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SK SSA ELA 4 study materials
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SK SSA ELA 4 practice questions

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Question 1Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A student reads an article about how honeybees communicate. The author writes that a scout bee performs a 'waggle dance' to tell other bees where flowers are located. Which sentence best states the main idea of this part of the article?

  1. Honeybees use a special dance to share information about food sources. Correct answer.
  2. Honeybees are the only insects that live in large groups.
  3. Flowers produce nectar that bees collect throughout the day.
  4. The waggle dance is difficult for scientists to record on video.

Explanation

A main idea statement captures what the whole section is mostly about, not one small detail. The passage focuses on how a scout bee's dance communicates the location of flowers, so the idea that bees share food information through dance is the best summary. Details about nectar, group living, or video recording support or drift from that central point.

Question 2Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read this sentence from an informational article: 'Because the city added more bike lanes, fewer people now drive to work downtown.' Which relationship between ideas does the word 'Because' signal?

  1. A sequence of events in time
  2. A contrast between two opposing facts
  3. A comparison of two similar things
  4. A cause-and-effect connection Correct answer.

Explanation

The word 'Because' introduces a reason, so the sentence links a cause (more bike lanes) to an effect (fewer people driving). Signal words such as 'because,' 'so,' and 'as a result' point readers to cause-and-effect relationships. Contrast words would be 'however' or 'but,' and time words would be 'then' or 'after.'

Question 3Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article about recycling states: 'Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours.' Why does the author most likely include this fact?

  1. To describe the history of aluminum mining
  2. To show readers a concrete benefit of recycling Correct answer.
  3. To persuade readers that aluminum cans are dangerous
  4. To explain how televisions use electricity

Explanation

Authors choose facts that support their purpose. A surprising, concrete comparison helps readers understand the real value of recycling by making the energy savings easy to picture. The fact is not about danger, television operation, or mining history, so those purposes do not fit.

Question 4Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Which detail from a passage would best support the claim that bats help farmers?

  1. Some bats live in caves and others live in trees.
  2. Bats use echolocation to navigate in the dark.
  3. A single bat can eat thousands of insects each night. Correct answer.
  4. Bats are mammals that give birth to live young.

Explanation

A supporting detail must connect directly to the claim. If bats eat thousands of insects nightly, they can reduce crop pests, which directly helps farmers. The other statements are true facts about bats but do not explain a benefit to farming.

Question 5Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

In an article, a word appears in bold type and is followed by its meaning in the same sentence. What is the author most likely doing?

  1. Giving an opinion about the topic
  2. Asking the reader a question
  3. Switching to a story about a person
  4. Introducing and defining a key term Correct answer.

Explanation

Bold type plus an in-sentence definition is a common text feature authors use to highlight and explain important vocabulary. This helps readers understand technical terms without leaving the text. Opinion, narrative, and questioning are different purposes that do not match this feature.

Question 6Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage about volcanoes explains that magma rises because it is less dense than the surrounding rock. What kind of information is the author mainly providing?

  1. A set of directions for building a model
  2. A personal memory of visiting a volcano
  3. A scientific explanation of how something happens Correct answer.
  4. An opinion about which volcano is most beautiful

Explanation

The sentence gives a reason for a natural process, which is the structure of a scientific explanation. It states a cause (lower density) that leads to an effect (magma rising). It does not express taste, recall a memory, or give instructions.

Question 7Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Which sentence from an article is a fact rather than an opinion?

  1. Everyone should visit the museum at least once.
  2. The museum is the most exciting place in the city.
  3. The dinosaur exhibit is better than the space exhibit.
  4. Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level. Correct answer.

Explanation

A fact is a statement that can be checked and proven true or false. The boiling point of water can be measured, so it is a fact. The other sentences use judgment words like 'exciting,' 'should,' and 'better,' which show personal opinion.

Question 8Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article includes the heading 'How Seeds Travel.' Under it, the author describes seeds that float on wind, stick to fur, and wash away in rain. How is this section organized?

  1. By stating a problem and then a solution
  2. By listing events in the order they happened
  3. By describing several ways seeds move Correct answer.
  4. By comparing two seeds in detail

Explanation

The section groups several examples under one heading, each showing a different method of seed movement. This is a description or classification structure. It is not a two-item comparison, a timeline, or a problem-solution pattern.

Question 9Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read this passage: 'Coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor. Yet they support about one quarter of all ocean species.' What does the word 'Yet' help the reader understand?

  1. The second sentence gives an example of the first.
  2. The two facts contrast in a surprising way. Correct answer.
  3. The second sentence happened before the first.
  4. The two facts describe the same thing.

Explanation

'Yet' is a contrast signal. It tells the reader that the second fact pushes against what the first fact would lead you to expect: small size but huge importance. Example, time, and restatement words would be 'for example,' 'before,' or 'in other words.'

Question 10Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A writer claims that school gardens improve student learning. Which piece of evidence would most strongly support this claim?

  1. A teacher says she enjoys gardening at home on weekends.
  2. Many schools across the country have started gardens.
  3. Students who worked in the garden scored higher on a science test than students who did not. Correct answer.
  4. The school garden contains twelve different kinds of vegetables.

Explanation

Strong evidence directly connects the claim to a measurable result. A comparison of test scores links garden work to learning. The other options describe personal enjoyment, garden contents, or popularity, none of which shows that learning improved.

Question 11Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An author writes: 'We must protect the last remaining wetlands before it is too late.' Which word most clearly reveals the author's point of view?

  1. before
  2. remaining
  3. must Correct answer.
  4. wetlands

Explanation

Point-of-view words reveal how the author feels about a topic. 'Must' signals urgency and a strong recommendation, showing the author believes action is necessary. The other words are neutral or structural and do not carry the author's attitude.

Question 12Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read this paragraph: 'Some deserts are hot all year. Others, like the Gobi, are cold in winter. Still others, such as the Atacama, are almost completely dry.' What is the author's main purpose in this paragraph?

  1. To show that deserts vary in climate Correct answer.
  2. To explain how deserts were formed
  3. To argue that one desert is the best
  4. To describe a single desert in detail

Explanation

The paragraph gives several examples of different desert conditions, which shows variety. Words like 'some,' 'others,' and 'still others' signal a range of categories. The author is not arguing, explaining formation, or focusing on one desert.

Question 13Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage states: 'Many people believe goldfish have a three-second memory. In fact, studies show goldfish can remember information for months.' How does the author develop the idea in these sentences?

  1. By correcting a common misconception with evidence Correct answer.
  2. By describing the steps of a science experiment
  3. By telling a story about a pet goldfish
  4. By comparing goldfish to other pets

Explanation

The phrase 'Many people believe' introduces a popular but false idea, and 'In fact' signals the correction backed by research. This is a common informational pattern: state a myth, then present evidence that corrects it. No experiment steps, pet comparison, or story appear.

Question 14Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article about sleep includes a graph showing how many hours teenagers sleep each night. Why would the author include this graph?

  1. To make the article look more colorful
  2. To replace the need for any written text
  3. To help readers see data about sleep patterns Correct answer.
  4. To show the author's opinion about bedtime

Explanation

Graphs are text features that present numerical information visually so readers can quickly compare data. The graph supports the article's ideas about sleep patterns. It is not decoration, a replacement for text, or a statement of opinion.

Question 15Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read this sentence: 'Unlike tropical rainforests, which stay warm all year, temperate forests experience four distinct seasons.' Which text structure does the sentence use?

  1. Comparison and contrast Correct answer.
  2. Cause and effect
  3. Problem and solution
  4. Chronological order

Explanation

The word 'Unlike' and the pairing of two forest types signal comparison and contrast. The sentence points out how the two forests differ in temperature and seasons. Time order, problem-solution, and cause-effect words do not appear.

Question 16Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An author writes that a new library program 'has already helped hundreds of families.' Which question would best help a reader evaluate whether this evidence is reliable?

  1. Do libraries usually offer programs?
  2. Is the library building large enough?
  3. How was the number of families counted? Correct answer.
  4. What color is the library's sign?

Explanation

To judge evidence, readers should ask how the data was gathered and whether the method is trustworthy. Knowing how families were counted helps determine if the claim is accurate. Building size, typical library offerings, and sign color do not test the evidence.

Question 17Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage explains that beavers build dams, which create ponds, which attract fish and birds. What is the main idea of this passage?

  1. Beaver dams create habitats that support other wildlife. Correct answer.
  2. Fish and birds need ponds in order to survive.
  3. Beavers are the largest rodents in North America.
  4. Building a dam requires strong teeth and branches.

Explanation

The main idea ties the linked facts together. The passage shows a chain from dam building to pond creation to more wildlife, so the central point is that beaver dams support other animals. The other options are single details or unrelated facts.

Question 18Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A writer states: 'In my opinion, our town should build more sidewalks.' Which sentence from the same article would best show that the writer is supporting this opinion with a reason?

  1. The town's population is about 9,000 people.
  2. The town was founded in 1885.
  3. Many towns have a mayor and a town council.
  4. Sidewalks would let students walk to school more safely. Correct answer.

Explanation

An opinion needs reasons that explain why it is worth accepting. A statement about safer walking gives a direct benefit of sidewalks. Founding dates, government structure, and population are facts that do not support the recommendation.

Question 19Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article presents two scientists who disagree about whether robots will replace certain jobs. How could the author best help readers understand both sides fairly?

  1. By quoting each scientist's main reasons and evidence Correct answer.
  2. By stating which scientist is more famous
  3. By describing only the scientist the author agrees with
  4. By ending the article before the disagreement is explained

Explanation

Fair coverage of a debate presents each side's claims and the evidence behind them so readers can judge for themselves. Quoting reasons and evidence does this. Fame, one-sided coverage, or cutting off the discussion would not help readers understand both views.

Question 20Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read this sentence: 'The experiment failed; however, the team learned which materials did not work.' What does 'however' show about the relationship between the two parts?

  1. The second part repeats the first part.
  2. The second part contrasts with the first part. Correct answer.
  3. The second part happened first in time.
  4. The second part gives a cause of the first.

Explanation

'However' is a contrast signal, showing that the second clause pushes against the negative first clause. The failure is balanced by a positive outcome. Repetition, time order, and cause words would be different signal words.

Question 21Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An author writes: 'Although the study was small, its results were striking and deserve further investigation.' What does this sentence reveal about the author's view of the study?

  1. The author thinks the study is valuable but limited. Correct answer.
  2. The author is uninterested in the study's results.
  3. The author completely rejects the study's findings.
  4. The author believes the study proves the theory.

Explanation

The sentence balances two ideas: a limitation ('small') and a strength ('striking'). Words like 'although' and 'deserve further investigation' show cautious interest rather than full rejection or full acceptance. This balanced stance is common in careful informational writing.

Question 22Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Two articles discuss a new bridge. Article A says it 'will reduce traffic for thousands of drivers.' Article B says it 'cost far more than planned and may not pay off for years.' A reader wants a balanced understanding. What should the reader do?

  1. Assume both articles are completely false
  2. Trust Article A because it sounds more positive
  3. Compare the evidence and claims in both articles Correct answer.
  4. Read only Article B because it includes numbers

Explanation

Balanced reading means weighing the claims and evidence from multiple sources instead of accepting one viewpoint. Each article emphasizes a different aspect, so comparing them gives a fuller picture. Choosing by tone or rejecting both without evidence is not sound reasoning.

Question 23Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article claims that a certain diet 'boosts energy for everyone.' Which weakness in the claim would a careful reader most likely notice?

  1. The claim mentions diet, which is a common topic
  2. The claim uses the absolute word 'everyone,' which is hard to prove Correct answer.
  3. The claim is short and easy to read
  4. The claim appears near the end of the article

Explanation

Absolute words like 'everyone,' 'always,' and 'never' make a claim difficult to support because a single exception disproves it. A careful reader would question such sweeping language. Topic, length, and placement do not make a claim weak.

Question 24Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An author describes a factory closing by first telling the story of one worker, then explaining the town's economy. Why might the author begin with the worker's story?

  1. To help readers connect emotionally before presenting broader facts Correct answer.
  2. To prove that the factory closure was the worker's fault
  3. To show that the town's economy is unimportant
  4. To avoid giving any factual information about the town

Explanation

Authors often open with a personal example to engage readers and make an abstract issue feel real. After building that connection, they can present larger economic facts. The story is not meant to assign blame, avoid facts, or dismiss the town's economy.

Question 25Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article states: 'The company says its new packaging is recyclable. Independent labs, however, found that few recycling centers can process it.' What is the most accurate conclusion a reader can draw?

  1. The packaging is recyclable everywhere.
  2. Recycling centers refuse to handle all packaging.
  3. The company's claim is technically possible but practically limited. Correct answer.
  4. The independent labs are unreliable.

Explanation

The two sentences together show a gap between a claim and real-world results. The material may be recyclable in theory, but few centers can handle it, so the practical value is limited. The passage does not support the other conclusions.

Question 26Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An informational article about honeybees opens with a short story about one beekeeper's morning, then explains how hives are organized. Why would the author most likely begin this way?

  1. To list every fact about bees in order of importance
  2. To persuade readers to become beekeepers themselves
  3. To engage readers with a specific example before presenting broader information Correct answer.
  4. To prove that beekeeping is more profitable than farming

Explanation

Informational authors often open with a small, concrete scene to draw readers in before moving to general explanation. The story serves as a hook, not as proof of a claim or a ranked list of facts.

Question 27Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A textbook section on the water cycle includes the subheadings 'Evaporation,' 'Condensation,' and 'Precipitation.' What does this organization mainly help readers do?

  1. Memorize the names of the subheadings
  2. Locate each stage of the cycle quickly Correct answer.
  3. Compare the water cycle to other cycles
  4. Judge whether the water cycle is important

Explanation

Subheadings divide a topic into labeled parts so readers can find information fast. Here each subheading names one stage, letting a reader jump straight to the stage they need.

Question 28Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read this sentence from an article: 'Scientists have identified more than 1,500 species of bacteria living on the human skin.' What kind of information does this sentence provide?

  1. A factual statement that can be checked Correct answer.
  2. A request for readers to act
  3. A prediction about future research
  4. An opinion about bacteria

Explanation

The sentence reports a specific number that can be verified against scientific sources, which makes it a fact. It contains no judgment, forecast, or call to action.

Question 29Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article about city parks states: 'Parks give neighbors a place to meet, and they cool the air on hot days.' Which sentence from the same article would best support the second idea?

  1. Many parks include playgrounds for young children.
  2. Trees in parks provide shade that lowers nearby temperatures. Correct answer.
  3. Some parks host weekend concerts in summer.
  4. The city opened its first park more than a century ago.

Explanation

The second idea is that parks cool the air, so the best support is evidence about shade and lower temperatures. That sentence directly explains how cooling happens.

Question 30Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage says: 'Bamboo can grow nearly a meter in a single day. Farmers in some regions harvest it for building, and pandas depend on it for food.' What is the main idea of the passage?

  1. Farmers prefer bamboo to other building materials.
  2. Bamboo grows only in regions where pandas live.
  3. Pandas eat more bamboo than any other animal.
  4. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant with many uses. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage combines a fact about rapid growth with examples of bamboo being used for building and food. Together these details support the broader idea that bamboo grows fast and serves many purposes.

Question 31Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An author writes: 'Our school should start later in the morning.' Which sentence from the same article is an opinion rather than a fact?

  1. Starting later would make everyone happier and healthier. Correct answer.
  2. The school has 620 students in grades six through eight.
  3. Some nearby districts begin classes at 8:30 a.m.
  4. The school day currently begins at 7:45 a.m.

Explanation

A statement is an opinion when it expresses a judgment that people could reasonably dispute. Claiming that everyone would be happier and healthier is an evaluation, not something measurable in that sweeping form.

Question 32Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage states: 'Some sharks must keep swimming to push water over their gills. Others, like the nurse shark, can rest on the seafloor and pump water themselves.' What does this comparison mainly show?

  1. Sharks differ in how they get oxygen from water. Correct answer.
  2. Most sharks cannot survive in deep water.
  3. Nurse sharks are more dangerous than other sharks.
  4. All sharks breathe in exactly the same way.

Explanation

The passage contrasts two methods of moving water over the gills, which is how sharks obtain oxygen. The comparison therefore shows that breathing methods vary among shark species.

Question 33Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article includes a labeled diagram of the parts of a volcano beside a paragraph describing an eruption. Why would the author most likely include the diagram?

  1. To help readers picture the parts described in words Correct answer.
  2. To replace the paragraph with a picture
  3. To show that volcanoes are beautiful
  4. To entertain readers with a drawing

Explanation

A labeled diagram works with the text by showing visually what the paragraph explains in words. This helps readers connect terms such as vent or magma chamber to a mental image.

Question 34Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read this paragraph: 'The arctic tern travels about 70,000 kilometers each year between the Arctic and the Antarctic. It sees more daylight than almost any other animal.' Which sentence best states how the two details are connected?

  1. The tern's journey is shorter than that of most birds.
  2. The tern's long journey helps it experience long hours of daylight. Correct answer.
  3. The tern travels mainly at night to avoid predators.
  4. The tern stays in one place for most of the year.

Explanation

The paragraph pairs a very long migration with abundant daylight, implying the journey lets the bird follow the sun. Readers must link the two stated details to reach that idea.

Question 35Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article about a new bicycle lane reports: 'The city says crashes fell 20 percent after the lane opened. A residents' group says the lane causes delays for drivers.' How could the author best present both sides fairly?

  1. Report both claims and note what data each side relies on Correct answer.
  2. State that the residents' group is wrong
  3. Omit the residents' group entirely
  4. Quote only the city's crash statistics

Explanation

Fair reporting presents each position and the evidence behind it so readers can judge for themselves. Naming the data each side uses gives both views equal, transparent treatment.

Question 36Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read this sentence: 'The bridge was built in only eighteen months; nevertheless, engineers tested every beam before it opened.' What does the word 'nevertheless' signal about the two parts?

  1. The second part lists an example of the first part.
  2. The second part gives a cause for the first part.
  3. The second part repeats the first part.
  4. The second part contrasts with the speed described in the first part. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Nevertheless' introduces a contrast, showing that careful testing happened despite the fast construction. It signals a shift from speed to caution.

Question 37Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article claims: 'Students who join the chess club improve their grades.' Which detail would most strengthen this claim?

  1. A study comparing grades of club members before and after joining Correct answer.
  2. A description of how the chess club meets on Tuesdays
  3. A quote from a student who enjoys chess
  4. A list of famous chess players from history

Explanation

A before-and-after comparison of grades gives direct evidence linking club membership to grade changes. That kind of data supports a cause-and-effect claim far better than anecdotes or background details.

Question 38Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage explains: 'Coral polyps build hard skeletons of calcium carbonate. Over centuries, these skeletons pile up and form reefs that shelter thousands of fish species.' What is the main idea?

  1. Calcium carbonate is rare in the ocean.
  2. Reefs are built slowly by tiny animals and become habitats. Correct answer.
  3. Fish prefer warm water to cold water.
  4. Coral polyps are larger than most fish.

Explanation

The passage traces how tiny polyps build skeletons that accumulate into reefs, which then shelter fish. That chain of ideas is the main point.

Question 39Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read this sentence from an article: 'The museum's new wing, which cost forty million dollars, displays artifacts that had been stored for decades.' What does the sentence suggest about the artifacts?

  1. They were made during the construction of the wing.
  2. They were borrowed from another museum.
  3. They existed but were not on display until the wing opened. Correct answer.
  4. They had never been seen by the public before being stored.

Explanation

Saying the artifacts 'had been stored for decades' implies they existed but were kept out of view. The new wing now provides space to show them.

Question 40Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article about honey states: 'Raw honey may contain trace amounts of pollen. Some people believe this helps with allergies, but studies have not confirmed the effect.' What does the author's wording show?

  1. The author urges readers to avoid honey
  2. The author reports the belief while noting the lack of proof Correct answer.
  3. The author denies that honey contains pollen
  4. The author fully endorses the allergy claim

Explanation

The author mentions the belief but adds that studies have not confirmed it, which signals caution. This balanced wording reports a claim without endorsing it.

Question 41Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read this sentence: 'The factory closed, so hundreds of workers lost their jobs; as a result, local shops saw fewer customers.' What does 'as a result' show about the last part?

  1. It is an opinion about the factory
  2. It is a consequence of the earlier events Correct answer.
  3. It is unrelated to the factory closing
  4. It happened earlier than the factory closing

Explanation

'As a result' introduces an effect that follows from earlier causes. Here the drop in shop customers follows from the job losses.

Question 42Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article describes a drought by first telling how one farm family struggled, then summarizing rainfall data for the whole region. Why does the author use both parts?

  1. To replace data with a personal story
  2. To combine a human example with broader evidence Correct answer.
  3. To argue that rainfall records are unreliable
  4. To list the names of every affected farm

Explanation

A single family's story makes the drought vivid, while regional rainfall data shows its scale. Using both lets readers feel the impact and see the wider evidence.

Question 43Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage states: 'Unlike gold, which is soft and bends easily, titanium is strong and resists corrosion.' Which idea does the comparison emphasize?

  1. Gold and titanium are equally strong
  2. Gold resists corrosion better than titanium
  3. Titanium has properties that make it useful where durability matters Correct answer.
  4. Both metals bend easily under pressure

Explanation

The passage contrasts gold's softness with titanium's strength and resistance to corrosion. That contrast highlights titanium's durability.

Question 44Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article states: 'The company says its new bottle is fully recyclable. However, a recent report found that only 30 percent of such bottles are actually recycled.' What is the effect of the word 'However'?

  1. It shows the report is unimportant
  2. It introduces information that complicates the company's claim Correct answer.
  3. It confirms the company's claim
  4. It explains how bottles are made

Explanation

'However' signals a contrast, so the report's finding pushes back against the company's claim. Being technically recyclable does not mean most bottles are recycled.

Question 45Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage explains: 'Wolves were removed from Yellowstone in the 1920s. Without wolves, elk multiplied and overgrazed young trees along streams. When wolves were reintroduced in 1995, tree growth along streams increased.' What is the main idea?

  1. Elk are the most important animal in Yellowstone
  2. Removing a predator can reshape an entire ecosystem Correct answer.
  3. Trees grow faster when elk are present
  4. Wolves were reintroduced to reduce tourism

Explanation

The passage traces a chain from removing wolves to elk growth, overgrazing, and then recovery after wolves returned. That chain shows how one predator can affect many parts of an ecosystem.

Question 46Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read this sentence: 'Although the vaccine trial involved only 200 volunteers, its results were consistent across every age group.' What does the sentence imply about the trial?

  1. The results were different for each age group
  2. The trial was too large to manage
  3. Its small size is a limitation, but the consistent results are notable Correct answer.
  4. The trial proved the vaccine works for everyone

Explanation

The word 'Although' concedes that the trial was small, which is a limitation, before pointing to consistent results as a strength. The sentence balances a weakness against a positive finding.

Question 47Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An author writes: 'Electric cars produce no tailpipe emissions; therefore, they are completely clean.' Which flaw most weakens this reasoning?

  1. The author uses the word 'therefore'
  2. The conclusion ignores pollution from making electricity and building cars Correct answer.
  3. The author provides no price for electric cars
  4. Electric cars are not mentioned often in the news

Explanation

The argument leaps from one true fact, no tailpipe emissions, to a sweeping conclusion about being completely clean. That conclusion fails because it overlooks emissions from generating electricity and manufacturing.

Question 48Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Two articles describe a new dam. Article A calls it 'a vital source of clean power for the region.' Article B calls it 'a threat to fish that migrate upstream.' Which statement best explains the difference?

  1. Article A contains no facts at all
  2. The articles emphasize different effects of the same project Correct answer.
  3. The articles use different data about the dam's height
  4. Article B is about a different dam

Explanation

Both articles discuss the same dam but focus on different consequences, one on energy benefits and one on harm to fish. Their difference comes from the effects each author chooses to highlight.

Question 49Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read this paragraph: 'The city planted 5,000 trees along its streets. Three years later, summer temperatures on those streets were two degrees cooler than on streets without trees.' Which conclusion is best supported?

  1. Trees always lower temperatures by exactly two degrees
  2. Street trees can measurably reduce summer heat Correct answer.
  3. Cooler streets cause more trees to grow
  4. Planting trees is too expensive for cities

Explanation

The paragraph reports a measured temperature difference on tree-lined streets, which supports a limited claim that trees can reduce heat. The evidence is specific to this city and season.

Question 50Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article states: 'The new library app lets users borrow e-books. In its first month, downloads reached 12,000, and staff report that visits to the building have not declined.' Which claim is best supported by these details?

  1. The app has replaced visits to the library building
  2. The app is popular without reducing in-person visits so far Correct answer.
  3. The library will close its building next year
  4. Most users prefer e-books to printed books

Explanation

High downloads show the app is popular, and unchanged building visits show it has not drawn people away yet. The evidence supports only that combined, limited claim.