OOPT - Oxford Online Placement Reading Comprehension Flashcards

Read the sentence: 'Despite the heavy rain, the outdoor concert continued as planned.' What does 'despite' indicate?

Answer: The concert continued even though it was raining

'Despite' is a preposition meaning 'in spite of,' showing contrast between two situations.

A passage states: 'The scientist's findings were met with skepticism by her colleagues.' What can you infer about the colleagues?

Answer: They doubted or questioned the results

'Skepticism' means doubt or disbelief, so the colleagues questioned the scientist's findings.

Which reading strategy helps you understand the overall topic of a passage before reading every word?

Answer: Skimming headings, subheadings, and first sentences

Skimming headings and first sentences gives a quick overview of the passage's main topic.

A text says: 'The council voted unanimously to approve the new budget.' What does 'unanimously' mean here?

Answer: With every member in agreement

'Unanimously' means all members voted the same way, with complete agreement.

Read this excerpt: 'Maria had barely touched her meal. Her eyes kept drifting to the clock on the wall.' What is most likely true about Maria?

Answer: She is anxious or waiting for something

Repeatedly checking the clock while not eating suggests Maria is anxious or waiting for something.

A notice reads: 'Access to the laboratory is restricted to authorized personnel only.' What does this mean?

Answer: Only certain approved people may enter the laboratory

'Restricted to authorized personnel' means entry is limited to people with official permission.

In a passage about climate, the author writes: 'Coastal cities face an existential threat from rising sea levels.' The word 'existential' most nearly means:

Answer: Related to their very existence or survival

An 'existential' threat is one that endangers the very existence or survival of something.