SIFT Reading Comprehension 3

Question 1

Passage: 'Ground effect occurs when a helicopter operates within approximately one rotor diameter of the ground. In ground effect, the helicopter requires less power to hover because the rotor downwash is interrupted by the ground surface, increasing lift efficiency.' Why does hovering in ground effect require less power?

Accepted Answer

The ground interrupts rotor downwash, increasing lift efficiency

Answer

The passage explains that in ground effect, the ground interrupts rotor downwash, increasing lift efficiency and reducing the power needed to hover.

Question 2

Read: 'A passage's main idea is not always stated explicitly in the first sentence. Skilled readers identify the main idea by considering which idea all other sentences support or develop, regardless of where that idea appears in the text.' What is the best method for identifying a passage's main idea according to this text?

Accepted Answer

Identify the idea that all other sentences support or develop

Answer

The passage states that the main idea is the idea that all other sentences support or develop, regardless of its position in the text.

Question 3

Passage: 'The Coriolis effect influences long-range projectile trajectories and large-scale weather patterns, but its effect on helicopter flight within a local area is negligible. Pilots need not apply Coriolis corrections during normal flight operations.' What does the passage say about the Coriolis effect on helicopter flight?

Accepted Answer

Its effect on helicopter flight within a local area is negligible

Answer

The passage explicitly states that the Coriolis effect's impact on helicopter flight within a local area is negligible.

Question 4

Read: 'An inference is a conclusion drawn from evidence presented in a passage. Unlike stated facts, inferences require the reader to combine information from the text with logical reasoning. However, valid inferences must be supported by the text—they cannot be mere assumptions.' What makes an inference valid according to this passage?

Accepted Answer

It must be supported by the text, not mere assumption

Answer

The passage states that valid inferences must be supported by the text and cannot be mere assumptions.

Question 5

Passage: 'Torque is a rotational force. In single-rotor helicopters, the main rotor's rotation creates an opposing torque on the fuselage. The tail rotor counteracts this torque, preventing the fuselage from spinning in the opposite direction of the main rotor.' What is the function of the tail rotor?

Accepted Answer

It counteracts the torque that would otherwise spin the fuselage

Answer

The passage states the tail rotor counteracts the main rotor torque that would otherwise cause the fuselage to spin.

SIFT Exam Practice Test

SIFT Exam Practice Test

SIFT Reading Comprehension 3