Reading Comprehension & Analysis Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

Answer: To state the main idea of the paragraph

A topic sentence presents the central idea that the rest of the paragraph supports.

An author writes, 'The policy was a disaster from start to finish.' This statement is an example of what?

Answer: The author's opinion

Words like 'disaster' express a judgment rather than something that can be objectively proven.

When a passage compares two ideas to show how they are alike, it is using which structure?

Answer: Compare and contrast

Compare-and-contrast organization examines similarities and differences between subjects.

A reader infers that a character is nervous because the text says her hands were trembling. This is an example of what?

Answer: Drawing a conclusion from evidence

An inference uses textual clues to reach a conclusion not stated outright.

Which word signals that an author is about to give a contrasting idea?

Answer: However

'However' introduces a point that opposes or differs from what came before.

What does the tone of a passage refer to?

Answer: The author's attitude toward the subject

Tone is the emotional quality or attitude an author conveys about a topic.

If a passage's main idea is not stated directly, it is considered what?

Answer: Implied

An implied main idea must be understood from the details rather than a single stated sentence.