PSSA PSSA Reading Comprehension

Question 1

What is the main idea of a passage?

Accepted Answer

The central point or most important message the author wants to convey

Answer

The first sentence of every paragraph

Answer

A specific detail that supports the argument

Answer

The final conclusion stated in the last paragraph

Question 2

What is an inference in reading comprehension?

Accepted Answer

A conclusion drawn using evidence from the text and prior knowledge

Answer

A direct quote from the text

Answer

A summary of the entire passage

Answer

A definition of a difficult vocabulary word

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

To introduce the main idea of the paragraph

Answer

To provide specific facts and evidence

Answer

To summarize the entire passage

Answer

To provide a transition to the next paragraph

Question 4

What is the difference between fiction and nonfiction?

Accepted Answer

Fiction is imaginative and made-up; nonfiction is based on real facts and events

Answer

Fiction is longer than nonfiction

Answer

Fiction uses formal language; nonfiction uses informal language

Answer

Fiction is only written for children; nonfiction is for adults

Question 5

What does 'context clues' mean in reading?

Accepted Answer

Using the words and sentences around an unfamiliar word to determine its meaning

Answer

Using a dictionary to find word definitions

Answer

Asking a teacher for help with a word

Answer

Rereading the passage from the beginning

Question 6

In the PSSA Reading assessment, what does the term 'author's purpose' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The reason the author wrote the piece — to inform, persuade, or entertain

Answer

The setting where the author wrote the text

Answer

The author's personal background and experience

Answer

The length and format of the text