PARCC Reading Comprehension 2

Question 1

An author writes that a new factory 'promises jobs but threatens the river that feeds the town.' What is the author's overall tone toward the factory?

Accepted Answer

Conflicted

Answer

Pairing a benefit with a threat signals a conflicted, mixed attitude.

Question 2

A passage states: 'The bridge had stood for two centuries, yet it took only one flood to erase it.' What does the contrast emphasize?

Accepted Answer

The fragility of long-standing things

Answer

The contrast between 'two centuries' and 'one flood' highlights sudden vulnerability.

Question 3

Which sentence best states a central idea rather than a supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

Recycling programs reduce waste and create local jobs.

Answer

A central idea summarizes the broad point; the others are narrow details.

Question 4

In context, the word 'meticulous' in 'her meticulous notes left nothing out' most nearly means:

Accepted Answer

Extremely careful

Answer

Leaving 'nothing out' shows careful, detailed attention.

Question 5

Two passages describe the same storm: one calls it 'a gift of rain,' the other 'a wall of ruin.' What accounts for the difference?

Accepted Answer

The authors' differing purposes or perspectives

Answer

Opposite framings of one event reflect different authorial perspectives or purposes.

PARCC Practice Test

PARCC Practice Test

PARCC Reading Comprehension 2