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Question 1Comprehension of informational texts
A student reads a short article about how honeybees communicate. Which sentence from the article best states the main idea?
- Honeybees live in large colonies with one queen.
- Beekeepers wear protective suits when they work.
- A honeybee can visit hundreds of flowers in a single day.
- Honeybees use a waggle dance to tell other bees where food is located. Correct answer.
Explanation
A main idea sentence must cover the whole text, not one small detail. The article's topic is how bees communicate, so the sentence about the waggle dance naming food locations captures the central point. The other sentences give supporting or unrelated facts.
Question 2Comprehension of informational texts
An article explains that some desert plants store water in thick stems. What is the author's main purpose in writing this text?
- To describe a trip to a desert
- To entertain readers with a funny story
- To persuade readers to grow cacti
- To inform readers about how plants survive Correct answer.
Explanation
Informational texts that explain how something works usually aim to inform. The content is factual explanation of a survival adaptation, so the purpose is to teach readers. Persuasion would require an opinion and a call to action, which is absent.
Question 3Comprehension of informational texts
Read this sentence: 'The river, once clear, now runs brown with soil washed from nearby fields.' What does the sentence suggest about the river?
- It is a popular place for swimming.
- It has become polluted by soil erosion. Correct answer.
- It is deeper than it used to be.
- It has always been brown.
Explanation
The contrast between 'once clear' and 'now brown' signals a change for the worse. The cause given is soil washed from fields, which is erosion. Readers infer the meaning by connecting the cause to the observed effect.
Question 4Comprehension of informational texts
In an article, a word appears in bold and is followed by its meaning in the same sentence. What is this text feature called?
- A sidebar
- An in-text definition Correct answer.
- A caption
- A heading
Explanation
When a text places a term and then explains it right away, the author is giving an in-text definition. This helps readers understand technical vocabulary without leaving the text. Other features serve different purposes, such as labeling images or organizing sections.
Question 5Comprehension of informational texts
An article states: 'Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours.' How does the author mainly support this claim?
- By quoting an expert scientist
- By giving a concrete statistic Correct answer.
- By telling a personal anecdote
- By comparing two countries
Explanation
The author uses a specific measurable figure to make the benefit of recycling vivid and credible. Statistics are a common form of evidence in informational writing. Expert quotes, stories, and country comparisons would look different on the page.
Question 6Comprehension of informational texts
A text about volcanoes begins with a question: 'Have you ever wondered what makes a volcano erupt?' Why does the author most likely start this way?
- To summarize the conclusion
- To confuse the reader
- To list the sources used
- To hook the reader's interest Correct answer.
Explanation
Opening with a direct question engages readers and makes them want to continue. This is a common hook technique in informational introductions. It does not present conclusions or sources.
Question 7Comprehension of informational texts
A passage says: 'Unlike mammals, fish do not produce milk for their young.' Which text structure does this sentence use?
- Problem and solution
- Cause and effect
- Chronological order
- Comparison and contrast Correct answer.
Explanation
The word 'unlike' signals that two groups are being compared by their differences. Comparison-contrast structure highlights similarities or differences between subjects. Chronological order would use time words, and cause-effect would use words like 'because' or 'therefore'.
Question 8Comprehension of informational texts
An article about bicycle safety includes a diagram with arrows pointing to a helmet, brakes, and reflectors. What is the main job of this diagram?
- To tell a story about a bike race
- To show how to repair a bicycle
- To label important safety parts visually Correct answer.
- To list the price of bicycle parts
Explanation
Diagrams with labels and arrows help readers see and identify parts of an object. Here the purpose is to point out safety features visually. Repair steps, stories, and prices are not represented by labeled arrows.
Question 9Comprehension of informational texts
Read this paragraph: 'Many cities now plant trees along busy streets. These trees absorb noise and dust. They also cool the air on hot days. As a result, neighborhoods with more trees are often more comfortable.' What is the main idea?
- Hot days are common in most cities.
- Trees along city streets bring several benefits. Correct answer.
- Busy streets are dangerous for children.
- Trees are expensive for cities to maintain.
Explanation
The paragraph lists benefits of street trees and ends with a summarizing result. The main idea ties these details together: trees make neighborhoods more comfortable. The other options are not stated or are unrelated.
Question 10Comprehension of informational texts
A student reads: 'The experiment failed twice before it finally worked.' What can the reader infer about the scientist?
- The scientist gave up after one try.
- The scientist did not understand the method.
- The scientist worked alone.
- The scientist was persistent. Correct answer.
Explanation
Inference means drawing a conclusion from clues the author provides. Failing twice and continuing shows determination, which we call persistence. The text does not support giving up, confusion, or working alone.
Question 11Comprehension of informational texts
An author writes: 'We must stop using plastic bags. Our oceans cannot wait.' What is the author trying to persuade readers to do?
- To buy stronger shopping bags
- To study ocean biology
- To reduce the use of plastic bags Correct answer.
- To visit the ocean more often
Explanation
The author makes a direct call to action about plastic bags and links it to ocean harm. Persuasive writing urges a specific behavior change. The other options are not requested by the author.
Question 12Comprehension of informational texts
A text says: 'Because the town built a new dam, the river below it now flows more slowly.' Which relationship does the sentence show?
- Cause and effect Correct answer.
- Comparison
- Description
- Sequence
Explanation
The word 'because' marks a cause (building the dam) and its effect (slower river flow). Cause-and-effect structure explains why something happens. Sequence would use time order, and comparison would point out likeness or difference.
Question 13Comprehension of informational texts
Read the sentence: 'The new policy was met with lukewarm support from the community.' What does 'lukewarm' most likely mean here?
- Very enthusiastic
- Completely absent
- Angry and hostile
- Not very strong Correct answer.
Explanation
The word 'lukewarm' literally means slightly warm, and in this context it describes support that is weak or unenthusiastic. Readers use context and figurative meaning to determine the sense. It is not the same as total absence or hostility.
Question 14Comprehension of informational texts
An article compares two types of bridges, using a table that lists length, cost, and materials for each. Why does the author most likely include this table?
- To make it easier to compare details at a glance Correct answer.
- To hide information from the reader
- To replace the need for any text
- To show the author's opinion
Explanation
Tables organize related facts into rows and columns so readers can compare values quickly. This supports the comparison structure of the article. Tables present data rather than opinions and do not eliminate the surrounding text.
Question 15Comprehension of informational texts
A passage states: 'Some experts argue that homework improves study habits. Others say it leaves students too tired to learn.' How would you describe the author's approach?
- Taking a strong personal position
- Presenting both sides of a debate Correct answer.
- Giving step-by-step instructions
- Telling a fictional story
Explanation
The passage shows two opposing viewpoints without choosing one, which is a balanced presentation of a debate. Recognizing this helps readers judge whether a text is neutral. The author does not state a personal opinion or give directions.
Question 16Comprehension of informational texts
A text says: 'First, the water is filtered. Next, it is treated with chemicals. Finally, it flows into storage tanks.' Which structure is used?
- Problem and solution
- Compare and contrast
- Cause and effect
- Chronological order Correct answer.
Explanation
Words such as 'first', 'next', and 'finally' signal steps in a sequence. Chronological or sequential order arranges information by the order in which things happen. The other structures would use different signal words.
Question 17Comprehension of informational texts
A reader wants to find the year a treaty was signed inside a long article. Which text feature would help most?
- A photo caption about a person
- A bolded date in a timeline Correct answer.
- The author's name
- The title of the article
Explanation
A timeline lists events with dates in order, making a specific year easy to locate. Text features such as timelines help readers find information efficiently. Titles and names do not usually contain the answer.
Question 18Comprehension of informational texts
Read this sentence: 'The scientist's findings were preliminary, so other researchers planned to repeat the study.' Why did the researchers plan to repeat it?
- The findings were not yet confirmed. Correct answer.
- The study cost too much money.
- The results were already proven.
- The scientist refused to share data.
Explanation
The word 'preliminary' means early or not final. The 'so' connects that fact to the decision to repeat the study, showing the results needed confirmation. The other options introduce reasons not stated in the sentence.
Question 19Comprehension of informational texts
An article claims: 'School gardens improve students' attitudes toward healthy food.' Which detail would best support this claim?
- A description of garden tools
- A survey showing students who garden eat more vegetables Correct answer.
- A story about the author's childhood
- A list of vegetables grown in gardens
Explanation
Strong support directly connects the claim to evidence about attitudes or behavior. A survey linking gardening to vegetable eating provides that link. Lists, stories, and tool descriptions do not measure attitudes.
Question 20Comprehension of informational texts
A passage describes how a small town rebuilt after a flood, focusing on one family's experience. Why might the author focus on a single family?
- To list facts about rainfall totals
- To make the event more personal and relatable Correct answer.
- To criticize the town's government
- To prove that floods never happen again
Explanation
Focusing on one person or family is a technique that helps readers connect emotionally to a larger event. It makes an abstract situation concrete and human. The author does not claim floods will stop or list rainfall data.
Question 21Comprehension of informational texts
Two articles describe the same new law. Article A quotes only supporters; Article B quotes supporters and critics. Which statement is accurate?
- Both articles are equally balanced.
- Article B is likely more balanced. Correct answer.
- Article A is likely more balanced.
- Neither article can be evaluated.
Explanation
Balance refers to including more than one perspective on an issue. Article B presents both supporters and critics, so it gives readers a fuller picture. Article A shows only one side.
Question 22Comprehension of informational texts
An author writes: 'Although solar panels cost money to install, they save energy costs over time.' What is the author's overall attitude toward solar panels?
- Uncertain and confused
- Totally neutral
- Completely opposed
- Cautiously favorable Correct answer.
Explanation
The author acknowledges a drawback (installation cost) but emphasizes a benefit (long-term savings). This balanced but positive stance is best described as cautiously favorable. Complete opposition or confusion would ignore the stated benefit.
Question 23Comprehension of informational texts
A text states: 'Cities that added bike lanes saw a 20 percent drop in traffic accidents.' Which conclusion is best supported?
- Bike lanes cause more accidents.
- Traffic accidents never happen without bike lanes.
- Bike lanes may help reduce accidents in cities. Correct answer.
- All cities should ban cars.
Explanation
A careful reader matches the strength of a conclusion to the evidence. The data shows an association between bike lanes and fewer accidents, which supports a cautious claim. It does not prove causation or justify extreme policies.
Question 24Comprehension of informational texts
An article includes the sentence: 'Critics say the plan is too costly, but supporters argue it will save money later.' What does the word 'but' signal in this sentence?
- A cause-and-effect relationship
- A list of examples
- A repetition of the same idea
- A shift to an opposing viewpoint Correct answer.
Explanation
Conjunctions like 'but' signal contrast between two ideas. Here the contrast introduces supporters' view after critics' view, helping readers track opposing perspectives. Repetition, causation, and examples would use different signal words.
Question 25Comprehension of informational texts
A student claims an article is biased. Which evidence would best support that claim?
- The article was published last year.
- The article includes a labeled diagram.
- The article uses emotional language and omits opposing views. Correct answer.
- The article has a table of contents.
Explanation
Bias is shown through slanted language and the selective omission of viewpoints. Pointing to emotional wording and missing perspectives gives direct evidence of bias. Format features like diagrams or publication dates do not by themselves indicate bias.
Question 26Comprehension of informational texts
An article about honeybees states: 'A single colony may contain up to 60,000 bees.' What is the main purpose of this sentence?
- To compare bees with wasps
- To give a specific fact that supports the topic Correct answer.
- To entertain readers with a story
- To persuade readers to keep bees
Explanation
Informational texts often include precise numbers to support the main topic with concrete evidence. A statistic about colony size gives readers a factual detail rather than an opinion or a narrative. Recognizing the role of such details helps readers see how an author builds support for a topic.
Question 27Comprehension of informational texts
A passage about recycling says: 'Glass can be melted and shaped again and again without losing quality.' Which idea does this detail support?
- Glass is a highly reusable material Correct answer.
- Glass breaks easily in landfills
- Glass is difficult to collect
- Glass is cheaper than plastic
Explanation
A supporting detail should connect directly to the main idea it is meant to prove. The sentence stresses that glass can be remelted repeatedly and keep its quality, which points to reusability. Readers should check whether each detail actually backs the claim being made.
Question 28Comprehension of informational texts
A text says: 'The library extended its hours. As a result, more students visited after dinner.' Which relationship does the second sentence show?
- Cause and effect Correct answer.
- Sequence of steps
- Problem and solution
- Contrast
Explanation
Signal words such as 'as a result' show that one event brings about another. The longer hours are the cause, and the rise in visits is the effect. Identifying these signal words helps readers follow how ideas are connected.
Question 29Comprehension of informational texts
A reader is looking through a long article about ancient Rome for the section on aqueducts. Which text feature would locate that section fastest?
- The caption under a photo
- The bolded vocabulary words
- The list of sources at the end
- The headings and subheadings Correct answer.
Explanation
Headings and subheadings label sections so readers can jump to the topic they need. Scanning them is far quicker than reading the whole article. Text features exist to help readers navigate and locate information efficiently.
Question 30Comprehension of informational texts
Read this sentence: 'The volunteers were diligent, arriving early each day and staying until every task was finished.' What does 'diligent' most likely mean?
- Hardworking Correct answer.
- Uncertain
- Careless
- Talkative
Explanation
Context clues in the sentence describe arriving early and staying until all work is done. These behaviors point to steady, careful effort, which is the meaning of diligent. Using surrounding details is a reliable way to work out unfamiliar words.
Question 31Comprehension of informational texts
An article about a new school schedule presents only quotes from students who dislike the change. What does this suggest about the article?
- It was written by a student
- It relies on scientific research
- It gives a balanced view of the schedule
- It presents only one side of the issue Correct answer.
Explanation
When a text quotes only people on one side of an issue, the reader sees a single perspective. Balanced reporting would include voices from both supporters and critics. Noticing whose voices are missing helps readers judge whether a text is one-sided.
Question 32Comprehension of informational texts
A paragraph begins: 'Trees provide shade, clean the air, and shelter birds.' What is the topic of this paragraph?
- Birds that live in trees
- The benefits of trees Correct answer.
- How to plant trees
- Why shade is important
Explanation
The topic is the general subject that all the details share. Here each detail names something trees provide, so the paragraph is about their benefits. Identifying the shared idea behind a list of details reveals the topic.
Question 33Comprehension of informational texts
An author writes: 'Our town should build a skate park because teens currently have no safe place to ride.' Which sentence states the author's claim?
- The town should build a skate park Correct answer.
- Skateboards cost money
- Teens often ride in streets
- Teens enjoy skateboarding
Explanation
A claim is the position the author wants readers to accept, usually stated as something that should or must happen. The sentence about building a skate park expresses that position. The other sentences are reasons or background details rather than the main claim.
Question 34Comprehension of informational texts
A passage explains how a bill becomes a law, describing each stage in order. Which text structure is the author mainly using?
- Cause and effect
- Chronological or sequential order Correct answer.
- Compare and contrast
- Description
Explanation
A process that moves through steps in a fixed order is organized sequentially. Words like 'first,' 'then,' and 'finally' often signal this structure. Recognizing the structure helps readers follow and remember the process.
Question 35Comprehension of informational texts
A text states: 'Although the new bridge was expensive to build, it cut commuter travel time in half.' What does the word 'although' signal in this sentence?
- A cause of higher taxes
- A list of building steps
- A contrast between the cost and the benefit Correct answer.
- An example of a bridge type
Explanation
The word 'although' introduces an idea that contrasts with the main point. Here the high cost is set against the major benefit of faster travel. Signal words like this guide readers to notice how ideas relate.
Question 36Comprehension of informational texts
An article about sleep says: 'Students who sleep eight hours report better focus in class than students who sleep six.' Which conclusion is best supported by this statement?
- Sleep has no effect on schoolwork
- More sleep is linked to better focus Correct answer.
- Focus depends only on diet
- All students need exactly eight hours
Explanation
A valid conclusion must stay within what the evidence shows. The statement connects longer sleep with better reported focus, so a link is supported. Conclusions that go beyond the evidence, such as fixed requirements for everyone, are not justified.
Question 37Comprehension of informational texts
A reader wants to understand why a city's population dropped between 1990 and 2000. Which part of an article would most likely explain the reasons?
- The author's biography
- A section labeled 'Causes of the Decline' Correct answer.
- The title
- A map of the city
Explanation
A heading names the content of the section beneath it, so a section about causes should explain the reasons. Matching a question to the right heading is an efficient reading strategy. Titles and images usually signal topics without explaining causes.
Question 38Comprehension of informational texts
Read this sentence: 'The committee reached a consensus, so every member signed the final report.' What does 'consensus' most likely mean?
- General agreement Correct answer.
- A delay in voting
- A written request
- A strong disagreement
Explanation
The second half of the sentence says every member signed, which shows that everyone agreed. Context clues like this reveal that consensus means general agreement. Checking the result described after the word confirms the meaning.
Question 39Comprehension of informational texts
An author describes how one family survived a hurricane, including their fear and their neighbors' help. Why might the author focus on this family?
- To make the event personal and vivid for readers Correct answer.
- To explain how hurricanes form
- To compare two different storms
- To list safety rules for storms
Explanation
Focusing on one person's or family's experience makes a large event concrete and emotional. Readers connect with individual stories more easily than with statistics. Authors often use this technique to help readers understand the human impact of an event.
Question 40Comprehension of informational texts
A passage says: 'Solar panels require an initial investment. Nevertheless, most homeowners recover the cost within ten years.' What is the author's attitude toward solar panels?
- Supportive despite the cost Correct answer.
- Completely opposed
- Indifferent to the topic
- Uncertain and undecided
Explanation
The author acknowledges the upfront cost but stresses that it is recovered over time. This balance shows acceptance of a drawback while still favoring the panels. Attitude is revealed by which point the author emphasizes.
Question 41Comprehension of informational texts
An article about a new cafeteria menu includes a chart showing how many students chose each meal option over one month. What is the main purpose of the chart?
- To persuade students to cook at home
- To describe the cafeteria's history
- To present data about student choices Correct answer.
- To list the ingredients in each meal
Explanation
Charts and graphs present numerical information visually so patterns are easy to see. A chart of meal choices across a month displays data about students' preferences. Recognizing what a graphic shows helps readers interpret the article's evidence.
Question 42Comprehension of informational texts
A text says: 'Some towns ban plastic straws to protect sea animals. Others argue that paper straws cost more and work poorly.' What does this passage show?
- Two viewpoints on a single issue Correct answer.
- A step-by-step process
- A cause with no effect
- A comparison of two countries
Explanation
The passage presents one position favoring a ban and another raising objections. Presenting both sides of a question is a common way to show that an issue is debated. Readers should recognize that the author is reporting disagreement rather than taking a side.
Question 43Comprehension of informational texts
An article states: 'The museum's new wing opened last spring and now displays over 300 paintings.' Which question does this sentence answer?
- Why were the paintings donated?
- What does the new wing contain? Correct answer.
- Who painted the paintings?
- How much did the wing cost?
Explanation
The sentence tells readers when the wing opened and what it displays. A good reader checks whether a statement actually answers a specific question. Here the content clearly addresses what the new wing holds.
Question 44Comprehension of informational texts
A student reads: 'The company's profits rose after it redesigned its packaging.' Which statement is a reasonable inference?
- The company sells only one product
- The new packaging may have attracted more customers Correct answer.
- The company will soon close
- Packaging never affects sales
Explanation
An inference is a logical conclusion drawn from evidence rather than stated directly. Since profits rose after the redesign, it is reasonable to think the packaging played a role in drawing buyers. Inferences must stay plausible and tied to the text.
Question 45Comprehension of informational texts
An article about homework includes this sentence: 'Supporters say practice builds skill, while critics say long assignments crowd out rest.' Which statement best describes the author's approach?
- The author reports both sides without clearly choosing one Correct answer.
- The author strongly opposes homework
- The author strongly favors homework
- The author ignores the debate
Explanation
The sentence presents a supporting argument and an opposing argument in parallel. Because the author reports both positions without endorsing either, the approach is balanced. Readers should distinguish reporting a debate from taking a side in it.
Question 46Comprehension of informational texts
An article claims: 'Reading fiction improves empathy.' Which detail would best support this claim?
- Some authors write in the first person
- Many novels are longer than 300 pages
- Libraries lend books for free
- A study found that readers scored higher on tests of understanding others' feelings Correct answer.
Explanation
Strong support directly addresses the claim with relevant evidence. A study linking fiction reading to higher scores on understanding feelings connects precisely to empathy. Details about length, narration style, or library rules do not test the claim.
Question 47Comprehension of informational texts
A passage states: 'The city's air quality improved after factories installed new filters, but traffic increased during the same period.' Why might the author include the detail about traffic?
- To describe how filters are built
- To argue that cars should be banned
- To suggest another factor may affect air quality Correct answer.
- To prove the filters did not work
Explanation
Mentioning a second change during the same period signals that more than one factor could influence the result. This helps readers think critically about cause and effect. Careful authors note competing factors so conclusions are not oversimplified.
Question 48Comprehension of informational texts
An article about a drought states: 'Reservoirs fell to 30 percent capacity. Farmers reduced planting, and some towns limited water use.' Which statement best summarizes the passage?
- Farmers grow only one type of crop
- The drought affected both farming and daily water use Correct answer.
- Water use limits were unpopular
- Towns built new reservoirs
Explanation
A summary captures the main idea that connects the details. The passage links low reservoir levels to reduced planting and limited water use, showing broad effects of the drought. Options that focus on a single minor detail miss the overall point.
Question 49Comprehension of informational texts
A text says: 'The vaccine trial was double-blind, meaning neither patients nor doctors knew who received the treatment.' Why does the author include the explanation after 'meaning'?
- To define a technical term for general readers Correct answer.
- To compare two different vaccines
- To criticize the doctors involved
- To persuade readers to join a trial
Explanation
Technical terms can confuse general readers, so authors often define them right after using them. The phrase 'meaning' introduces a plain-language explanation of 'double-blind.' Recognizing this pattern helps readers understand specialized vocabulary without outside help.
Question 50Comprehension of informational texts
An article says: 'Critics note the plan's high cost. Supporters counter that the plan will save money over time.' Which conclusion is best supported?
- The plan's cost is a point of disagreement Correct answer.
- Everyone agrees the plan is cheap
- The plan has already been rejected
- Supporters ignore the cost entirely
Explanation
The two sentences show critics focusing on upfront cost while supporters emphasize long-term savings. This disagreement means cost is a contested issue. The best conclusion stays closely tied to what the text actually reports.