NTS Verbal Reasoning: Reading Comprehension 2

Question 1

In the sentence 'The government's decision was met with widespread skepticism by scientists who had dedicated years to the opposing research,' the word 'skepticism' most nearly means:

Accepted Answer

doubt and disbelief

Answer

Skepticism means doubt or disbelief; scientists who support opposing research would naturally doubt a contradictory government decision.

Question 2

Read the passage: 'Unlike traditional classrooms where students learn passively by listening to lectures, modern educational approaches emphasize active participation, collaborative projects, and critical thinking skills.' This passage PRIMARILY discusses:

Accepted Answer

The contrast between old and new teaching methods

Answer

The word 'unlike' signals a comparison between traditional (passive) and modern (active) educational approaches, making contrast the primary focus.

Question 3

A passage states: 'Because the factory released chemicals into the river, fish populations declined, which led fishermen to lose their livelihoods.' What was the DIRECT cause of fishermen losing their livelihoods?

Accepted Answer

The decline in fish populations

Answer

In the chain of events, declining fish populations is the immediate and direct cause of fishermen losing their livelihoods, even though the factory started the chain.

Question 4

The word 'proliferation' in the sentence 'The proliferation of smartphones has fundamentally changed how people communicate' most closely means:

Accepted Answer

rapid increase and widespread spread

Answer

Proliferation means a rapid increase or spread; smartphones becoming widespread reflects this meaning.

Question 5

Passage: 'Bees are essential pollinators. Without them, many crops would fail to produce fruit. Scientists estimate that bees contribute to one-third of the food humans consume.' Which fact from the passage BEST supports the idea that bees are critically important to the human food supply?

Accepted Answer

Bees contribute to one-third of the food humans consume

Answer

The statistic that bees contribute to one-third of human food directly and quantifiably demonstrates bees' importance to the food supply.

NTS - National Testing Service Practice Test

NTS - National Testing Service Practice Test

NTS Verbal Reasoning: Reading Comprehension 2