Author’s Tone
What is the author’s tone in this sentence: “Organic farming has steadily grown in popularity, driven by consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable food options.”
A. Critical
B. Optimistic
C. Neutral
D. Sarcastic
Answer: B. Optimistic
In the sentence, “The idea of abandoning fossil fuels seemed heretical at first,” what does “heretical” most likely mean?
A. Popular
B. Revolutionary
C. Controversial
D. Traditional
Answer: C. Controversial
What type of question asks about the reason the author wrote the passage?
A. Tone
B. Vocabulary
C. Purpose
D. Inference
Answer: C. Purpose
Plastic waste has become a significant environmental concern, harming ecosystems on land and in water. Non-biodegradable plastics pollute habitats, endanger wildlife through ingestion or entanglement, and release toxins into the environment as they break down. This widespread problem highlights the need for collective action to reduce plastic usage, promote sustainable alternatives, and implement effective recycling practices to mitigate its impact on the planet.
What is the best summary of a passage about the environmental impact of plastic waste?
A. Plastic waste is harmful to ecosystems, and reducing usage can mitigate damage.
B. People should recycle more often.
C. Oceans are filled with plastic trash.
D. Plastic is dangerous.
Answer: A. Plastic waste is harmful to ecosystems, and reducing usage can mitigate damage.
Which sentence from a passage about exercise supports the claim that it boosts energy?
A. “Many people exercise daily.”
B. “Exercise increases oxygen and blood flow to the brain.”
C. “Some people dislike working out.”
D. “Gyms offer various equipment options.”
Answer: B. “Exercise increases oxygen and blood flow to the brain.”
This tone is often used to convey deep respect and admiration for the subject of the writing. Which of the following best describes it?
A. Sarcastic
B. Reverent
C. Melancholy
D. Flippant
Correct Answer: B. Reverent
What does the word “compelling” mean in this sentence? “The speaker provided compelling evidence to support her claim.”
A. Unconvincing
B. Persuasive
C. Unrelated
D. Complex
Answer: B. Persuasive
What is the purpose of a passage that discusses the dangers of distracted driving?
A. To entertain
B. To persuade
C. To inform
D. To narrate
Answer: B. To persuade
Which detail supports the main idea that “exercise benefits mental health”?
A. Many people enjoy running.
B. Regular exercise reduces stress and improves focus.
C. Exercise can sometimes lead to injury.
D. Gyms offer various workout classes.
Answer: B. Regular exercise reduces stress and improves focus.
What inference can you make from a passage about students who perform well on standardized tests?
A. They study consistently.
B. They enjoy taking tests.
C. They never need help.
D. They only study right before the test.
Answer: A. They study consistently.
Which of the following tones best describes an author who uses words like “unnecessary risks” and “irresponsible behavior” when describing a character’s actions?
A. Approving
B. Neutral
C. Disapproving
D. Encouraging
Answer: C. Disapproving
In the phrase “The scientist’s hypothesis was met with skepticism,” what does “skepticism” mean?
A. Confidence
B. Doubt
C. Approval
D. Curiosity
Answer: B. Doubt
Which phrasing in a question indicates it is about purpose?
A. “What does the word mean in context?”
B. “What is the author’s goal in writing this passage?”
C. “What is the tone of this sentence?”
D. “What evidence supports the claim?”
Answer: B. “What is the author’s goal in writing this passage?”
Bees play a vital role in pollination, a process essential for the reproduction of many plants. As bees collect nectar and pollen from flowers, they transfer pollen between plants, enabling fertilization and the production of seeds and fruits. This natural service supports biodiversity and ensures the growth of crops that humans and other animals depend on for food, highlighting the critical importance of bees to ecosystems and agriculture.
What is the main idea of a passage describing how bees contribute to pollination?
A. Bees are important pollinators.
B. Bees are endangered.
C. Bees produce honey.
D. Bees live in hives.
Answer: A. Bees are important pollinators.
A passage mentions, “Despite her initial fear, Maria excelled at public speaking.” What can you infer about Maria?
A. She had previous experience with public speaking.
B. She overcame her fear with practice.
C. She disliked public speaking.
D. She prefers speaking to writing.
Answer: B. She overcame her fear with practice.
How does the tone in the phrase “despite critics’ protests, the movement continues to thrive” influence the reader?
A. It builds sympathy for the critics.
B. It highlights the resilience of the movement.
C. It mocks the critics’ opinions.
D. It emphasizes the controversy surrounding the movement.
Answer: B. It highlights the resilience of the movement.
What does “meticulous” mean in the sentence, “The artist was meticulous in her attention to detail, ensuring every brushstroke was perfect.”
A. Careless
B. Detailed
C. Hasty
D. Inattentive
Answer: B. Detailed
A passage begins with “Imagine a world without bees...” What is the likely purpose of this introduction?
A. To entertain readers with a story
B. To persuade readers to take action
C. To explain the lifecycle of bees
D. To summarize research on bees
Answer: B. To persuade readers to take action
Which sentence best represents the author’s conclusion in a passage about urban farming?
A. “Urban farming is becoming more popular in cities.”
B. “Urban farming is a sustainable way to address food insecurity in urban areas.”
C. “Urban farming has a long history.”
D. “Urban farming requires a lot of effort.”
Answer: B. “Urban farming is a sustainable way to address food insecurity in urban areas.”
A passage states, “The company’s profits skyrocketed after the new product launch.” What evidence supports this inference?
A. Customer reviews were positive.
B. Sales data showed a significant increase.
C. The company advertised widely.
D. Competitors reduced prices.
Answer: B. Sales data showed a significant increase.
An author describes a scientific breakthrough as “a marvel of modern ingenuity, though fraught with potential ethical dilemmas.” What is the tone?
A. Admiring yet cautionary
B. Purely admiring
C. Cynical
D. Neutral
Answer: A. Admiring yet cautionary
In the sentence, “The politician’s rhetoric was incendiary, provoking outrage among his opponents,” what does “incendiary” most likely mean?
A. Calm
B. Provocative
C. Confusing
D. Misleading
Answer: B. Provocative
A passage concludes with, “Ultimately, the benefits outweigh the risks, but the decision is yours.” What is the author’s purpose?
A. To impose their viewpoint
B. To leave readers with an open choice
C. To confuse readers
D. To criticize a specific action
Answer: B. To leave readers with an open choice
What is the main concept in a passage describing both the benefits and risks of genetic engineering?
A. Genetic engineering is unethical.
B. Genetic engineering has both positive and negative impacts.
C. Genetic engineering is a modern breakthrough.
D. Genetic engineering is dangerous.
Answer: B. Genetic engineering has both positive and negative impacts.
What can you infer from a passage that describes a community rebuilding after a natural disaster?
A. The community was deeply divided before the disaster.
B. The community worked together to recover.
C. Recovery efforts were poorly managed.
D. The community no longer exists.
Answer: B. The community worked together to recover.