PAPA Reading Comprehension & Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage states: 'The committee's decision was not unanimous; three members dissented, citing insufficient evidence.' What does 'dissented' mean in this context?
- Agreed enthusiastically
- Expressed disagreement (Correct answer)
- Abstained from voting
- Requested more time
Correct answer: Expressed disagreement
'Dissented' means to hold or express a different opinion, so the three members disagreed with the majority decision.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
- To provide supporting evidence for the main idea
- To introduce the main idea of the paragraph (Correct answer)
- To summarize the entire passage
- To transition to the next paragraph
Correct answer: To introduce the main idea of the paragraph
A topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph, orienting the reader to what that paragraph will discuss.
Question 3: A reader notices that an author uses the phrase 'on the other hand' before presenting a new point. This phrase is best described as a:
- Simile
- Transitional phrase indicating contrast (Correct answer)
- Thesis statement
- Rhetorical question
Correct answer: Transitional phrase indicating contrast
'On the other hand' is a transitional phrase that signals the author is introducing a contrasting or opposing point.
Question 4: A student reads an editorial arguing that standardized tests are ineffective. The author cites one study but ignores dozens of opposing studies. This is an example of:
- Valid inductive reasoning
- Cherry-picking evidence (Correct answer)
- Deductive reasoning
- A sound argument
Correct answer: Cherry-picking evidence
Cherry-picking is a logical fallacy in which an author selects only evidence that supports their view while ignoring contradictory data.
Question 5: Read this sentence: 'The scientist's meticulous records proved invaluable during the audit.' The word 'meticulous' most nearly means:
- Careless
- Extremely careful and precise (Correct answer)
- Outdated
- Incomplete
Correct answer: Extremely careful and precise
Meticulous means showing great attention to detail and exactness, which is why those records would be especially useful in an audit.
Question 6: An author writes: 'Like a stone dropped into still water, her announcement sent ripples of change through the organization.' This sentence is an example of:
- Personification
- Hyperbole
- Simile (Correct answer)
- Alliteration
Correct answer: Simile
A simile is a comparison using 'like' or 'as'; here, the announcement is compared to a stone causing ripples, using the word 'like.'
Question 7: A passage includes both a claim and a counterclaim. What is the purpose of including a counterclaim?
- To undermine the author's own argument
- To acknowledge opposing views and strengthen credibility (Correct answer)
- To confuse the reader
- To replace the original claim
Correct answer: To acknowledge opposing views and strengthen credibility
Including a counterclaim shows the author is aware of opposing perspectives and can address them, which strengthens the overall argument's credibility.
PAPA Reading Comprehension & Analysis 2
A passage states: 'The committee's decision was not unanimous; three members dissented, citing insufficient evidence.' What does 'dissented' mean in this context?