SSAT Practice Test (Upper Level: Reading) 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An author supports a claim about pollution by citing a scientific study. This is an example of:
- Evidence (Correct answer)
- Opinion
- Bias
- Exaggeration
Correct answer: Evidence
A scientific study used to back a claim functions as supporting evidence.
Question 2: In a poem, the repeated 'b' sounds in "the breeze blew briskly" create:
- Alliteration (Correct answer)
- Rhyme
- Personification
- Irony
Correct answer: Alliteration
Repeated initial consonant sounds form alliteration.
Question 3: A passage states the moon 'governs the tides.' The word 'governs' most nearly means:
- Controls (Correct answer)
- Ignores
- Resembles
- Follows
Correct answer: Controls
To 'govern' here means to direct or control the tides.
Question 4: Which is most likely the theme of a story where a boy learns to share his toys after losing a friend?
- Generosity strengthens relationships (Correct answer)
- Wealth brings happiness
- Nature is unpredictable
- Time heals all wounds
Correct answer: Generosity strengthens relationships
The boy's growth shows that sharing and generosity build friendships.
Question 5: An author writes in first person. Which pronoun signals this point of view?
- I (Correct answer)
- He
- They
- It
Correct answer: I
First-person narration uses 'I' to tell the story.
Question 6: A passage compares a city at rush hour to 'a beehive of activity.' This comparison is a:
- Simile (Correct answer)
- Pun
- Flashback
- Symbol
Correct answer: Simile
Using 'a beehive of activity' with an implied 'like' draws a simile-style comparison.
Question 7: When an author asks, "Can we really afford to ignore this crisis?" without expecting an answer, this is a:
- Rhetorical question (Correct answer)
- Literal question
- Definition
- Summary
Correct answer: Rhetorical question
A question posed for effect rather than an answer is rhetorical.
SSAT Practice Test (Upper Level: Reading) 3
An author supports a claim about pollution by citing a scientific study.
This is an example of: