OAT Reading Comprehension 2

Question 1

When a passage uses the phrase 'despite evidence to the contrary,' what rhetorical function does it most likely serve?

Accepted Answer

To concede an opposing viewpoint before reaffirming the author's thesis

Answer

The phrase signals a concession that acknowledges counterevidence while reinforcing the author's central position.

Question 2

A passage states: 'The retinal ganglion cells transmit signals that ultimately reach the visual cortex.' Which part of this sentence is the SUBJECT?

Accepted Answer

retinal ganglion cells

Answer

The subject is 'retinal ganglion cells,' the noun phrase performing the action of transmitting.

Question 3

Which reading strategy is MOST effective when a passage contains unfamiliar scientific terminology?

Accepted Answer

Use context clues from surrounding sentences to infer meaning

Answer

Context clues in surrounding sentences and paragraph structure typically reveal the meaning of specialized terms.

Question 4

An OAT reading passage compares two studies on intraocular pressure. The first study concludes pressure increases with age; the second finds no such correlation. What is the BEST characterization of the passage's purpose?

Accepted Answer

To present conflicting evidence and highlight an unresolved scientific question

Answer

Presenting two contradictory studies signals that the passage aims to illustrate ongoing scientific debate rather than establish a definitive conclusion.

Question 5

In a dense scientific passage, the BEST approach to identifying the main idea is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify the thesis statement, usually in the introduction, and track how each paragraph supports it

Answer

Scientific passages typically introduce the central claim early, and each paragraph advances or supports that claim.

OAT - Optometry Admission Test Practice Test

OAT - Optometry Admission Test Practice Test

OAT Reading Comprehension 2