SHSAT SHSAT Reading Comprehension 3

Question 1

A passage states: 'Unlike her cautious brother, Maya leaped at every opportunity.' What does this sentence establish?

Accepted Answer

Maya is more risk-taking than her brother

Answer

The contrast 'Unlike her cautious brother' directly shows Maya is bolder and more willing to take risks.

Question 2

The word 'deteriorate' most nearly means:

Accepted Answer

To get worse over time

Answer

'Deteriorate' means to become progressively worse or decline in quality.

Question 3

If a passage's conclusion contradicts its introduction, the passage likely has a problem with:

Accepted Answer

Organization and coherence

Answer

A contradiction between the introduction and conclusion shows the passage lacks logical flow and coherence.

Question 4

An author who uses the word 'unfortunately' is most likely expressing:

Accepted Answer

A sense of regret or disappointment

Answer

'Unfortunately' is a word that expresses the author's regret or disappointment about an outcome.

Question 5

Which sentence uses context clues to help define 'arid'?

Accepted Answer

In the arid, bone-dry region, no rain had fallen in years.

Answer

'Bone-dry' and 'no rain had fallen in years' are context clues that define 'arid' as extremely dry.

SHSAT Practice Test