PAPA Reading Comprehension & Analysis 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Expressed disagreement

Answer

'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?

Accepted Answer

To introduce the main idea of the paragraph

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Transitional phrase indicating contrast

Answer

'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:

Accepted Answer

Cherry-picking evidence

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Extremely careful and precise

Answer

Meticulous means showing great attention to detail and exactness, which is why those records would be especially useful in an audit.

(PAPA) Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment Practice Test

(PAPA) Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment Practice Test

PAPA Reading Comprehension & Analysis 2