Citing Evidence
Main Idea
Vocabulary in Context
Author’s Purpose
Evaluating Arguments)
100

"Despite the city’s rapid growth, many residents feel a sense of community is being lost. Small businesses are closing as large corporations move in, and long-time residents are being pushed out due to rising costs. In response, the local government has proposed a policy to preserve affordable housing and support small businesses."

Question:
Which detail from the paragraph best supports the idea that some residents feel their community is changing?
A) “The city’s rapid growth”
B) “Many residents feel a sense of community is being lost.”
C) “Local government has proposed a policy”
D) “Large corporations move in”

B) “Many residents feel a sense of community is being lost.”

100

"Emma had always dreamed of becoming a teacher. However, when she finally got her first job, she realized it wasn’t as easy as she’d imagined. She faced challenging students, long hours, and a heavy workload. Despite this, her passion for teaching never faded, and she eventually found ways to overcome these difficulties."

Question:
What is the central idea of the paragraph?
A) Emma is struggling in her new job.
B) Emma’s passion for teaching helps her overcome challenges.
C) Teaching is a difficult profession.
D) Emma realizes her job isn’t what she expected.

B) Emma’s passion for teaching helps her overcome challenges.

100

"The athlete’s performance was nothing short of exemplary. She displayed remarkable skill and determination, leading her team to victory despite numerous setbacks. Her commitment to excellence inspired both her teammates and fans alike."

Question:
What does the word exemplary most likely mean as used in the paragraph?
A) Average
B) Inadequate
C) Impressive
D) Lucky

C) Impressive

100

"In her editorial, the author argues that climate change should be addressed at the local level. She emphasizes the role individuals can play in reducing emissions, suggesting that communities can make a significant impact through small changes. She concludes by calling on readers to take action now rather than waiting for government intervention."

Question:
What is the author’s primary purpose in writing this paragraph?
A) To inform readers about government policies on climate change
B) To entertain readers with stories about climate activists
C) To persuade readers to take action on climate change
D) To explain the science behind climate change

C) To persuade readers to take action on climate change

100

"Some people believe that homework is essential for reinforcing what students learn in class. Others argue that it adds unnecessary stress and takes away from valuable time that could be spent on other activities. To address these concerns, schools should consider reducing the amount of homework assigned to allow students more time for rest and personal growth."

Question:
Which of the following best states the claim in the paragraph?
A) Homework is essential for reinforcing learning.
B) Homework should be eliminated altogether.
C) Schools should consider reducing the amount of homework.
D) Students should focus only on academics outside of school.

C) Schools should consider reducing the amount of homework.

200

"The museum recently opened a new exhibit featuring artifacts from ancient Egypt. The exhibit has already attracted thousands of visitors, who are eager to learn more about the lives and culture of the ancient Egyptians."

Question:
Which piece of evidence from the paragraph shows the exhibit’s popularity?
A) “Artifacts from ancient Egypt”
B) “The museum recently opened a new exhibit”
C) “Thousands of visitors have already visited”
D) “Eager to learn more about lives and culture”

C) “Thousands of visitors have already visited”

200

"Plastic pollution is a growing problem for the environment, particularly in the oceans. Marine animals often mistake plastic for food, which can be deadly. Additionally, the chemicals in plastics can harm the health of marine life and disrupt ecosystems. Scientists are researching ways to reduce plastic waste and promote alternatives that are less harmful."

Question:
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
A) Marine animals often eat plastic.
B) Plastic pollution harms marine life and ecosystems.
C) Scientists are finding alternatives to plastic.
D) The chemicals in plastics are toxic.

B) Plastic pollution harms marine life and ecosystems.

200

"The politician’s statement was filled with ambiguous language, leaving many listeners confused about his true stance on the issue. He seemed to deliberately avoid giving a clear answer, causing some to question his credibility."

Question:
What does the word ambiguous most likely mean as used in the paragraph?
A) Clear
B) Confusing
C) Brief
D) Enthusiastic

B) Confusing

200

"The article argues that renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, are crucial for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. It stresses the importance of investing in these energy sources to create a sustainable future for generations to come."

Question:
What is the author’s point of view in the paragraph?
A) Renewable energy sources are unnecessary.
B) The future of energy relies on non-renewable resources.
C) Investing in renewable energy is essential for a sustainable future.
D) Climate change is not a major issue.

C) Investing in renewable energy is essential for a sustainable future.

200

"The article claims that increased funding for public schools will lead to improved student outcomes. However, the evidence provided is based on a study from one state and fails to consider the challenges of implementing such funding in diverse regions. Therefore, the argument lacks sufficient evidence to be fully convincing."

Question:
What is the weakness in the argument presented in the paragraph?
A) The study was conducted in multiple states.
B) The article provides evidence from a single state without considering other factors.
C) The article does not mention the funding needed.
D) The study showed clear evidence of improvement in student outcomes.

B) The article provides evidence from a single state without considering other factors.

300

"Jamal was determined to make a difference in his community. After noticing that many local parks were littered with trash, he organized a neighborhood cleanup. Over fifty people joined him, and together they collected more than 200 bags of garbage. By the end of the day, the parks looked better than ever."

Question:
Which piece of evidence from the paragraph shows that Jamal's cleanup effort was successful?
A) "Jamal was determined to make a difference in his community."
B) "He organized a neighborhood cleanup."
C) "Over fifty people joined him."
D) "They collected more than 200 bags of garbage."

D) "They collected more than 200 bags of garbage."

300

"During her speech, the mayor highlighted the new public transportation options in the city, including a bike-sharing program, additional bus routes, and a reduced fare for low-income residents. She explained that these improvements were intended to make transportation more accessible and environmentally friendly."

Question:
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
A) The mayor discussed low-income residents.
B) New public transportation options are improving accessibility.
C) A bike-sharing program was introduced.
D) Public transportation helps reduce pollution.

B) New public transportation options are improving accessibility.

300

"The detective's meticulous investigation led to the discovery of crucial evidence that had been overlooked by others. His attention to detail and persistence were key to solving the case."

Question:
What does the word meticulous most likely mean as used in the paragraph?
A) Careless
B) Thorough and careful
C) Quick and hasty
D) Uninterested

B) Thorough and careful

300

"In her book, the author explores the benefits of meditation for mental health, explaining how regular practice can reduce stress, improve focus, and increase overall well-being. She provides practical tips for beginners and emphasizes that anyone can start meditating, regardless of their experience level."

Question:
What is the author’s purpose in writing this paragraph?
A) To persuade readers to meditate regularly
B) To entertain readers with a story about meditation
C) To inform readers about different types of meditation
D) To explain the history of meditation

A) To persuade readers to meditate regularly

300

"More people should be encouraged to adopt pets from animal shelters. Not only does it give abandoned animals a second chance, but it also helps reduce the number of stray animals. Furthermore, adopting from shelters can be a more affordable option for families, as shelter fees are often lower than purchasing from breeders."

Question:
Which of the following is the claim made in the paragraph?
A) People should adopt pets from breeders.
B) Animal shelters should reduce their fees.
C) Adopting pets from shelters benefits animals and families.
D) Stray animals should be removed from the streets.

C) Adopting pets from shelters benefits animals and families.

400

"The chef's new recipe quickly became a favorite at the restaurant. Customers raved about the dish’s unique flavor and often returned just to order it again. Within weeks, the restaurant decided to add it to their permanent menu due to its popularity."

Question:
Which detail from the paragraph best supports the idea that the dish was popular?
A) "The chef's new recipe quickly became a favorite."
B) "Customers raved about the dish’s unique flavor."
C) "Customers often returned just to order it again."
D) "The restaurant decided to add it to their permanent menu."

D) "The restaurant decided to add it to their permanent menu."

400

"Studies have shown that regular exercise not only improves physical health but also has a positive impact on mental health. Exercise can reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve focus. Many experts recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise a day for both physical and mental benefits."

Question:
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
A) Regular exercise benefits physical and mental health.
B) Exercise improves focus.
C) Experts recommend exercising every day.
D) Exercise can increase happiness.

A) Regular exercise benefits physical and mental health.

400

"The scientist's innovative approach to solving the problem was praised by her colleagues. She introduced new methods that had never been tried before, which led to groundbreaking discoveries."

Question:
What does the word innovative most likely mean as used in the paragraph?
A) Outdated
B) Original and creative
C) Simple and easy
D) Traditional

B) Original and creative

400

"Despite the challenges faced by the company during the economic downturn, the CEO’s letter reassures shareholders that the company is taking proactive steps to recover and remain profitable. The letter highlights strategies for cost reduction and investment in new markets."

Question:
What is the purpose of the CEO’s letter?
A) To apologize for the company’s losses
B) To explain the company’s strategies for recovery
C) To announce the company’s closure
D) To criticize the economic downturn

B) To explain the company’s strategies for recovery

400

"The report argues that electric cars are the future of transportation, pointing to the growing popularity of electric vehicles and their lower environmental impact. However, it fails to address the fact that electric cars still rely on electricity generated from fossil fuels in many areas, which limits their potential environmental benefits."

Question:
What is the weakness in the argument presented in the paragraph?
A) The argument focuses only on the environmental impact.
B) The report overlooks the limitations of electric cars’ environmental benefits.
C) The report provides evidence of the popularity of electric cars.
D) The report advocates for the use of fossil fuels.

B) The report overlooks the limitations of electric cars’ environmental benefits.

500

"Samantha was a talented musician who spent hours practicing every day. Her dedication paid off when she won first place in a prestigious music competition. Her teachers and friends were incredibly proud of her achievement, and Samantha felt more motivated than ever to pursue her dreams."

Question:
Which piece of evidence from the paragraph best demonstrates Samantha's success in music?
A) "Samantha was a talented musician."
B) "She spent hours practicing every day."
C) "She won first place in a prestigious music competition."
D) "Her teachers and friends were incredibly proud of her achievement."

C) "She won first place in a prestigious music competition."

500

"Online education has become more popular in recent years, offering students flexibility and a variety of learning options. Many students prefer it because they can study at their own pace, while others appreciate the convenience of learning from anywhere. Although it has its challenges, online education continues to grow as technology improves."

Question:
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
A) Online education is challenging for many students.
B) Technology is improving online education.
C) Online education offers flexibility and convenience.
D) Many students prefer to study at their own pace

C) Online education offers flexibility and convenience.

500

"His speech was filled with eloquent words that captivated the audience. The way he expressed his ideas made even complex concepts easy to understand and deeply moving."

Question:
What does the word eloquent most likely mean as used in the paragraph?
A) Unclear
B) Powerful and persuasive
C) Simple
D) Brief

B) Powerful and persuasive

500

"Although online shopping has many advantages, such as convenience and a wider selection of products, it can also be detrimental to local businesses. Small shops struggle to compete with large online retailers, and communities may lose valuable resources like personal service and local jobs."

Question:
What is the author’s point of view on online shopping?
A) Online shopping is entirely beneficial to everyone.
B) Online shopping has both positive and negative impacts.
C) Online shopping should be banned to protect local businesses.
D) Online shopping has no impact on local businesses.

B) Online shopping has both positive and negative impacts.

500

"Given the evidence of the negative effects of fast food on health, such as an increased risk of heart disease and obesity, it is clear that the government should impose stricter regulations on the marketing and availability of fast food. By doing so, we can reduce health risks and encourage healthier eating habits in the population."

Question:
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the paragraph?
A) To explain the causes of heart disease and obesity
B) To persuade the reader that the government should regulate fast food
C) To describe the positive effects of fast food on health
D) To inform the reader about the dangers of fast food consumption

B) To persuade the reader that the government should regulate fast food