I85PREP
⌘ K
TASC EAL/D Level 3 study materials
TASC EAL/D Level 3 study resources

TASC EAL/D Level 3 practice questions

One question at a time. Build your TASC EAL/D Level 3 understanding.

First 50 of 197 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A workplace notice says: 'Staff must submit leave requests at least ten working days before the planned absence.' A worker wants to take leave starting Monday 20 March. Counting back ten working days, what is the latest date to submit the request?

  1. Friday 3 March
  2. Friday 10 March
  3. Monday 6 March Correct answer.
  4. Monday 13 March

Explanation

Ten working days before Monday 20 March excludes the start date and counts only weekdays, skipping weekends. Counting back from Friday 17 March gives ten working days landing on Monday 6 March, which is the deadline.

Question 2Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

Read this sentence: 'Although the machine was expensive, the factory manager approved the purchase because it would reduce long-term costs.' What reason does the manager give for approval?

  1. The machine was cheap to buy.
  2. The machine was already owned.
  3. The machine was recommended by staff.
  4. The machine would lower costs over time. Correct answer.

Explanation

The word 'because' signals the reason for the decision. The clause after 'because' states that the purchase would reduce long-term costs, which is the stated justification.

Question 3Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A recipe states: 'Fold the egg whites into the batter gently, using a slow figure-eight motion, until no white streaks remain.' What is the main purpose of the described motion?

  1. To separate the eggs from the batter
  2. To keep the mixture light by not knocking out air Correct answer.
  3. To mix the batter as quickly as possible
  4. To make the batter change colour

Explanation

The instruction uses 'gently' and a slow motion, which signals the aim of preserving air in the beaten whites. The endpoint of 'no white streaks' simply tells the reader when to stop.

Question 4Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A public notice reads: 'Due to scheduled maintenance, the library will close at 3 pm on Thursday. Normal hours resume on Friday.' What does the notice tell readers about Friday?

  1. The library stays closed all day.
  2. The library closes early again.
  3. The library opens at 3 pm only.
  4. The library returns to its usual timetable. Correct answer.

Explanation

The phrase 'normal hours resume' means the standard timetable starts again. The early closure applies only to Thursday, so Friday follows the usual schedule.

Question 5Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A report states: 'Sales rose by 12 per cent in the first quarter, driven mainly by online orders, while store sales stayed flat.' Which statement is supported by the report?

  1. Online orders were the main source of growth. Correct answer.
  2. Store sales fell sharply.
  3. Online orders dropped in the quarter.
  4. Total sales declined overall.

Explanation

The phrase 'driven mainly by online orders' identifies online sales as the chief cause of the rise. The report says store sales 'stayed flat', meaning unchanged rather than falling.

Question 6Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

An email says: 'Please find attached the revised schedule. Note that the Tuesday session has moved to Wednesday at the same time.' What change does the email describe?

  1. The Wednesday session is now on Tuesday.
  2. The Tuesday session is cancelled.
  3. The Tuesday session now happens on Wednesday. Correct answer.
  4. All sessions have new times.

Explanation

The sentence states that the Tuesday session 'has moved to Wednesday', keeping the same time. Only the day changes, not the time or the whole schedule.

Question 7Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A safety sign reads: 'Hearing protection must be worn beyond this point.' A worker is standing just before the sign. What does the sign require?

  1. Hearing protection is banned beyond the sign.
  2. Hearing protection is needed only after passing the sign. Correct answer.
  3. Hearing protection is optional in the whole area.
  4. Hearing protection must be worn at all times in the building.

Explanation

'Beyond this point' marks the boundary where the rule begins. A person before the sign has not yet crossed that boundary, so the requirement starts after it.

Question 8Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

Read: 'The council introduced bike lanes to reduce traffic. Two years later, car journeys in the city centre had fallen by 8 per cent.' What relationship does the text suggest?

  1. The bike lanes may have contributed to fewer car journeys. Correct answer.
  2. Bike lanes caused car journeys to increase.
  3. Car journeys were unchanged after two years.
  4. The council removed the bike lanes.

Explanation

The text presents the bike lanes first and the fall in car journeys afterwards, suggesting a possible link. The wording is cautious, so it implies contribution rather than proven cause.

Question 9Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A product label says: 'Apply once weekly. Do not use on broken skin. Keep out of reach of children.' Which instruction protects against harm to a person?

  1. Keep out of reach of children.
  2. Do not use on broken skin. Correct answer.
  3. All instructions are about packaging.
  4. Apply once weekly.

Explanation

Broken skin allows a product to enter the body more easily, so avoiding it prevents direct injury to the user. This is a personal safety rule about application.

Question 10Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A news article begins: 'In a surprise announcement, the company revealed it would close three regional offices by December.' What does 'surprise announcement' suggest about expectations?

  1. The offices were already closed.
  2. The closure was unexpected to most people. Correct answer.
  3. The company announced nothing at all.
  4. People had expected the closure for months.

Explanation

The adjective 'surprise' signals that the news was not anticipated. It tells the reader the announcement went against what people expected.

Question 11Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A form states: 'Applicants must provide proof of identity. Photocopies are not accepted.' An applicant brings a photocopy of a passport. What is the outcome?

  1. The application is accepted without proof.
  2. The applicant may return next year.
  3. The photocopy does not meet the requirement. Correct answer.
  4. The photocopy is accepted as proof.

Explanation

The form explicitly rejects photocopies, so a copied passport fails the identity requirement. The rule requires original proof, not a copy.

Question 12Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

Read: 'The training session covers manual handling, fire safety and first aid. Attendance is compulsory for all new staff.' Who must attend?

  1. Only staff trained in first aid
  2. All new staff members Correct answer.
  3. Only managers
  4. Staff who work outdoors

Explanation

The phrase 'compulsory for all new staff' states exactly who is required to attend. The topics listed describe content, not the audience.

Question 13Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A chart description reads: 'Rainfall was highest in June at 120 mm and lowest in September at 15 mm.' What is the difference between the highest and lowest figures?

  1. 135 mm
  2. 120 mm
  3. 15 mm
  4. 105 mm Correct answer.

Explanation

The difference is found by subtracting the lowest value from the highest: 120 minus 15 equals 105. The other numbers are the original data points, not the gap between them.

Question 14Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A paragraph states: 'Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. However, output drops sharply on cloudy days.' What does 'however' signal?

  1. A contrast with the previous point Correct answer.
  2. A repetition of the same idea
  3. A cause of the first sentence
  4. A supporting example

Explanation

The connector 'however' introduces information that limits or contrasts with the previous statement. Here it balances the benefit of solar panels with a drawback.

Question 15Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A memo says: 'Until further notice, the west entrance is closed for repairs. Please use the east entrance.' What does 'until further notice' tell the reader?

  1. The repairs are already finished.
  2. The closure has no announced end date. Correct answer.
  3. The east entrance is also closed.
  4. The closure ends tomorrow.

Explanation

'Until further notice' means the situation continues with no stated finishing point. It tells readers to expect the closure to last until a new message says otherwise.

Question 16Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

Read: 'The survey found that 60 per cent of residents support the new park, 25 per cent oppose it and 15 per cent are undecided.' Which group is the smallest?

  1. Undecided residents Correct answer.
  2. People who oppose it
  3. Supporters and opponents together
  4. Supporters

Explanation

Comparing the three figures, 15 per cent is lower than 60 and 25 per cent. The undecided group is therefore the smallest single category.

Question 17Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A text says: 'The museum's free entry policy increased visitor numbers, but donations fell.' Which conclusion is best supported?

  1. Donations rose after free entry began.
  2. Free entry had both positive and negative effects. Correct answer.
  3. Free entry reduced visitor numbers.
  4. The museum closed because of the policy.

Explanation

The sentence presents one benefit (more visitors) and one drawback (lower donations). Together they show a mixed result of the policy.

Question 18Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

An instruction reads: 'Insert the card chip-first, then enter your PIN when prompted.' What should happen immediately after inserting the card?

  1. Press cancel
  2. Enter the PIN Correct answer.
  3. Remove the card
  4. Wait for a receipt

Explanation

The sequence word 'then' shows the step that follows insertion. The next action is entering the PIN when the machine prompts.

Question 19Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A text states: 'The company claims its new packaging is fully recyclable. Independent tests, however, found that only part of it can be processed locally.' What is the writer's attitude to the company's claim?

  1. Indifferent to the issue
  2. Confused about recycling
  3. Fully supportive
  4. Doubtful because of the test results Correct answer.

Explanation

The word 'however' introduces evidence that contradicts the company's claim. By presenting the independent findings, the writer signals scepticism about the 'fully recyclable' statement.

Question 20Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

Read: 'Applications received after the deadline will be considered only if places remain.' What does this mean for a late applicant?

  1. The application is automatically accepted.
  2. The application is automatically rejected.
  3. The application may be accepted if space allows. Correct answer.
  4. The application must be resubmitted on time.

Explanation

The conditional 'only if places remain' makes acceptance possible but not guaranteed. A late application is therefore considered depending on availability.

Question 21Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A passage notes: 'While the initial cost of the equipment is high, it uses far less electricity than older models.' What is the writer's overall point?

  1. Older models use less electricity.
  2. The equipment is too expensive to consider.
  3. Electricity prices are falling.
  4. Higher upfront cost may be offset by lower running costs. Correct answer.

Explanation

The structure 'while X, Y' acknowledges a drawback and then presents a benefit. The writer balances the high price against long-term savings on electricity.

Question 22Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A notice reads: 'Members are reminded that guests must be signed in at reception and accompanied at all times.' What are the two requirements for guests?

  1. Paying a fee and booking ahead
  2. Registering online and leaving early
  3. Wearing a badge and arriving early
  4. Signing in and staying with a member Correct answer.

Explanation

The sentence lists two conditions joined by 'and': signing in at reception and being accompanied. Both must be met for a guest to enter.

Question 23Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

Read: 'The report recommends installing sensors. It also suggests staff training.' How are the two recommendations related?

  1. They are separate measures that can both be adopted. Correct answer.
  2. They are alternatives, so only one is needed.
  3. The second cancels the first.
  4. They contradict each other.

Explanation

The phrase 'it also suggests' adds a second, independent recommendation. Nothing in the text makes them alternatives or sets them against each other.

Question 24Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A passage states: 'Demand for the course doubled, so the college added two extra classes.' What is the cause in this sentence?

  1. The doubled demand Correct answer.
  2. The added classes
  3. The course content
  4. The college itself

Explanation

The word 'so' marks the result, meaning the clause before it is the cause. Doubled demand is therefore what led to the extra classes.

Question 25Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A text says: 'Many assume that longer working hours increase output. Research, though, shows productivity often falls after eight hours.' What is the writer doing with the first sentence?

  1. Summarising the research findings
  2. Proving a fact with evidence
  3. Stating a view that the text later challenges Correct answer.
  4. Describing the writer's own opinion

Explanation

The first sentence presents a common assumption, signalled by 'many assume'. The word 'though' then introduces research that contradicts it, so the opening sets up a view to be questioned.

Question 26Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A workplace handbook states: 'Staff who work more than five hours in a shift are entitled to a rest break of at least thirty minutes.' An employee works a seven-hour shift. According to the handbook, what is the minimum rest break the employee is entitled to?

  1. Thirty minutes Correct answer.
  2. Fifteen minutes
  3. No break is required
  4. One hour

Explanation

The rule sets a threshold: any shift longer than five hours triggers a minimum rest break of thirty minutes. A seven-hour shift exceeds that threshold, so the full thirty-minute minimum applies. The handbook gives a minimum, not a maximum, so a longer break would also be allowed.

Question 27Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A leaflet says: 'The community library now opens at 9 a.m. on weekdays and closes at 8 p.m. On Saturdays it opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. It is closed on Sundays.' A visitor arrives at the library at 9:30 a.m. on a Saturday. What does the leaflet indicate?

  1. The library has been open for half an hour
  2. The library is closed at that time
  3. The library opens in thirty minutes Correct answer.
  4. The library closes in six hours

Explanation

Saturday opening is stated as 10 a.m., so a visitor arriving at 9:30 a.m. is thirty minutes early. The weekday 9 a.m. opening does not apply on Saturdays. Reading the day-specific times correctly is the key skill here.

Question 28Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

Read this sentence: 'The factory upgraded its machinery last year, which reduced waste by nearly a third.' What does the sentence say was reduced?

  1. The amount of waste produced Correct answer.
  2. The price of the machinery
  3. The length of the working year
  4. The number of factory workers

Explanation

The relative clause 'which reduced waste by nearly a third' attaches to the machinery upgrade and names waste as what fell. No other quantity is described as decreasing. The other items appear only as distractors built from words in the sentence.

Question 29Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A sign in a car park reads: 'Vehicles displaying a valid permit may park here for a maximum of three hours.' A driver has a valid permit and has already parked for two hours and forty minutes. What does the sign require?

  1. The driver may stay for another three hours
  2. The driver must leave within twenty minutes Correct answer.
  3. The driver may stay until the car park closes
  4. The driver must buy a second permit

Explanation

The permit allows a maximum stay of three hours, and two hours forty minutes have already passed. Only twenty minutes of permitted time remain, so the driver must move the vehicle within that window. The permit does not reset the clock or extend the limit.

Question 30Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A report states: 'Sales of electric bicycles rose sharply in urban areas, while sales in rural areas remained largely unchanged.' Which statement best summarises the report's finding?

  1. Electric bicycle sales fell everywhere
  2. Electric bicycle sales grew mainly in cities Correct answer.
  3. Rural buyers purchased more bicycles than urban buyers
  4. Electric bicycles are now the most popular vehicle

Explanation

The report contrasts a sharp rise in urban areas with little change in rural areas, so growth is concentrated in cities. A accurate summary must preserve that contrast rather than generalise to all regions. It also must not add claims about overall popularity.

Question 31Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

Read this passage: 'The new bridge was completed two months ahead of schedule. However, the final cost was almost double the original estimate.' Which statement best captures the passage's overall point?

  1. The bridge was abandoned because of rising costs
  2. The bridge was finished late and cost more than planned
  3. The bridge was finished early and stayed within budget
  4. The bridge was finished early but cost far more than planned Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage presents two linked facts joined by 'however': an early finish and a large cost overrun. A complete summary must include both, since the contrast is the point. Selecting only the positive fact or only the negative one gives an incomplete reading.

Question 32Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A memo states: 'Overtime will be offered only where operational needs cannot be met through normal rostering.' What is the condition for offering overtime?

  1. The month has five working weeks
  2. An employee requests extra hours
  3. Normal rostering cannot cover the work Correct answer.
  4. A manager is on leave

Explanation

The phrase 'only where' introduces a strict condition: overtime is available when ordinary rostering is insufficient. This makes overtime an exception rather than a routine option. None of the other situations is mentioned as a trigger.

Question 33Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A product description says: 'This jacket is water-resistant, not waterproof. It will protect you from light rain but is not suitable for prolonged heavy downpours.' A customer plans a full-day hike in steady heavy rain. What does the description suggest?

  1. The jacket will keep the wearer completely dry
  2. The jacket is unsuitable for those conditions Correct answer.
  3. The jacket should be worn only in sunshine
  4. The jacket becomes waterproof over time

Explanation

The text explicitly distinguishes water-resistant from waterproof and rules out prolonged heavy rain. A full day of steady heavy rain matches the unsuitable case. The distinction between the two terms carries the meaning here.

Question 34Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

Read: 'The company introduced a four-day week as a trial. Output stayed the same, staff turnover fell, and sick leave dropped by a quarter.' Which conclusion is best supported?

  1. The trial reduced output across the company
  2. The trial increased staff turnover
  3. The trial had no measurable effect
  4. The trial produced several measurable benefits Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage lists three measurable outcomes: stable output, lower turnover and reduced sick leave. Two of these improve and one holds steady, which together support a positive conclusion. The conclusion must rest on the figures given, not on opinion.

Question 35Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A notice reads: 'Residents are advised to place bins out the evening before collection. Bins placed out after 6 a.m. may be missed.' What reason does the notice give for putting bins out early?

  1. Residents must be present for collection
  2. Bins must be cleaned before collection
  3. Collections may occur before bins are set out Correct answer.
  4. Bins are collected only in the evening

Explanation

The second sentence explains the consequence: bins put out after 6 a.m. may be missed because collection may already have happened. The advice therefore follows from the risk of a missed pickup. The notice does not require residents to be home.

Question 36Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

Read: 'The council's recycling scheme accepts paper, cardboard and clean plastic containers. Glass and soft plastics such as bags are not accepted at kerbside.' A resident has a bag of soft plastic wrapping and some glass jars. What should the resident understand?

  1. Only the glass is accepted
  2. Neither item belongs in the kerbside recycling bin Correct answer.
  3. Only the soft plastic is accepted
  4. Both items belong in the kerbside bin

Explanation

The passage explicitly excludes glass and soft plastics from kerbside collection. Since both of the resident's items fall into the excluded categories, neither can go in the bin. The accepted list covers paper, cardboard and clean plastic containers only.

Question 37Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A passage says: 'Although the initial price of the software is higher than its competitors, the licence includes free updates for five years.' What advantage does the passage identify?

  1. The software is the cheapest on the market
  2. Updates are included at no extra cost for five years Correct answer.
  3. The licence lasts for only one year
  4. The software never needs updating

Explanation

The concessive structure 'although... the licence includes' signals that the higher price is offset by included updates. The stated benefit is five years of free updates. The passage does not claim the software is cheapest.

Question 38Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

Read: 'The manufacturer's brochure claims the device reduces household energy use by 40 per cent. A consumer group tested twelve units and recorded an average saving of 9 per cent.' What is the most reasonable inference?

  1. The manufacturer's figure and the test result are consistent
  2. The consumer group tested too few units to reach any view
  3. The brochure's figure is not supported by independent testing Correct answer.
  4. The device does not reduce energy use at all

Explanation

The two figures come from different sources and differ greatly, so the advertised claim is not backed by the independent test. The test still found some saving, so the device is not useless. The inference must account for both the direction and the size of the gap.

Question 39Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

A text states: 'Critics argue the policy will burden small businesses. Supporters counter that the same policy will lower costs for those businesses over time.' What is the relationship between the two views?

  1. They disagree about the policy's effect on small businesses Correct answer.
  2. They agree that the policy will raise costs
  3. They both oppose the policy
  4. They discuss entirely unrelated issues

Explanation

Both groups address the same question, the policy's effect on small businesses, but reach opposite conclusions about cost. The contrast lies in the predicted outcome, not in the topic. Recognising that shared topic is essential to comparing the views.

Question 40Reading Comprehension of Informational Texts

Read: 'The study found a correlation between long commutes and reported stress. The authors caution that the data cannot establish whether commuting causes stress or whether stressed people choose longer commutes.' What limitation do the authors identify?

  1. Commuting times were not recorded
  2. The direction of cause and effect is unclear Correct answer.
  3. Stress cannot be measured reliably
  4. The sample size was too small

Explanation

The caution concerns causality: the data show an association but cannot show which factor drives the other. This is a limitation about direction of influence, not about measurement or sample size. The passage explicitly names both possible causal paths.

Question 41Reading Comprehension of Literary Texts

Read this sentence: 'The old lighthouse keeper climbed the stairs slowly, pausing at every window to check the sea.' Which word best describes the keeper's manner as shown in the sentence?

  1. Angry
  2. Careless
  3. Careful Correct answer.
  4. Excited

Explanation

The keeper pauses at every window to check the sea, which shows attentiveness and caution rather than strong emotion. Careful is the word that best captures this deliberate, watchful behaviour.

Question 42Reading Comprehension of Literary Texts

In a short story, a girl hides her report card under her bed and avoids her parents all evening. What does this behaviour most likely suggest about her feelings?

  1. She has forgotten the report card.
  2. She is proud of her results.
  3. She wants to celebrate with them.
  4. She is worried about their reaction. Correct answer.

Explanation

Hiding something and avoiding people are actions that usually signal anxiety about consequences. The behaviour points to fear or worry about how the parents will respond to the report card.

Question 43Reading Comprehension of Literary Texts

Which sentence is written in the first-person point of view?

  1. I could not find my ticket. Correct answer.
  2. They waited on the platform.
  3. The train arrived late again.
  4. She watched the rain fall.

Explanation

First-person narration uses the pronoun 'I' and shows events through the narrator's own experience. Only the sentence with 'I' and 'my' reflects that personal viewpoint.

Question 44Reading Comprehension of Literary Texts

'The wind whispered through the trees.' Which literary device is used in this sentence?

  1. Onomatopoeia
  2. Simile
  3. Personification Correct answer.
  4. Hyperbole

Explanation

Personification gives human qualities to non-human things. Whispering is a human action, and here it is given to the wind, so the device is personification.

Question 45Reading Comprehension of Literary Texts

Read this line: 'Her laughter was a bell ringing across the courtyard.' What is being compared in this line?

  1. The bell and the wind
  2. Her voice and the courtyard
  3. The courtyard and a bell
  4. Her laughter and a bell Correct answer.

Explanation

A metaphor states that one thing is another to create a comparison. The line says her laughter was a bell, so the comparison is between the laughter and the bell.

Question 46Reading Comprehension of Literary Texts

What is the main purpose of a story's setting?

  1. To reveal the author's biography
  2. To list the characters' full names
  3. To establish where and when events happen Correct answer.
  4. To summarise the story's moral

Explanation

Setting refers to the time and place in which a narrative unfolds. It provides the background context that shapes the characters' actions and the mood of the story.

Question 47Reading Comprehension of Literary Texts

In a story, a boy gives away his only coat to a stranger on a freezing night. Which character trait does this action most clearly reveal?

  1. Timidity
  2. Selfishness
  3. Generosity Correct answer.
  4. Curiosity

Explanation

Giving away something essential to help another person shows a willingness to sacrifice for others. This behaviour reveals generosity rather than self-interest or fear.

Question 48Reading Comprehension of Literary Texts

Which of these is a complete sentence rather than a fragment?

  1. Running down the hill.
  2. After the long journey home.
  3. The children waited at the gate. Correct answer.
  4. Because the bus was late.

Explanation

A complete sentence needs a subject and a finite verb that express a full thought. 'The children waited at the gate' has both, while the other options are dependent phrases.

Question 49Reading Comprehension of Literary Texts

Read this paragraph: 'Maya checked the clock for the third time. She paced by the door, then returned to the window. Every few seconds she peered down the empty street.' What mood does the writing create?

  1. Cheerful celebration
  2. Growing tension Correct answer.
  3. Relaxed calm
  4. Quiet boredom

Explanation

Repeated checking, pacing and peering are actions that build a sense of suspense. These details show someone anxious and waiting, which creates tension rather than calm.

Question 50Reading Comprehension of Literary Texts

A narrator says: 'I never trusted the new neighbour, though I had no reason to doubt him.' What does this reveal about the narrator?

  1. The narrator is describing someone else's opinion.
  2. The narrator admits a prejudice without evidence. Correct answer.
  3. The narrator knows the neighbour well.
  4. The narrator is entirely reliable and objective.

Explanation

The narrator openly states a distrust that has no supporting reason, which signals a personal bias. This admission invites the reader to question the narrator's judgement.