not clearly confirm or deny the hypothesis, so no firm conclusion was reached.

NFST Test Practice Test

NFST Test Practice Test

NFST Reading Comprehension Skills 5