VCLA Reading Comprehension Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A VCLA passage includes the phrase 'on the other hand.' This phrase signals that the author is about to present:
- An additional supporting example
- A contrasting viewpoint or idea (Correct answer)
- A definition of a key term
- A chronological next event
Correct answer: A contrasting viewpoint or idea
'On the other hand' is a transitional phrase that signals the author is introducing a contrasting viewpoint or idea.
Question 2: On the VCLA Reading test, 'author's purpose' most commonly refers to the author's intention to:
- Entertain, inform, or persuade (Correct answer)
- Use as many words as possible
- Include personal anecdotes only
- Avoid any clear conclusion
Correct answer: Entertain, inform, or persuade
Author's purpose is typically categorized as the intent to entertain, inform, or persuade the audience.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of a fact rather than an opinion in a VCLA passage?
- The new park is the most beautiful in the state.
- Virginia has 95 independent cities and counties. (Correct answer)
- This policy is clearly the best approach available.
- Everyone should support environmental conservation.
Correct answer: Virginia has 95 independent cities and counties.
A fact is a verifiable statement; 'Virginia has 95 independent cities and counties' can be confirmed with official sources.
Question 4: When a VCLA passage uses a heading like 'Causes of the Problem,' what organizational pattern does this suggest?
- Narrative storytelling
- Cause and effect (Correct answer)
- Compare and contrast
- Alphabetical listing
Correct answer: Cause and effect
A heading that references 'causes' clearly indicates a cause-and-effect organizational pattern in the passage.
Question 5: Which reading skill involves evaluating the reliability and credibility of a source used in a VCLA passage?
- Decoding
- Critical analysis (Correct answer)
- Phonemic awareness
- Fluency building
Correct answer: Critical analysis
Critical analysis involves evaluating sources for reliability, credibility, and bias, which is a key VCLA reading skill.
Question 6: A reader identifies that a VCLA passage shifts from describing a problem to proposing solutions. Which text structure does this represent?
- Descriptive
- Narrative
- Problem-solution (Correct answer)
- Compare-contrast
Correct answer: Problem-solution
When a passage moves from describing a problem to presenting solutions, it follows a problem-solution text structure.
VCLA Reading Comprehension Skills 2
A VCLA passage includes the phrase 'on the other hand.' This phrase signals that the author is about to present: