SSAT Practice Test (Middle Level: Reading) 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A story's narrator describes events using "I" and "my," sharing only what one character sees and feels. This point of view is:
- Third-person omniscient
- First-person (Correct answer)
- Second-person
- Third-person limited
Correct answer: First-person
Using "I" and "my" signals first-person narration.
Question 2: Read: "Despite the storm, the team continued the game." The word "despite" signals that the team:
- Stopped because of the storm
- Played even though there was a storm (Correct answer)
- Caused the storm
- Ignored the rules
Correct answer: Played even though there was a storm
"Despite" shows the team acted in spite of the storm.
Question 3: An author begins each paragraph of an article with phrases like "First," "Next," and "Finally." These transitions show the passage is organized by:
- Compare and contrast
- Sequence or steps (Correct answer)
- Cause and effect alone
- Random order
Correct answer: Sequence or steps
First/Next/Finally signal an ordered sequence of steps.
Question 4: A passage compares cats and dogs, noting both make loyal pets but differ in their needs. The main idea is that cats and dogs:
- Are exactly the same
- Share some traits but also have differences (Correct answer)
- Cannot be pets
- Are both wild animals
Correct answer: Share some traits but also have differences
The passage highlights both shared traits and differences.
Question 5: The word "reluctant" in "He was reluctant to leave his friends" most nearly means:
- Eager
- Unwilling (Correct answer)
- Happy
- Confused
Correct answer: Unwilling
Being reluctant means hesitating or being unwilling.
Question 6: A passage ends: "And that is why the village never forgot the brave young shepherd." The reader can infer the shepherd:
- Did something memorable and heroic (Correct answer)
- Was quickly forgotten
- Left the village forever
- Disliked the village
Correct answer: Did something memorable and heroic
Being remembered as "brave" implies a heroic, memorable act.
Question 7: Which detail would best support the main idea that "exercise improves health"?
- Many people enjoy watching sports.
- Studies show regular exercise lowers the risk of heart disease. (Correct answer)
- Some gyms are expensive to join.
- Athletes wear special shoes.
Correct answer: Studies show regular exercise lowers the risk of heart disease.
Evidence linking exercise to lower disease risk supports the main idea.
SSAT Practice Test (Middle Level: Reading) 3
A story's narrator describes events using "I" and "my," sharing only what one character sees and feels.
This point of view is: