PRAXIS Core Academic Skills: Reading Informational Texts

Question 1

A student reads an article arguing that standardized testing improves educational outcomes. The article cites only studies funded by testing companies. What reading strategy should the student apply?

Accepted Answer

Evaluate the credibility and potential bias of the sources.

Answer

Summarize the main claim without evaluation.

Answer

Accept the argument because it is supported by studies.

Answer

Reject the argument because standardized testing is controversial.

Question 2

Which text structure is used in an article that explains what caused a decrease in reading scores and what resulted from it?

Accepted Answer

Cause and effect

Answer

Compare and contrast

Answer

Problem and solution

Answer

Description

Question 3

A teacher asks students to identify the author's purpose in a public health pamphlet urging citizens to get vaccinated. What is the most likely purpose?

Accepted Answer

To persuade readers to take a specific health action

Answer

To entertain readers with stories about vaccines

Answer

To inform readers about the history of vaccines

Answer

To describe the scientific process of vaccine development

Question 4

What does it mean to make an inference from an informational text?

Accepted Answer

Drawing a logical conclusion based on evidence and reasoning

Answer

Repeating information that is directly stated in the text

Answer

Finding errors in the author's argument

Answer

Summarizing the text in your own words

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a primary source?

Accepted Answer

A diary written by a Civil War soldier

Answer

A biography of Abraham Lincoln written in 2010

Answer

A documentary about World War II

Answer

A textbook chapter on the American Revolution

Question 6

An informational article contains the following: 'Studies show students learn better with access to technology.' What critical question should a careful reader ask?

Accepted Answer

Which studies? How were they conducted? Were they peer-reviewed?

Answer

How many paragraphs does the article contain?

Answer

Does the author like technology?

Answer

Is the article written in the first or third person?

Question 7

What is the difference between a fact and an opinion in informational texts?

Accepted Answer

Facts can be verified with evidence; opinions express personal judgments.

Answer

Facts are always right; opinions are always wrong.

Answer

Facts are written by experts; opinions are written by students.

Answer

Facts appear in the introduction; opinions appear in the conclusion.

Question 8

A student reads a graph showing literacy rates across several countries. The graph shows Country A with an 85% rate and Country B with a 62% rate. Which is a valid conclusion from the graph alone?

Accepted Answer

Country A has a higher reported literacy rate than Country B.

Answer

Country A has a better education system than Country B.

Answer

Country B's low literacy rate is caused by poverty.

Answer

Students in Country A work harder than those in Country B.

Question 9

What is the purpose of a text's central idea or main idea?

Accepted Answer

To state what the text is primarily about

Answer

To provide background history on the topic

Answer

To present the strongest evidence in the text

Answer

To summarize each paragraph individually

Question 10

A history textbook includes an infographic alongside a written passage. What is the primary function of the infographic?

Accepted Answer

To provide visual representation of data that supports and extends the text

Answer

To replace the written text entirely

Answer

To offer the author's personal opinions on the topic

Answer

To provide a summary of the chapter conclusion