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NB Grade 10 FI Reading study materials
NB Grade 10 FI Reading study resources

NB Grade 10 FI Reading practice questions

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Question 1Reading comprehension of informational texts

In an informational article, the sentence that states the main point the author wants readers to accept is called the:

  1. caption
  2. thesis statement Correct answer.
  3. transition word
  4. supporting detail

Explanation

A thesis statement is the central claim of an informational text; it announces what the author will argue or explain and is then backed by evidence. Supporting details, transitions, and captions all serve subordinate roles around that claim.

Question 2Reading comprehension of informational texts

A student reads a paragraph that opens with a broad claim and then gives three examples. Which structure is the paragraph using?

  1. chronological sequence
  2. generalization followed by illustration Correct answer.
  3. cause and effect
  4. comparison and contrast

Explanation

When a text states a broad claim first and then supplies examples, it moves from a generalization to illustrations of it. The examples exist to make the opening claim concrete and credible.

Question 3Reading comprehension of informational texts

An author writes, 'Clearly, any reasonable person must support this plan.' This sentence is best described as:

  1. a neutral summary
  2. a verified statistic
  3. an appeal that pressures the reader Correct answer.
  4. a direct quotation from an expert

Explanation

The phrase 'any reasonable person must' attempts to make disagreement look unreasonable, which pressures the reader instead of offering evidence. This is a rhetorical appeal rather than proof, so readers should treat the claim with caution.

Question 4Reading comprehension of informational texts

Which feature would most likely be found in a textbook chapter designed to help students review material?

  1. a page of advertising
  2. a list of key terms with definitions Correct answer.
  3. a fictional dialogue between characters
  4. a personal anecdote about the author

Explanation

Review material in textbooks typically includes glossaries or key-term lists that restate essential vocabulary for study. Such features help readers consolidate and check their understanding of the chapter.

Question 5Reading comprehension of informational texts

A news article reports a city's new recycling program. Which sentence is a fact rather than an opinion?

  1. Residents will surely love the new bins.
  2. The council approved the program by a vote of 7 to 2. Correct answer.
  3. The program is the best idea the council has had.
  4. Recycling is the most important issue in the city.

Explanation

A fact is a statement that can be verified through evidence such as public records or minutes. The vote count is checkable, whereas the other sentences express judgments or predictions that cannot be proven.

Question 6Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article about sleep begins with a short story about a tired student before presenting research findings. Why might the author open this way?

  1. to hide the article's main point
  2. to confuse readers about the topic
  3. to replace the need for evidence
  4. to engage readers before delivering information Correct answer.

Explanation

Anecdotal openings are common in informational writing because they give readers a relatable entry point and build interest. Once attention is secured, the author can present the research and main claims.

Question 7Reading comprehension of informational texts

Which word in a sentence most clearly signals that a contrast is coming?

  1. however Correct answer.
  2. therefore
  3. finally
  4. because

Explanation

'However' signals that the next idea will oppose or qualify the previous one, which is the function of a contrast transition. The other choices signal cause, result, or sequence rather than opposition.

Question 8Reading comprehension of informational texts

A diagram in an article shows the parts of a water treatment plant with labels. What is the main job of this diagram?

  1. to argue that the plant is too expensive
  2. to present spatial information visually Correct answer.
  3. to replace the written explanation entirely
  4. to entertain readers with humor

Explanation

Labeled diagrams convey information about physical layout and parts more efficiently than prose alone. They complement the text by showing spatial relationships readers would struggle to picture from words only.

Question 9Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'Urban trees do more than beautify streets. They absorb rainwater that would otherwise flood storm drains, and they lower surface temperatures during heat waves. Cities that invest in tree cover therefore save money on emergency repairs.' What is the author's main claim?

  1. Storm drains are poorly designed in most cities.
  2. Heat waves are caused mainly by a lack of trees.
  3. Trees are attractive but expensive to maintain.
  4. Urban trees provide practical benefits that justify city investment. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage lists concrete benefits of urban trees, such as absorbing rainwater and cooling surfaces, and concludes that cities save money by investing in them. The main claim therefore concerns the practical value of tree cover.

Question 10Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'Some schools have replaced printed textbooks with tablets. Supporters point to lighter backpacks and instant updates. Critics note that screens can distract students and that not every family has reliable internet at home. Both sides agree that cost and equity deserve careful study.' Which sentence best expresses the author's balanced stance?

  1. Internet access is the only issue that matters.
  2. Tablets are clearly superior to printed textbooks.
  3. The tablet debate involves real trade-offs that deserve further study. Correct answer.
  4. Printed textbooks should be banned from schools.

Explanation

The passage presents arguments from both supporters and critics, then notes shared agreement that cost and equity need study. This signals a balanced position that acknowledges trade-offs rather than endorsing one side.

Question 11Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'The town's new bike lane reduced accidents along Main Street by 30 percent in its first year. However, deliveries to shops on that street now take longer, and two businesses reported losing customers who used to park in front.' Which statement is best supported by the passage?

  1. The bike lane produced both benefits and drawbacks. Correct answer.
  2. Delivery drivers refuse to use Main Street.
  3. The bike lane should be removed immediately.
  4. Parking was never allowed on Main Street.

Explanation

The passage gives a measurable safety gain and then describes slower deliveries and lost parking customers. Together these show a mix of positive and negative effects, which is the only conclusion the evidence directly supports.

Question 12Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article states: 'According to a 2022 survey of 1,200 residents, 68 percent support later school start times.' Which detail most strengthens the credibility of this evidence?

  1. The survey question was written by a student council member.
  2. The survey was shared widely on social media.
  3. The survey was conducted by a regional university using random sampling. Correct answer.
  4. The article's author personally supports later start times.

Explanation

Credibility of survey evidence depends on who conducted it and how participants were selected. A university using random sampling suggests expertise and reduced bias, which strengthens the finding.

Question 13Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'First, the seeds are soaked overnight. Next, they are planted in shallow trays. Once seedlings reach five centimeters, they are moved outdoors.' Which organizational pattern does the passage use?

  1. definition
  2. problem and solution
  3. comparison
  4. process sequence Correct answer.

Explanation

The signal words 'first,' 'next,' and 'once' mark steps in a procedure, which is a process sequence. The passage explains how to do something in order rather than comparing ideas or solving a problem.

Question 14Reading comprehension of informational texts

An author writes: 'Studies show that students who read for pleasure score higher on vocabulary tests. Still, schools often cut library time to make room for test preparation.' What is the author's implied criticism?

  1. Schools may be making a decision that conflicts with their own goals. Correct answer.
  2. Libraries should be closed entirely.
  3. Students read too much for pleasure.
  4. Vocabulary tests are too easy.

Explanation

The author pairs evidence that pleasure reading boosts vocabulary with the fact that schools reduce library time. The implied criticism is that schools undermine vocabulary growth while trying to raise test scores.

Question 15Reading comprehension of informational texts

Which sentence uses a transition that signals a cause-and-effect relationship?

  1. The bridge was repaired before the festival began.
  2. The bridge was repaired; consequently, traffic flowed smoothly again. Correct answer.
  3. The bridge was repaired, although the cost was high.
  4. The bridge was repaired, and it is made of steel.

Explanation

'Consequently' marks a result that follows from a prior event, which is the hallmark of cause-and-effect signaling. The other sentences signal concession, time, or simple addition.

Question 16Reading comprehension of informational texts

A reader encounters an unfamiliar word in an article. Which strategy best uses context to infer its meaning?

  1. Examine nearby words and the sentence's overall logic for clues. Correct answer.
  2. Assume the word means the opposite of the previous word.
  3. Replace the word with any word of similar length.
  4. Skip the sentence and continue reading quickly.

Explanation

Context clues come from surrounding words, definitions, examples, and the logic of the sentence. Analyzing those clues lets a reader construct a plausible meaning and then verify it against the rest of the passage.

Question 17Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'Vitamin C is often promoted as a cold remedy. A review of twenty-nine trials found that regular vitamin C use did not reduce colds in the general population, though it slightly shortened colds in people under heavy physical stress.' Which conclusion is most accurate?

  1. Vitamin C's benefits appear limited to specific groups. Correct answer.
  2. Vitamin C has no effect on anyone.
  3. Vitamin C prevents colds in the general population.
  4. The trials were poorly designed.

Explanation

The passage reports no reduction in colds for the general population but a modest effect for people under heavy physical stress. The accurate conclusion is therefore that benefits are limited to particular groups.

Question 18Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article about a drought includes a photograph of a cracked reservoir bed with the caption 'Lake Mead, July 2022.' What does the caption primarily add?

  1. a quotation from a scientist
  2. specific time and place for the visual Correct answer.
  3. a statistic about rainfall
  4. an opinion about water policy

Explanation

Captions typically identify what a visual shows and anchor it in time and place. Here the caption tells readers which location and date the photograph documents, which helps them interpret the image accurately.

Question 19Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'The company says its new packaging is fully recyclable. Yet the label does not specify which facilities accept it, and few municipal programs process that type of plastic. The claim is technically true but practically misleading.' Which technique is the author using?

  1. quoting a rival company
  2. qualifying a claim by distinguishing technical truth from practical effect Correct answer.
  3. summarizing an opposing article
  4. defining a scientific term

Explanation

The author accepts that the claim is technically accurate while showing that real-world conditions undercut its usefulness. This is a qualification: separating literal truth from practical impact to reveal a misleading impression.

Question 20Reading comprehension of informational texts

Which statement about an article's headline is most accurate?

  1. A headline always states the full conclusion of the article.
  2. A headline is written by the readers.
  3. A headline may emphasize one angle to attract readers. Correct answer.
  4. A headline never influences how readers interpret a text.

Explanation

Headlines are written to attract attention and often highlight one striking angle of a story. Because they compress information, they can shape expectations before reading, so readers should check them against the article itself.

Question 21Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'In 1990 the river ran clear. By 2005, factory runoff had turned it grey. After new filtration rules took effect in 2010, fish returned within three years.' Which relationship does the passage mainly illustrate?

  1. a definition of filtration
  2. an argument against all factories
  3. a sequence of environmental change and recovery Correct answer.
  4. a comparison of two rivers

Explanation

The passage traces the river's condition across three dated periods, showing decline followed by recovery after regulation. That chronological chain of change is the organizing relationship, supported by specific years.

Question 22Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article states: 'Critics argue the fee will hurt small businesses. Supporters counter that the fee funds road repairs that benefit those same businesses.' What is the author doing in this sentence?

  1. changing the topic to road construction history
  2. proving that the fee is unnecessary
  3. endorsing the critics' position
  4. presenting two opposing positions on a policy Correct answer.

Explanation

The sentence sets the critics' concern directly against the supporters' counterargument, which is the structure of balanced reporting. The author reports both positions without indicating which is correct.

Question 23Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'The report claims the program cut dropout rates by half. But it compares schools that volunteered for the program with schools that did not, and volunteers may already have been more motivated. The finding is suggestive, not conclusive.' Why does the author call the finding 'suggestive, not conclusive'?

  1. The report was written too quickly.
  2. The comparison groups may differ in ways unrelated to the program. Correct answer.
  3. The program was too expensive to evaluate.
  4. Dropout rates are impossible to measure.

Explanation

The author identifies a selection problem: schools that volunteered may have differed from non-volunteers in motivation before the program began. That alternative explanation weakens causal certainty, so the result hints at an effect without proving it.

Question 24Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article about food waste notes that households discard about a third of the food they buy, then describes apps that connect restaurants with hungry customers. Which statement best describes the article's logical gap?

  1. The article argues that households waste no food.
  2. The apps are described as illegal.
  3. The apps address restaurant surplus, not household waste, so they only partly answer the problem. Correct answer.
  4. The article provides no statistics about food waste.

Explanation

The problem is framed around household discards, while the proposed solution targets restaurant surplus. Because these are different sources of waste, the solution addresses only part of the stated problem, leaving a logical gap.

Question 25Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'Advocates call the new transit line a success because ridership exceeded projections. Opponents reply that ridership rose mainly because bus routes were cut, forcing passengers onto the train. Which issue does the opponents' reply raise?

  1. whether buses are more comfortable than trains
  2. whether the line was built on schedule
  3. whether projections were made by the right agency
  4. whether the ridership gain reflects genuine new demand Correct answer.

Explanation

Opponents argue that riders switched from canceled buses rather than choosing the train because of improved service. This challenges whether higher ridership measures real new demand, which is the core of the dispute.

Question 26Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article about a new library opens with a paragraph describing a student who cannot find a quiet place to study. What is the most likely purpose of this opening?

  1. To introduce a problem that the article's main topic will address Correct answer.
  2. To argue that libraries should be replaced by other services
  3. To summarize the article's conclusion before the evidence is given
  4. To list the statistics that the article will later explain

Explanation

Anecdotal openings usually set up a relatable problem so that the information that follows feels relevant and necessary. The details of one student's difficulty create a need that the article's main subject, the new library, can satisfy. Readers are drawn in emotionally before the factual material begins.

Question 27Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'The city planted 400 trees along the riverbank. Within three years, erosion at the site had dropped sharply. The trees' roots held the soil in place during spring floods.' Which sentence best states the main idea?

  1. Tree roots are more effective than concrete barriers.
  2. Spring floods are the most dangerous natural event in the city.
  3. Planting trees along the riverbank helped reduce erosion. Correct answer.
  4. Four hundred trees were planted over a period of three years.

Explanation

The main idea links the action described, planting trees, to the result, reduced erosion, and the passage explains how the roots hold soil. Supporting details such as the number of trees and the timing serve this central point. A main idea must cover the whole passage rather than a single detail.

Question 28Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article includes the sentence: 'Although the vaccine was expensive to produce, it saved the clinic far more in hospital costs.' What relationship does the sentence establish between the two clauses?

  1. A cause followed by its direct effect
  2. A concession followed by a counterbalancing benefit Correct answer.
  3. A sequence of events in time
  4. A comparison of two unrelated clinics

Explanation

The word 'although' signals a concession: the writer admits a drawback before presenting a stronger opposing point. The second clause then balances the first by showing a larger benefit. Recognizing signal words like this helps readers follow an author's reasoning.

Question 29Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article about ocean plastic includes a graph whose vertical axis is labeled 'Tonnes of plastic collected' and whose horizontal axis shows years from 2015 to 2023. What information does this graph most directly present?

  1. Which companies are responsible for ocean plastic
  2. The cost of removing plastic from the ocean each year
  3. The reasons countries produce different amounts of plastic
  4. How the amount of collected plastic changed over time Correct answer.

Explanation

A graph with years on one axis and a quantity on the other shows how that quantity changes across time. The labels tell readers exactly which measurement is being tracked. Graphs of this kind answer 'how much, and when' rather than 'why' or 'who'.

Question 30Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'The museum's free admission on Sundays increased visits by 40 percent, but donations fell by 15 percent.' Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

  1. The museum should stop offering free admission immediately.
  2. Removing the entrance fee attracted more people while reducing donation income. Correct answer.
  3. Free admission always leads to financial failure for museums.
  4. Sunday visitors are less interested in art than weekday visitors.

Explanation

A supported conclusion must restate what the data actually show without adding claims the passage does not make. The passage reports two opposing results, more visits and fewer donations, and a good conclusion captures both. It does not recommend a course of action or generalize beyond this museum.

Question 31Reading comprehension of informational texts

In an article, the writer refers to a proposed tax as 'a modest levy' while a quoted shop owner calls the same tax 'a crushing burden'. What does this difference most clearly reveal?

  1. That the tax will certainly be cancelled
  2. That the two speakers disagree about how significant the tax is Correct answer.
  3. That the shop owner has not read the proposal
  4. That the writer has misunderstood how the tax works

Explanation

Word choice carries evaluation: 'modest levy' minimizes the tax while 'crushing burden' presents it as severe. When two descriptions of the same thing differ this sharply, the text is showing opposing perspectives. Readers should notice that each speaker frames the issue to support a position.

Question 32Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article about a new study on homework includes the sentence: 'The researchers caution that their sample included only students from private schools.' Why does the author include this detail?

  1. To prove that private schools assign more homework
  2. To explain how the researchers chose their topic
  3. To show that the study's findings may not apply to all students Correct answer.
  4. To argue that public schools should be closed

Explanation

A limitation tells readers how far the results can be trusted and where they may not transfer. Because the sample came from one type of school, generalizing to every student is risky. Noting limitations is a common move in responsible reporting of research.

Question 33Reading comprehension of informational texts

A reader wants to find the section of an online article that discusses costs. Which feature is most useful for locating it quickly?

  1. The author's biography at the end
  2. The number of comments below the article
  3. The publication date shown at the top
  4. The subheadings that divide the article Correct answer.

Explanation

Subheadings label what each section covers, so a heading such as 'What will it cost?' points directly to the relevant part. Scanning headings is one of the fastest ways to navigate a long informational text. Other page features do not describe the content of sections.

Question 34Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. Their output drops on cloudy days. Batteries can store excess power for later use. This makes solar systems more reliable.' What is the role of the third sentence?

  1. It restates the first sentence in different words.
  2. It offers a solution to a limitation described earlier. Correct answer.
  3. It introduces a problem with solar panels.
  4. It provides a statistic about solar energy.

Explanation

The second sentence names a weakness, reduced output on cloudy days, and the third sentence presents batteries as a way to address it. The final sentence then states the overall result of that fix. Tracking how each sentence functions helps readers follow an explanation.

Question 35Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article states: 'The festival attracted an estimated 25,000 visitors, according to organizers.' Why might a careful reader treat this figure with some caution?

  1. Organizers may benefit from reporting a large attendance. Correct answer.
  2. Festivals never keep records of how many people attend.
  3. Estimates are always less accurate than exact counts.
  4. The number 25,000 is too large to be believable.

Explanation

When the source of a number has an interest in the outcome, readers should consider possible bias. Organizers gain from showing that their event was popular, so the figure deserves scrutiny. Identifying who provides a statistic is a key part of evaluating it.

Question 36Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'The new bridge was completed two months ahead of schedule. Costs, however, ran 20 percent over budget.' Which word most clearly signals the shift in the passage?

  1. completed
  2. however Correct answer.
  3. ahead
  4. budget

Explanation

'However' is a contrast signal that tells readers an opposing or qualifying point is coming. The first sentence reports good news, and the second introduces a drawback. Recognizing such transitions helps readers anticipate how ideas are connected.

Question 37Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article about remote work presents interviews with five employees who enjoy working from home and one manager who prefers the office. What should a reader notice about this evidence?

  1. The evidence is balanced because both sides are represented.
  2. Interviews are never useful in informational articles.
  3. The manager's view should be ignored entirely.
  4. The evidence is heavily weighted toward one perspective. Correct answer.

Explanation

Counting the sources shows that five voices support one view while only one supports the other. That imbalance can shape the impression the article leaves, even if every quote is accurate. Readers should weigh how representative the evidence is before accepting a conclusion.

Question 38Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'The company announced that its app now has ten million users. It did not say how many of those users are active each month.' What concern does the second sentence raise?

  1. That the reported figure may overstate real engagement Correct answer.
  2. That the app has too few users to matter
  3. That monthly statistics are impossible to collect
  4. That the company has stopped updating the app

Explanation

A total number of registered users can include people who signed up once and rarely return. By noting the missing figure for monthly active users, the passage points to a gap that could make the headline number look stronger than it is. Questioning what a statistic leaves out is a core reading skill.

Question 39Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article describes a city's experiment with congestion pricing. Which detail would best help a reader judge whether the policy worked?

  1. Before-and-after traffic volumes in the priced area Correct answer.
  2. The name of the official who proposed the policy
  3. The color of the signs installed at the zone entrances
  4. The number of meetings held to discuss the plan

Explanation

To judge whether a policy worked, readers need outcome data tied to the policy's goal. Comparing traffic before and after directly measures the effect of the charge. Details about signs, names, or meetings describe the process rather than the result.

Question 40Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'Many people believe goldfish have a three-second memory. In fact, studies have shown that goldfish can remember tasks for months.' What is the author's main purpose?

  1. To correct a widely held misconception Correct answer.
  2. To explain how to care for goldfish at home
  3. To entertain readers with a story about pets
  4. To describe the anatomy of a goldfish's brain

Explanation

The phrase 'many people believe' sets up a common belief, and 'in fact' signals that the author will replace it with evidence. The purpose is therefore to correct a misconception, not to give care instructions or tell a story. Contrast markers often reveal an author's intent.

Question 41Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article about a drought quotes a farmer, a water official, and a climate scientist. What is the main benefit of including these three sources?

  1. It proves that the drought will end soon.
  2. It replaces the need for any factual data.
  3. It shows the topic from several different perspectives. Correct answer.
  4. It makes the article longer and more impressive.

Explanation

Each source brings a distinct viewpoint: personal experience, regulation, and scientific analysis. Together they give readers a fuller picture than any single voice could. Multiple perspectives strengthen coverage but do not substitute for data or predict outcomes.

Question 42Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'The school replaced its vending machines with water fountains. Sales of sugary drinks fell, and visits to the nurse for headaches also declined.' Which claim is best supported by the passage?

  1. Students prefer water to every other drink.
  2. Removing sugary drinks was followed by fewer nurse visits for headaches. Correct answer.
  3. Water fountains are more expensive than vending machines.
  4. Headaches are caused only by sugary drinks.

Explanation

The passage reports two changes that occurred together: less access to sugary drinks and fewer headache visits. A careful reader states this as an association rather than a proven cause. Claims that go beyond what the text reports are not supported.

Question 43Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article about a proposed ban includes the sentence: 'Supporters say the ban protects public health, while opponents argue it limits personal choice.' How is the article organized in this sentence?

  1. It compares two positions on the same issue. Correct answer.
  2. It explains how a product is manufactured.
  3. It describes a sequence of historical events.
  4. It presents one side and ignores the other.

Explanation

The sentence pairs two viewpoints on one proposal, using 'while' to set them side by side. This is a comparison structure that helps readers see the debate clearly. Recognizing such structures makes it easier to summarize an argument.

Question 44Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'The author claims the new policy reduced accidents. She cites only one intersection and does not mention that a traffic light was installed there at the same time.' What weakness is being identified?

  1. The author relies on too many examples.
  2. The author uses language that is too technical.
  3. The author fails to name the city involved.
  4. The author ignores a factor that could explain the result. Correct answer.

Explanation

If a traffic light was added at the same time as the policy, the light rather than the policy could explain fewer accidents. This is a confounding factor, and failing to address it weakens the causal claim. Good readers look for alternative explanations of reported results.

Question 45Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article states: 'Seventy percent of respondents said they would use a bike-share program.' Which additional detail would most help readers interpret this figure?

  1. How long the survey question was
  2. Where the article was published
  3. What color the bicycles would be
  4. How the respondents were selected Correct answer.

Explanation

How a sample is chosen determines whether results can be generalized to the wider public. A random sample of residents supports broader conclusions, while a sample of cycling club members would not. Sampling method is central to judging survey evidence.

Question 46Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'The novel's first chapter describes a storm. The storm damages the family's roof. Later chapters show the family struggling to pay for repairs.' What function does the storm serve in this description?

  1. It sets off a chain of events that drives the story. Correct answer.
  2. It provides background about the region's weather.
  3. It marks the end of the story's main conflict.
  4. It reveals the narrator's opinion of the family.

Explanation

The storm causes damage, and the damage leads to financial struggle in later chapters. The storm therefore acts as an inciting event that sets the plot in motion. Identifying cause-and-effect links helps readers see how a narrative is built.

Question 47Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'The report concludes that the reading program raised test scores. Its evidence comes from schools that adopted the program after being identified as low-performing.' Why might a reader question the conclusion?

  1. Low-performing schools cannot improve their scores.
  2. The report was written by teachers rather than researchers.
  3. The schools may have improved for reasons unrelated to the program. Correct answer.
  4. Test scores are never a valid measure of reading ability.

Explanation

Schools chosen because they were struggling may improve for many reasons, such as extra funding or new staff, so attributing gains solely to the program is risky. The selection method creates a possible alternative explanation. Readers should ask whether the comparison group makes the claim credible.

Question 48Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article about a housing shortage presents data on rising rents, quotes families who cannot find homes, and then describes a zoning reform. Which statement best describes how the parts work together?

  1. The data are included only to make the article more emotional.
  2. The data and quotes illustrate a problem that the reform is meant to address. Correct answer.
  3. The quotes contradict the data and undermine the article's argument.
  4. The reform is described before the problem is established.

Explanation

The rent data establish the scale of the problem and the family quotes give it a human dimension. The zoning reform is then introduced as a response to that problem. Recognizing problem-and-solution structure clarifies why each part appears where it does.

Question 49Reading comprehension of informational texts

Read this passage: 'Some argue that automated checkouts save stores money. Yet the same stores now spend more on technicians who repair the machines.' What does the second sentence do to the first?

  1. It restates the first sentence using different words.
  2. It changes the topic from stores to online shopping.
  3. It introduces a cost that challenges the savings argument. Correct answer.
  4. It provides additional support for the first sentence's claim.

Explanation

The word 'yet' signals a counterpoint, and the repair costs undercut the claim that automation saves money. The second sentence therefore challenges the first by adding an overlooked expense. Tracking such rebuttals helps readers follow an argument's direction.

Question 50Reading comprehension of informational texts

An article reports that a city's recycling rate doubled after it switched to single-stream collection. The article notes that the city also began counting composted food waste as recycling in the same year. What is the most reasonable conclusion?

  1. Single-stream collection definitely caused the entire increase.
  2. The reported doubling may partly reflect a change in how recycling was measured. Correct answer.
  3. Composting should be eliminated from all recycling programs.
  4. The city's residents became twice as environmentally conscious.

Explanation

When the definition of what counts changes at the same time as the policy, the measured increase mixes two effects. Some of the rise may come from counting composted waste rather than from more material being recycled. Careful readers separate changes in measurement from changes in behavior.