STEP Reading Comprehension 2

Question 1

Read: 'The Diriyah Season festival, which showcases Saudi heritage and culture, has become a major international event.' What is the function of the clause between commas?

Accepted Answer

It provides additional non-essential information about Diriyah Season

Answer

It changes the meaning of the sentence

Answer

It is the main clause of the sentence

Answer

It contradicts the main statement

Question 2

What is the difference between 'fact' and 'opinion' in reading comprehension?

Accepted Answer

A fact can be verified with evidence; an opinion expresses a personal belief, judgment, or interpretation

Answer

There is no difference

Answer

Opinions are always wrong

Answer

Facts are always in textbooks; opinions are in newspapers

Question 3

What does 'context clues' mean when reading unfamiliar words?

Accepted Answer

Using surrounding words, sentences, and ideas to determine the meaning of an unknown word

Answer

Looking up every word in a dictionary

Answer

Skipping unfamiliar words entirely

Answer

Asking someone else for the definition

Question 4

In a passage about Saudi Arabia's education reform, the author writes: 'Critics argue that changes are too rapid, while supporters maintain they are long overdue.' What tone does the author use?

Accepted Answer

Balanced and objective, presenting both sides

Answer

Strongly supportive of reform

Answer

Highly critical of reform

Answer

Humorous and lighthearted

Question 5

What is a 'topic sentence' in a paragraph?

Accepted Answer

The sentence that expresses the main idea of the paragraph, usually found near the beginning

Answer

The last sentence always

Answer

Any sentence with important vocabulary

Answer

The longest sentence in the paragraph

Question 6

When a question asks you to identify the 'author's tone,' what should you analyze?

Accepted Answer

The author's attitude toward the subject as revealed through word choice, style, and presentation

Answer

The length of the text

Answer

The font used in the passage

Answer

The number of paragraphs