Stanford Achievement Test Stanford Achievement Reading Comprehension 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student reads: 'The ancient library housed thousands of scrolls, each containing wisdom passed down through generations. Scholars traveled great distances to study there.' What is the main idea of this passage?
- The library was very old and dusty
- The library was an important center of knowledge and learning (Correct answer)
- Scholars enjoyed traveling to new places
- Scrolls were the only way to preserve information
Correct answer: The library was an important center of knowledge and learning
The passage emphasizes both the vast collection of wisdom and the scholars who sought it, making the library a center of learning the central idea.
Question 2: Read this sentence: 'Although Maria had studied for weeks, the exam still felt overwhelming.' What does the word 'overwhelming' most likely mean?
- Easy and straightforward
- Too difficult to manage comfortably (Correct answer)
- Exciting and enjoyable
- Short and simple
Correct answer: Too difficult to manage comfortably
The context of studying hard yet still struggling implies 'overwhelming' means too difficult or intense to handle comfortably.
Question 3: A passage states: 'The factory closed its doors in 1987, leaving hundreds of workers without jobs. The town never fully recovered.' What inference can be made?
- The factory was the town's main source of employment (Correct answer)
- The workers found better jobs elsewhere
- The town built a new factory soon after
- The factory closed due to a fire
Correct answer: The factory was the town's main source of employment
The fact that the town 'never fully recovered' after the closure implies the factory was central to the town's economic well-being.
Question 4: Which text structure is used in a passage that lists the causes of soil erosion followed by its effects on farming?
- Chronological order
- Compare and contrast
- Cause and effect (Correct answer)
- Problem and solution
Correct answer: Cause and effect
A passage explaining causes and then effects uses the cause-and-effect text structure.
Question 5: A paragraph begins: 'Unlike dolphins, which live only in water, sea lions can move on land as well.' What text structure does this sentence signal?
- Sequence
- Compare and contrast (Correct answer)
- Cause and effect
- Description
Correct answer: Compare and contrast
The word 'unlike' signals a comparison between dolphins and sea lions, indicating a compare-and-contrast structure.
Question 6: The author writes: 'Students should be required to wear uniforms because it reduces distractions and promotes equality.' What is the author's purpose?
- To entertain readers with a funny story
- To inform readers about the history of uniforms
- To persuade readers that uniforms are beneficial (Correct answer)
- To describe what school uniforms look like
Correct answer: To persuade readers that uniforms are beneficial
The use of 'should be required' and reasons supporting uniforms shows the author's persuasive intent.
Question 7: A student reads a story where a character says, 'I suppose I could try it, if you really think it will help.' What does this dialogue reveal about the character?
- The character is confident and eager
- The character is reluctant but willing to try (Correct answer)
- The character refuses to cooperate
- The character is angry at the suggestion
Correct answer: The character is reluctant but willing to try
The phrases 'I suppose' and 'if you really think' suggest hesitation, but the character ultimately agrees, showing reluctant willingness.
Stanford Achievement Test Stanford Achievement Reading Comprehension 2
A student reads: 'The ancient library housed thousands of scrolls, each containing wisdom passed down through generations.
Scholars traveled great distances to study there.' What is the main idea of this passage?