Reading Comprehension Skills Flashcards

A passage states: 'The main idea of a paragraph is the central point the author wishes to convey, often found in the topic sentence, while supporting details provide evidence or examples.' Where is the main idea MOST commonly located according to this passage?

Answer: In the topic sentence

The passage states the main idea is often found in the topic sentence.

A department order reads: 'Officers are prohibited from making statements to the media regarding active investigations without written approval from the Public Information Officer (PIO) or a designee.' An officer is approached by a reporter at a crime scene. What must the officer obtain before making any statement?

Answer: Written approval from the PIO or a designee

The order requires written approval specifically from the PIO or a designee before any media statement.

A crime report reads: 'The victim stated the vehicle was a dark-colored pickup truck, either black or dark blue, with a dent on the driver's side rear quarter panel and no visible rear license plate.' Which detail about the vehicle is UNCERTAIN according to the victim?

Answer: That the color was black or dark blue

The victim used the qualifier 'either black or dark blue,' indicating uncertainty about the exact color.

A passage reads: 'Context clues are words or phrases surrounding an unfamiliar word that help determine its meaning.' In the sentence 'The officer's demeanor was amiable; he greeted everyone with a warm smile and a handshake,' what is the most likely meaning of 'amiable'?

Answer: Friendly

The surrounding context — warm smile and handshake — indicates that 'amiable' means friendly.

An SOP states: 'When an officer uses force resulting in injury or complaint of pain, a supervisor must be notified immediately, and a use-of-force report must be completed before the officer goes off duty.' An officer's shift ends in 30 minutes and a suspect has just complained of wrist pain from handcuffing. What must happen before the officer leaves?

Answer: Both supervisor notification and a use-of-force report must be completed

The SOP requires both immediate supervisor notification AND completion of the use-of-force report before going off duty.

A paragraph reads: 'Unlike eyewitness testimony, physical evidence does not change its story over time. However, it must be properly collected, stored, and documented to remain admissible in court.' What limitation of physical evidence is implied by this passage?

Answer: Physical evidence can become inadmissible if improperly handled

The passage implies that improper collection, storage, or documentation can compromise physical evidence's admissibility in court.

A field manual states: 'When summarizing a witness statement, officers must accurately reflect what was said without adding interpretation, opinion, or information not provided by the witness.' An officer writes: 'The witness stated she heard a loud bang at 11 PM. She was probably startled.' What is wrong with this summary?

Answer: The word 'probably' adds the officer's interpretation

Adding 'She was probably startled' is the officer's interpretation — not information provided by the witness — which violates the summarizing standard.