SHSAT SHSAT Reading Comprehension

Question 1

In a passage, the author describes a scientist who 'toiled for decades without recognition.' What does 'toiled' most likely mean?

Accepted Answer

Worked hard

Answer

'Toiled' means to work hard or laboriously over a long period of time.

Question 2

A passage states: 'The river carved its path through the canyon over millions of years.' This sentence is an example of which literary device?

Accepted Answer

Personification

Answer

Personification gives the river (a non-human thing) the human action of 'carving' a path.

Question 3

If a passage's main idea is about the importance of renewable energy, which detail best supports this?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels reduce carbon emissions significantly

Answer

The detail about solar panels reducing carbon emissions directly supports the importance of renewable energy.

Question 4

A passage says a character 'raised an eyebrow' when told the news. This suggests the character felt:

Accepted Answer

Skeptical or surprised

Answer

Raising an eyebrow is a common nonverbal cue indicating skepticism or surprise.

Question 5

The word 'ambiguous' in a reading passage most nearly means:

Accepted Answer

Open to more than one interpretation

Answer

'Ambiguous' describes something that can be understood in more than one way.

SHSAT Practice Test