FREE Reading Comprehension Short Passage Question and Answers

Question 1

In cities throughout the country, there is a new direction in local campaign coverage. Frequently in local elections, journalists are not giving voters enough information to understand the issues and evaluate the candidates. The local news media devotes too much time to scandal and not enough time to policy.

The statement that ""local news media"" is the strongest is supported by this paragraph.

Accepted Answer

is not doing an adequate job when it comes to covering local campaigns.

Answer

The paragraph explicitly criticizes local journalists for 'not giving voters enough information to understand the issues' and for devoting 'too much time to scandal and not enough time to policy.' These statements directly indicate a failure to perform their job adequately in covering local campaigns. Thus, the correct answer summarizes these criticisms.

Question 2

The use of desktop computer equipment and software to create highquality documents such as newsletters, business cards, letterhead, and brochures is called Desktop Publishing, or DTP. The most important part of any DTP project is planning. Before you begin, you should know your intended audience, the message you want to communicate, and what form your message will take.

The statement that is supported by this paragraph is the best one.

Accepted Answer

the first stage of any proposed DTP project should be organization and design.

Answer

The passage clearly states, 'The most important part of any DTP project is planning.' It then elaborates on what this planning entails: knowing the audience, message, and form. This emphasis on planning as the crucial initial step directly supports that organization and design are the first stages of a DTP project.

Question 3

The entire low-carbohydrate versus low-fat diet argument is so prevalent that one would think that these are the only two options available for losing weight and staying healthy. Some experts even feel that the low-carb/low-fat debate distracts us from an even more important issue—our culture’s reliance on processed and manufactured foods.

The statement that is supported by this paragraph is the best one.

Accepted Answer

important health concerns get overlooked when we focus exclusively on the low-fat versus low-carb question.

Answer

The paragraph highlights that the low-carb/low-fat debate 'distracts us from an even more important issue—our culture’s reliance on processed and manufactured foods.' This indicates that by focusing solely on these two diet options, other significant health concerns, like the impact of processed foods, are being overlooked. Therefore, important health concerns are indeed getting overlooked.

Question 4

Every year, Americans use over one billion sharp objects to administer healthcare in their homes. These sharp objects include lancets, needles, and syringes. If not disposed of in puncture-resistant containers, they can injure sanitation workers. Sharp objects should be disposed of in hard plastic or metal containers with secure lids. The containers should be clearly marked and be puncture resistant.

The passage best demonstrates the possibility of harm to sanitation personnel.

Accepted Answer

come in contact with sharp objects that have not been placed in secure containers.

Answer

The passage explicitly states, 'If not disposed of in puncture-resistant containers, they can injure sanitation workers.' This sentence directly links the potential for injury to sanitation workers with sharp objects that are not properly contained. Therefore, coming into contact with unsecured sharp objects is the cause of harm.

Question 5

Litigation is not always the only or best way to resolve conflicts. Mediation offers an alternative approach and it is one that can be quite efficient and successful. Mediation can be faster, less expensive, and can lead to creative solutions not always possible in a court of law. Additionally, mediation focuses on mutually acceptable solutions, rather than on winning or losing.

This passage demonstrates this claim the strongest.

Accepted Answer

mediation can be an effective way to resolve conflicts.

Answer

The passage extensively praises mediation as an 'alternative approach' that 'can be quite efficient and successful.' It lists several benefits, including being 'faster, less expensive, and can lead to creative solutions' and focusing on 'mutually acceptable solutions.' These points collectively demonstrate that mediation is an effective way to resolve conflicts.

Reading Comprehension Practice Test

Reading Comprehension Practice Test

FREE Reading Comprehension Short Passage Question and Answers