RLA Reading Comprehension 4

Question 1

Passage: 'After the factory closed, unemployment in the town rose sharply. Local businesses reported a 30% drop in sales within six months.' What text structure is this passage using?

Accepted Answer

Cause and effect

Answer

The factory closure is the cause; rising unemployment and falling sales are its effects.

Question 2

An author includes the following footnote: 'See opposing views in Johnson (2019) and Rivera (2021).' What does this addition suggest about the author?

Accepted Answer

The author wants to acknowledge that other perspectives exist

Answer

Citing opposing views demonstrates academic integrity and shows the author is aware of the broader debate surrounding the topic.

Question 3

Which reading strategy is MOST useful when a passage contains many technical terms the reader does not recognize?

Accepted Answer

Use context clues, look for definitions within the text, and check a glossary if available

Answer

Combining context clues with in-text definitions and glossary references is the most effective strategy for handling technical vocabulary.

Question 4

A student reads: 'Despite a slow start, the team won the championship.' What is the relationship between the two parts of this sentence?

Accepted Answer

The championship win occurred in spite of the slow start

Answer

'Despite' signals a concession—the championship was won even though the team began poorly, making it an unexpected outcome.

Question 5

A passage argues that school start times should be later. The author provides sleep research, quotes from pediatricians, and test-score data. Which element would STRENGTHEN this argument the most?

Accepted Answer

National statistics showing improved graduation rates in districts that shifted to later start times

Answer

Concrete outcome data (graduation rates) from real districts directly supports the argument's claim that later start times produce measurable benefits.

RLA - Reasoning through Language Arts Practice Test

RLA - Reasoning through Language Arts Practice Test

RLA Reading Comprehension 4