Reading Comprehension Drawing Conclusions and Predictions 5

Question 1

The antique clock in the hallway had stopped at 3:47.
Dust covered its face, and the key needed to wind it lay untouched on the shelf beside it.
Question: What can most reasonably be concluded about the clock?

Accepted Answer

The clock has not been wound for a long time and therefore stopped running.

Answer

The clock was broken by someone who dropped it.

Answer

The key does not fit the clock.

Answer

The clock was deliberately stopped at 3:47 as a reminder.

Question 2

In the 1940s, scientists noticed that soldiers treated with penicillin recovered from bacterial infections much faster than those who received no treatment. Mortality rates among treated soldiers dropped dramatically. Question: What conclusion did scientists most likely draw?

Accepted Answer

Penicillin was effective at fighting bacterial infections.

Answer

Soldiers who received penicillin were already healthier before being infected.

Answer

Bacterial infections were less dangerous in the 1940s.

Answer

Penicillin worked by boosting soldiers' morale.

Question 3

Every month that Priya added $200 to her savings account, her balance grew. For the past six months she has saved consistently. Next month, she plans to make a large car purchase that will use most of her savings. Question: What can be predicted about Priya's savings balance after the purchase?

Accepted Answer

Her savings balance will drop significantly after the purchase.

Answer

Her savings balance will keep growing as usual.

Answer

Her savings will be unaffected because she earns interest.

Answer

The bank will prevent her from making the withdrawal.

Question 4

A nature documentary noted that honeybee colonies have declined by nearly 30% over the past decade. Bees pollinate about one-third of the world's food crops. Question: What prediction is best supported by the data?

Accepted Answer

Continued bee decline could threaten the availability of many food crops.

Answer

Food crops will evolve to pollinate themselves without bees.

Answer

A 30% decline in bees will have no effect on agriculture.

Answer

Other insects will immediately replace bees as pollinators.

Question 5

The hiking trail was marked clearly at the trailhead, but after the third mile, the markers became sparse and faded. Two hikers who set off without a map were last seen heading into an unmarked fork in the trail. Question: What concern does the passage raise about the hikers?

Accepted Answer

The hikers may become lost because they lack a map and the trail markings are unreliable beyond mile three.

Answer

The hikers will complete the trail faster by taking the unmarked fork.

Answer

The trail markers will be repainted before the hikers return.

Answer

The hikers are experienced enough to navigate without markers.

Question 6

Over a century ago, passenger pigeons were the most numerous bird in North America. As forests were cleared and the birds were hunted in large numbers for food, their flocks dwindled rapidly. The last known passenger pigeon died in 1914. Question: What conclusion does this passage support about the species?

Accepted Answer

Human activity through habitat destruction and overhunting drove the passenger pigeon to extinction.

Answer

Passenger pigeons died out because of a natural disease with no human cause.

Answer

The passenger pigeon population was already declining before humans arrived.

Answer

Passenger pigeons chose not to reproduce in captivity, causing their extinction.

Question 7

A restaurant owner noticed that customers who received their meals within 10 minutes left positive reviews, while those who waited over 20 minutes frequently complained online. She recently hired two additional kitchen staff. Question: What prediction can be made about the restaurant's online reviews?

Accepted Answer

Online reviews will likely improve as faster service reduces long wait times.

Answer

Hiring staff will cause food quality to decline and worsen reviews.

Answer

Customers will not notice any change in wait times.

Answer

Positive reviews were already increasing before the new hires.