PARCC Advanced Reading 2

Question 1

When an author uses the phrase 'a Pyrrhic victory,' the reader should recognize this as an example of which device?

Accepted Answer

Allusion

Answer

A Pyrrhic victory references the costly win of King Pyrrhus, making it a historical allusion.

Question 2

A passage describes a character who 'spoke kindly but his eyes betrayed cold calculation.' This contrast most directly reveals the character's:

Accepted Answer

Hidden motive

Answer

The gap between kind words and cold eyes signals an underlying, concealed intent.

Question 3

Two articles present opposing views on renewable energy. To evaluate which is more credible, a reader should FIRST examine:

Accepted Answer

The evidence and sources cited

Answer

Credibility rests primarily on the quality and sourcing of supporting evidence.

Question 4

An author structures an essay by stating a problem, then offering a series of escalating solutions. This organizational pattern is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Problem-and-solution

Answer

Presenting an issue followed by remedies is the problem-and-solution structure.

Question 5

The word 'ephemeral' most nearly means:

Accepted Answer

Short-lived

Answer

Ephemeral describes something that lasts only a brief time.

PARCC Practice Test