OOPT - Oxford Online Placement Reading Comprehension Flashcards

You read an article with the heading 'The Pros and Cons of Remote Work.' What type of text structure does this suggest?

Answer: Compare and contrast.

The 'pros and cons' structure presents two sides of an issue, which is a compare-and-contrast format.

A sentence reads: 'The government implemented the new law; however, public response was largely negative.' What is the purpose of 'however'?

Answer: To signal a contrast with the previous statement.

'However' is a contrastive connector that signals an opposing or contrasting idea follows.

A passage uses the word 'exacerbate.' Based on context ('the drought exacerbated food shortages'), what does it mean?

Answer: To make a problem worse.

'Exacerbate' means to make an already bad situation worse or more severe.

You read: 'The study was conducted over a period of two decades, lending it considerable credibility.' What does 'lending it considerable credibility' mean?

Answer: The long duration made the study more trustworthy.

'Lending credibility' means adding trustworthiness; the study's length makes its findings more believable.

A paragraph reads: 'First, ingredients are gathered. Next, they are mixed. Finally, the mixture is baked.' What text structure is this?

Answer: Sequential or chronological order.

Signal words like 'first,' 'next,' and 'finally' indicate a step-by-step sequential structure.

A text states: 'Her argument was compelling, but it lacked empirical evidence.' What does 'empirical' mean here?

Answer: Based on observation or experiment.

'Empirical evidence' refers to data gathered through direct observation, measurement, or experimentation.