RLA Analyzing Informational Texts 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An author opens an editorial with a dramatic anecdote about one person's experience before presenting broader data. What is the primary purpose of this technique?
- To replace statistical evidence with emotion
- To engage readers and make abstract data feel concrete (Correct answer)
- To prove the anecdote is more reliable than statistics
- To distract readers from the main argument
Correct answer: To engage readers and make abstract data feel concrete
Opening with a personal story creates emotional engagement that helps readers connect with data that follows.
Question 2: A passage states: 'Nine out of ten dentists recommend this toothpaste.' Which question is MOST important to ask about this claim?
- Which country do the dentists practice in?
- How many dentists were surveyed and who conducted the survey? (Correct answer)
- What flavor is the toothpaste?
- How old is the toothpaste brand?
Correct answer: How many dentists were surveyed and who conducted the survey?
The sample size and who conducted the survey determine whether the statistic is meaningful and unbiased.
Question 3: In a scientific article, the section labeled 'Discussion' most likely serves which purpose?
- Listing the raw data collected
- Interpreting results and explaining their significance (Correct answer)
- Describing the methodology used
- Providing background context for the research
Correct answer: Interpreting results and explaining their significance
The Discussion section is where authors interpret findings, address limitations, and explain what the results mean.
Question 4: A passage argues that school uniforms reduce bullying and cites three studies supporting this view, ignoring five studies that found no effect. This is an example of:
- Objective analysis
- Cherry-picking evidence (Correct answer)
- A balanced counterargument
- Inductive reasoning
Correct answer: Cherry-picking evidence
Selectively citing only supporting evidence while ignoring contradictory studies is called cherry-picking and undermines credibility.
Question 5: When an informational text uses bold font for certain terms, the author most likely intends to:
- Show that those words are opinions
- Signal key vocabulary or concepts readers should prioritize (Correct answer)
- Indicate that those sentences are incorrect
- Separate facts from examples
Correct answer: Signal key vocabulary or concepts readers should prioritize
Bold text in informational writing typically highlights key terms, definitions, or critical concepts.
Question 6: A student reads two articles about the same historical event. Article 1 was written in 1955; Article 2 was written in 2020. Why might Article 2 be considered more reliable?
- More recent articles are always more accurate
- Later articles may incorporate more research, primary sources, and revised interpretations (Correct answer)
- Article 1 is too old to contain any facts
- Article 2 is longer and therefore more thorough
Correct answer: Later articles may incorporate more research, primary sources, and revised interpretations
Later scholarship often benefits from additional evidence, declassified documents, and refined historical methods.
Question 7: An author uses the phrase 'critics argue' before presenting an opposing viewpoint. What does this signal to the reader?
- The author agrees with the critics
- The author is acknowledging but distancing from an alternative perspective (Correct answer)
- The criticism has been proven correct
- The author has no opinion on the matter
Correct answer: The author is acknowledging but distancing from an alternative perspective
Attributing a view to 'critics' signals the author is presenting a counterpoint without personally endorsing it.
RLA Analyzing Informational Texts 3
An author opens an editorial with a dramatic anecdote about one person's experience before presenting broader data.
What is the primary purpose of this technique?