SHSAT SHSAT Reading Comprehension 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage describes a city as 'a jungle of steel and glass.' This is an example of:
- Simile
- Metaphor (Correct answer)
- Onomatopoeia
- Foreshadowing
Correct answer: Metaphor
This is a metaphor because the city is directly compared to a jungle without using 'like' or 'as.'
Question 2: When an author presents only one side of an argument, this is called:
- Objective writing
- Biased writing (Correct answer)
- Descriptive writing
- Narrative writing
Correct answer: Biased writing
Biased writing presents only one perspective and may exclude or distort opposing views.
Question 3: In a passage, 'the evidence suggests' signals that the author is:
- Stating an absolute fact
- Making an inference based on data (Correct answer)
- Expressing a personal opinion
- Retelling a historical event
Correct answer: Making an inference based on data
'The evidence suggests' indicates the author is drawing a conclusion supported by data, not stating a proven fact.
Question 4: A passage's tone can best be described as 'melancholy' if the author:
- Uses humor throughout
- Describes joyful celebrations
- Expresses sadness and loss (Correct answer)
- Presents scientific data neutrally
Correct answer: Expresses sadness and loss
A melancholy tone conveys sadness, sorrow, or a sense of loss throughout the writing.
Question 5: The phrase 'on the other hand' in a passage signals:
- A supporting example
- A contrasting viewpoint (Correct answer)
- A definition
- A chronological sequence
Correct answer: A contrasting viewpoint
'On the other hand' is a transitional phrase used to introduce a contrasting or opposing idea.
Question 6: Which inference is best supported if a passage says a student 'stared at the blank page for an hour'?
- The student was sleeping
- The student was struggling with writer's block (Correct answer)
- The student had finished the assignment
- The student was reading a novel
Correct answer: The student was struggling with writer's block
Staring at a blank page for an hour suggests difficulty starting or continuing a writing task, indicating writer's block.
SHSAT SHSAT Reading Comprehension 2
A passage describes a city as 'a jungle of steel and glass.' This is an example of: