STEP Reading Comprehension 2

Question 1

Read: 'The Diriyah Season festival, which showcases Saudi heritage and culture, has become a major international event.' What is the function of the clause between commas?

Accepted Answer

It provides additional non-essential information about Diriyah Season

Answer

The clause 'which showcases Saudi heritage and culture' is a non-restrictive (non-essential) relative clause, set off by commas. It adds extra information but could be removed without changing the main meaning of the sentence.

Question 2

What is the difference between 'fact' and 'opinion' in reading comprehension?

Accepted Answer

A fact can be verified with evidence; an opinion expresses a personal belief, judgment, or interpretation

Answer

Facts are statements that can be objectively verified (e.g., 'Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia'). Opinions express personal judgments or beliefs (e.g., 'Riyadh is the best city in the world'). Distinguishing between them is critical for STEP reading comprehension.

Question 3

What does 'context clues' mean when reading unfamiliar words?

Accepted Answer

Using surrounding words, sentences, and ideas to determine the meaning of an unknown word

Answer

Context clues include: definitions provided in the text, synonyms or antonyms nearby, examples given, the general topic, and the word's grammatical role. Using context clues is an essential strategy for the STEP reading section where dictionaries are not available.

Question 4

In a passage about Saudi Arabia's education reform, the author writes: 'Critics argue that changes are too rapid, while supporters maintain they are long overdue.' What tone does the author use?

Accepted Answer

Balanced and objective, presenting both sides

Answer

The author presents both perspectives ('critics argue' and 'supporters maintain') without explicitly favoring either side. This balanced, objective tone is common in academic and news writing, which the STEP exam frequently tests.

Question 5

What is a 'topic sentence' in a paragraph?

Accepted Answer

The sentence that expresses the main idea of the paragraph, usually found near the beginning

Answer

The topic sentence states the paragraph's central idea and is typically (but not always) the first or second sentence. Supporting sentences provide details, examples, and evidence. Identifying the topic sentence helps quickly understand the paragraph's purpose.

STEP Practice Test

STEP Practice Test

STEP Reading Comprehension 2