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MTEL Communication and Literacy study materials
MTEL Communication and Literacy study resources

MTEL Communication and Literacy practice questions

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Question 1Reading subtest (101)

A reader encounters the sentence 'The senator's remarks were hardly a ringing endorsement of the proposal.' Which inference about the senator's attitude is best supported by the word 'hardly'?

  1. The senator demanded an immediate vote.
  2. The senator enthusiastically praised the proposal.
  3. The senator refused to discuss the proposal.
  4. The senator offered only lukewarm or qualified support. Correct answer.

Explanation

The adverb 'hardly' negates or weakens the phrase that follows, so 'hardly a ringing endorsement' signals faint or reluctant support rather than praise. Skilled readers use such qualifiers to calibrate an author's or speaker's stance.

Question 2Reading subtest (101)

In a passage about urban gardening, the author writes: 'Community plots do more than grow vegetables; they cultivate neighbors.' Which literary device is used in the second clause?

  1. Alliteration
  2. Metaphor Correct answer.
  3. Hyperbole
  4. Onomatopoeia

Explanation

The verb 'cultivate,' normally applied to soil and crops, is transferred to 'neighbors,' creating an implied comparison between growing plants and building relationships. That implicit comparison is a metaphor.

Question 3Reading subtest (101)

A paragraph opens with 'First, the committee reviewed the budget,' continues with 'Next, it solicited public comment,' and closes with 'Finally, it drafted recommendations.' Which organizational pattern does the paragraph use?

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

Explanation

Signal words such as 'first,' 'next,' and 'finally' mark a sequence of steps arranged in time order. Recognizing these transitions helps a reader map the structure of a passage.

Question 4Reading subtest (101)

Which statement best describes the main idea of a paragraph?

  1. The central point that the supporting details develop Correct answer.
  2. A minor detail used as an example
  3. The first sentence of the paragraph in every case
  4. The author's tone toward the subject

Explanation

A main idea is the central claim or point that the rest of the paragraph explains, illustrates, or supports. It may appear in any sentence or be implied, and it is distinct from tone or isolated details.

Question 5Reading subtest (101)

A reader wants to locate the year a treaty was signed within a long chapter. Which reading approach is most efficient?

  1. Scanning the text for dates and key terms Correct answer.
  2. Reading every sentence at the same slow pace
  3. Reading only the final paragraph
  4. Memorizing the chapter before searching

Explanation

Scanning means moving the eyes quickly over text to find specific information such as a date or name. It is the efficient strategy when the reader knows what target to locate.

Question 6Reading subtest (101)

In the word 'unbelievable,' the prefix 'un-' functions to do which of the following?

  1. Mark the word as past tense
  2. Reverse the meaning of the base word Correct answer.
  3. Change the word's part of speech to a noun
  4. Indicate repetition of an action

Explanation

The prefix 'un-' is a negation prefix that reverses or opposes the meaning of the base, so 'believable' becomes 'not believable.' Recognizing common prefixes supports word analysis.

Question 7Reading subtest (101)

Which sentence uses a comma correctly according to standard written English conventions?

  1. After the storm passed, the crew restored power to the neighborhood. Correct answer.
  2. After, the storm passed the crew restored power to the neighborhood.
  3. After the storm passed the crew, restored power to the neighborhood.
  4. After the storm, passed the crew restored power to the neighborhood.

Explanation

An introductory dependent clause is set off from the main clause by a comma, which is exactly what the correct option does. The other placements break the clause apart at points that separate subject from verb or split the verb phrase.

Question 8Reading subtest (101)

A student reads a persuasive editorial and asks, 'Who wrote this, and what does the writer stand to gain?' Which critical reading skill is the student applying?

  1. Summarizing the passage's main idea
  2. Evaluating the source and detecting possible bias Correct answer.
  3. Decoding unfamiliar vocabulary from context
  4. Identifying the passage's organizational pattern

Explanation

Questioning authorship and motive is central to evaluating a source and detecting bias in persuasive text. This skill goes beyond summarizing or decoding to judge credibility.

Question 9Reading subtest (101)

Read the sentence: 'Although the museum's new wing opened months late, attendance has already exceeded projections.' Which relationship does the sentence establish between its two clauses?

  1. A chronological sequence of two unrelated events
  2. A cause-and-effect link in which the delay produced higher attendance
  3. A comparison showing two similar outcomes
  4. A contrast between a delay and a positive outcome Correct answer.

Explanation

The subordinating conjunction 'although' signals concession or contrast, setting the late opening against the strong attendance. Readers should note that contrast, not assume the delay caused the attendance.

Question 10Reading subtest (101)

A passage states: 'Sales of electric bicycles rose sharply last year. Meanwhile, several cities expanded protected bike lanes.' Which inference is most reasonable?

  1. The two trends are unrelated and cannot be discussed together.
  2. The sales increase caused cities to build bike lanes.
  3. The bike lanes caused all of the increase in sales.
  4. The two trends occurred at the same time but the passage does not establish that one caused the other. Correct answer.

Explanation

The transition 'meanwhile' links concurrent developments without asserting causation. A careful reader distinguishes correlation from cause, since the passage offers no evidence that either trend produced the other.

Question 11Reading subtest (101)

Which sentence best states a theme rather than a summary of plot?

  1. The protagonist's brother is named Marco.
  2. A young farmer leaves home and returns years later.
  3. The story takes place in a coastal village.
  4. Loyalty can demand difficult sacrifices. Correct answer.

Explanation

A theme is a broader insight about life that a text conveys, while plot summary recounts events and setting details. Only the first option expresses a general claim about human experience.

Question 12Reading subtest (101)

A reader comes to an unfamiliar word: 'The scientist's findings were so equivocal that colleagues could not tell which conclusion she supported.' Which context clue best helps determine the meaning of 'equivocal'?

  1. The word 'scientist' earlier in the sentence
  2. The clause describing colleagues' inability to tell which conclusion she supported Correct answer.
  3. The overall length of the sentence
  4. The phrase 'findings were so'

Explanation

The result clause explains the effect of the findings being equivocal: listeners cannot determine her position. That restatement functions as a context clue pointing to ambiguity.

Question 13Reading subtest (101)

An author writes: 'Requiring students to wear uniforms will not solve every problem in our schools, but it may reduce visible distractions in class.' Which statement best describes the author's position?

  1. A qualified endorsement of uniforms as a limited benefit Correct answer.
  2. Indifference to the uniform debate
  3. A claim that uniforms eliminate all distractions
  4. Complete opposition to any dress code

Explanation

The author concedes limits ('will not solve every problem') while asserting a possible benefit, which is a qualified endorsement. Recognizing concession plus claim clarifies nuanced stance.

Question 14Reading subtest (101)

A passage presents statistics on rising textbook costs, then describes a campus program lending books at no charge. Which organizational pattern does the passage most likely follow?

  1. Problem and solution Correct answer.
  2. Comparison and contrast
  3. Spatial description
  4. Sequential process

Explanation

Rising costs constitute a problem, and the lending program is offered as a response to it, which is the problem-and-solution pattern. Recognizing this structure helps a reader anticipate why details are included.

Question 15Reading subtest (101)

Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?

  1. The report was incomplete; because the committee requested data.
  2. The report; was incomplete, the committee requested additional data.
  3. The report was incomplete; the committee requested additional data. Correct answer.
  4. The report was incomplete; and the committee requested additional data.

Explanation

A semicolon may join two independent clauses that are closely related and not already linked by a coordinating conjunction. The correct option does exactly that, while the others misuse the mark with a conjunction, a fragment, or a split predicate.

Question 16Reading subtest (101)

A reader is comparing two articles on the same study. Article A cites the researchers directly; Article B cites an anonymous blog post. Which conclusion about reliability is best supported?

  1. Both articles are equally credible because they discuss the same study.
  2. Article A is more credible because it identifies a traceable source. Correct answer.
  3. Neither article can be evaluated without reading the study itself.
  4. Article B is more credible because anonymity protects the writer.

Explanation

Credibility depends partly on whether sources can be identified and verified. A named, traceable source allows a reader to check claims, whereas an anonymous post offers no such check.

Question 17Reading subtest (101)

In the sentence 'The volunteers, who had trained for months, arrived early,' what does the pair of commas indicate?

  1. The clause is essential to identifying which volunteers are meant.
  2. The commas separate items in a list.
  3. The commas mark a direct quotation.
  4. The clause is nonessential information about the volunteers. Correct answer.

Explanation

Commas set off a nonrestrictive relative clause, which adds descriptive information that could be removed without changing the sentence's basic meaning. Restrictive clauses, by contrast, take no commas.

Question 18Reading subtest (101)

An expository passage defines a term, gives two examples, and then notes an exception. Which question would best help a reader test understanding of the passage?

  1. Which example is longest?
  2. How many paragraphs does the passage contain?
  3. What is the author's name?
  4. Can I restate the definition and explain why the exception does not fit it? Correct answer.

Explanation

Testing comprehension of an expository text means checking whether the reader can restate the concept and account for examples and exceptions. Surface features such as paragraph count do not demonstrate understanding.

Question 19Reading subtest (101)

A writer uses the phrase 'the icy hand of bureaucracy.' Which interpretation of the phrase is most accurate?

  1. The phrase refers literally to a person's hand.
  2. Bureaucracy is portrayed as cold and impersonal. Correct answer.
  3. The phrase describes weather conditions in a city.
  4. Bureaucracy is portrayed as warm and welcoming.

Explanation

The figurative phrase pairs 'icy' with 'hand' to suggest emotional coldness and lack of personal warmth in bureaucratic systems. Readers should interpret the image figuratively rather than literally.

Question 20Reading subtest (101)

A passage argues that a city should expand public transit, citing reduced congestion, lower emissions, and shorter commutes. Which sentence, if added, would most strengthen the argument?

  1. Some residents enjoy driving to work alone.
  2. Transit systems require buses and trains.
  3. The city has many historic buildings downtown.
  4. A neighboring city reported a measurable drop in traffic after expanding its bus network. Correct answer.

Explanation

Evidence from a comparable city that achieved the predicted outcomes directly supports the causal claim. Relevant, concrete examples strengthen an argument, while tangential facts do not.

Question 21Reading subtest (101)

A reader encounters the sentence 'The negotiations, though protracted, were ultimately fruitful.' Which pair of words best captures the sentence's movement?

  1. Speed followed by confusion
  2. Failure followed by delay
  3. Delay followed by success Correct answer.
  4. Conflict followed by cancellation

Explanation

'Protracted' indicates a long duration, and 'fruitful' indicates a successful result, so the sentence moves from delay to success. The concessive 'though' frames the delay as overcome.

Question 22Reading subtest (101)

Two passages discuss school start times. Passage 1 cites sleep research and recommends later starts. Passage 2 acknowledges the research but emphasizes scheduling conflicts with athletics and buses. Which statement best synthesizes the two passages?

  1. The passages discuss unrelated topics and cannot be synthesized.
  2. Passage 1 ignores research, while Passage 2 relies on it exclusively.
  3. Both accept the sleep evidence, but they weigh it against different practical considerations. Correct answer.
  4. Both passages reject the sleep research as unreliable.

Explanation

Synthesis requires identifying shared ground and points of divergence. Here both passages accept the sleep evidence but differ in how much weight they give logistical constraints.

Question 23Reading subtest (101)

An author writes: 'Studies funded by the industry itself predictably find the product safe.' Which assumption underlies the author's skepticism?

  1. Industry funding tends to bias research findings in favor of the sponsor. Correct answer.
  2. All scientific studies are equally trustworthy.
  3. Safety research should never be conducted.
  4. Products are always safe regardless of funding.

Explanation

The word 'predictably' signals the author's expectation that funding source shapes results, which presupposes that sponsors influence findings. Identifying such assumptions is key to evaluating an argument.

Question 24Reading subtest (101)

A passage states: 'The new policy reduced wait times at the DMV. Of course, the agency also hired forty additional clerks that same month.' What is the effect of the second sentence on the argument?

  1. It restates the first sentence in different words.
  2. It shifts the topic to hiring practices unrelated to wait times.
  3. It provides additional evidence that the policy caused the reduction.
  4. It introduces an alternative explanation that weakens the causal claim. Correct answer.

Explanation

By noting a simultaneous staffing increase, the writer offers a rival cause for shorter waits, which undercuts the claim that the policy was responsible. Recognizing confounds is central to evaluating causal arguments.

Question 25Reading subtest (101)

An author describes a character who 'donated anonymously to every fundraiser but refused to attend any of them.' Which characterization is best supported by this contrast?

  1. Wealthy but indifferent to community needs
  2. Eager for praise from community leaders
  3. Hostile toward the organizations he supported
  4. Generous in action but uncomfortable with public recognition Correct answer.

Explanation

The contrast between giving to every fundraiser and avoiding the events suggests generosity paired with discomfort about visibility. Inference about character must rest on the specific details provided.

Question 26Reading subtest (101)

A reader encounters the word 'benevolent' in a passage and recognizes the root 'bene-' from words such as 'benefit' and 'benefactor.' Using this morphological clue, which meaning of 'benevolent' is most reasonable?

  1. Eager to argue; combative
  2. Wishing to do good; kindly Correct answer.
  3. Careful with money; thrifty
  4. Lacking energy; sluggish

Explanation

The Latin root 'bene-' means 'well' or 'good,' as seen in 'benefit' and 'benefactor,' so 'benevolent' describes someone disposed to do good. Recognizing this root lets a reader infer meaning without a dictionary.

Question 27Reading subtest (101)

A passage describes a hiker who 'trudged the final mile, each step heavier than the last.' Which inference about the hiker's condition is best supported by this description?

  1. The hiker is enjoying the scenery
  2. The hiker is uncertain about the route
  3. The hiker is exhausted by the effort Correct answer.
  4. The hiker is walking with unusual speed

Explanation

The verb 'trudged' and the image of steps growing heavier convey fatigue and labored movement. A careful reader infers physical exhaustion from these word choices rather than from an explicit statement.

Question 28Reading subtest (101)

In the sentence 'The committee reviewed the proposal, and it approved the budget,' what is the function of the comma before 'and'?

  1. It sets off a nonrestrictive relative clause
  2. It introduces a list of three or more items
  3. It marks a direct quotation
  4. It joins two independent clauses in a compound sentence Correct answer.

Explanation

The comma precedes a coordinating conjunction that links two independent clauses, each with its own subject and verb. This is the standard pattern for punctuating a compound sentence.

Question 29Reading subtest (101)

A student reading a textbook chapter first surveys headings, bold terms, and the summary before reading closely. Which reading strategy is the student primarily using?

  1. Previewing to build a framework for comprehension Correct answer.
  2. Rereading to memorize exact wording
  3. Annotating to record personal reactions
  4. Skimming to locate a single specific fact

Explanation

Surveying headings, bold terms, and summaries before close reading is previewing, which builds a mental framework that supports later comprehension. The goal is orientation to the text's structure and main ideas.

Question 30Reading subtest (101)

Which statement best distinguishes the main idea of a passage from a supporting detail?

  1. The main idea states the central point, while a supporting detail provides evidence or an example for it Correct answer.
  2. The main idea is always stated in the title, while supporting details are found in footnotes
  3. The main idea is a direct quotation, while supporting details are the author's paraphrases
  4. The main idea appears only in the final sentence, while supporting details appear in the first paragraph

Explanation

The main idea is the central claim or point the passage develops, while supporting details supply evidence, examples, or elaboration. Position in the text does not determine which is which.

Question 31Reading subtest (101)

A passage notes that a researcher's claim 'rests on a single small study that has never been replicated.' Which evaluation of the claim does this observation best support?

  1. The claim is proven because a study exists
  2. The claim is irrelevant because it concerns science
  3. The claim is weakly supported and should be treated cautiously Correct answer.
  4. The claim is persuasive because it is stated confidently

Explanation

A single small, unreplicated study provides limited evidence, so the claim built on it is weakly supported. Evaluating evidence means weighing its quantity, scope, and whether findings have been confirmed.

Question 32Reading subtest (101)

Which sentence correctly uses a colon according to standard written English conventions?

  1. The recipe calls for three ingredients: flour, butter, and sugar. Correct answer.
  2. The recipe calls for: three ingredients, flour, butter, and sugar.
  3. The recipe: calls for three ingredients, flour, butter, and sugar.
  4. The recipe calls for three ingredients, flour, butter, and sugar:

Explanation

A colon follows an independent clause and introduces a list or explanation that completes it. In the correct sentence, 'The recipe calls for three ingredients' is a complete clause before the colon.

Question 33Reading subtest (101)

A passage states: 'The city planted two hundred trees along Main Street. Three years later, summer surface temperatures on that block had dropped noticeably.' Which relationship between the sentences does the second sentence establish?

  1. A definition of a term used in the first sentence
  2. A contrast that contradicts the first sentence
  3. A cause that made the first sentence necessary
  4. A result that followed the action described in the first sentence Correct answer.

Explanation

The second sentence reports an outcome observed after the tree planting, so it presents a result of the earlier action. Recognizing cause-and-effect and chronological links helps readers follow an author's reasoning.

Question 34Reading subtest (101)

An author writes: 'Our town should ban single-use plastic bags. After all, everyone knows that sensible communities have already done so.' Which flaw most weakens this argument?

  1. It confuses correlation with causation
  2. It relies on statistics that are out of date
  3. It quotes an expert out of context
  4. It appeals to popularity instead of offering evidence that the ban is effective Correct answer.

Explanation

The argument's support is the claim that others have adopted the policy, which is an appeal to popularity rather than evidence of effectiveness. A sound argument would show that bans produce the desired results.

Question 35Reading subtest (101)

A reader trying to determine an author's point of view on a proposed highway should pay closest attention to which feature of the text?

  1. The length of the sentences in each paragraph
  2. Word choices and details the author emphasizes or omits Correct answer.
  3. The publication date printed at the top
  4. The number of paragraphs in the passage

Explanation

Point of view is revealed through connotative word choices and through which details the author highlights or leaves out. These signals show the author's attitude toward the subject.

Question 36Reading subtest (101)

In the sentence 'The scientist who discovered the enzyme retired last year,' why is no comma used after 'scientist'?

  1. The relative pronoun 'who' always forbids commas
  2. The sentence contains a compound predicate requiring no comma
  3. The clause is nonrestrictive and should be set off by dashes
  4. The clause identifies which scientist is meant, so it is restrictive Correct answer.

Explanation

A restrictive relative clause supplies essential identifying information and is not set off by commas. Here 'who discovered the enzyme' tells the reader which scientist is meant.

Question 37Reading subtest (101)

A passage presents a claim, then offers a counterargument, and finally responds to that counterargument. Which term best describes this overall organization?

  1. Comparison and contrast of two unrelated topics
  2. Process description
  3. Chronological narrative
  4. Argument with refutation Correct answer.

Explanation

Presenting a claim, acknowledging an opposing view, and then answering it is the structure of an argument with refutation. Recognizing this pattern helps a reader track the author's reasoning.

Question 38Reading subtest (101)

A student must summarize a long article accurately. Which approach best preserves the article's meaning?

  1. List every statistic in the order it appears
  2. Copy the first and last sentences of each paragraph verbatim
  3. State the central claim and the key supporting points in the student's own words Correct answer.
  4. Replace the author's conclusion with the student's own opinion

Explanation

An accurate summary captures the central claim and essential support, restated concisely in the summarizer's own words. Verbatim copying or exhaustive listing fails to condense and synthesize.

Question 39Reading subtest (101)

An article about a new vaccine states: 'The trial enrolled 40,000 participants across three continents, and the results were reviewed by independent experts.' Which quality of the evidence does this sentence chiefly strengthen?

  1. Its emotional appeal through personal stories
  2. Its entertainment value through vivid description
  3. Its brevity through concise wording
  4. Its credibility through scale and independent review Correct answer.

Explanation

A large, geographically diverse sample and independent review increase the credibility and reliability of the findings. These features address how much confidence a reader should place in the evidence.

Question 40Reading subtest (101)

In the sentence 'The report, which had been delayed for weeks, finally reached the director,' which words form the nonrestrictive element?

  1. The report
  2. finally reached the director
  3. had been delayed
  4. which had been delayed for weeks Correct answer.

Explanation

The clause 'which had been delayed for weeks' adds supplementary information and is set off by commas, making it nonrestrictive. Removing it leaves a complete sentence with the same basic meaning.

Question 41Reading subtest (101)

A reader wants to judge whether an online article is reliable. Which action is most useful?

  1. Reading only the headline and the first sentence
  2. Noticing whether the page uses colorful graphics
  3. Counting how many times the article has been shared on social media
  4. Checking whether the author has relevant expertise and whether sources are cited Correct answer.

Explanation

Reliability depends on the author's qualifications and on whether claims are supported by identifiable sources. Popularity and visual design are not indicators of accuracy.

Question 42Reading subtest (101)

An author writes: 'The new library policy reduced overdue fines. Of course, the library also extended loan periods and sent automatic reminders.' Which conclusion does the second sentence encourage?

  1. The policy alone may not explain the reduction in fines Correct answer.
  2. Overdue fines were never a problem for the library
  3. The library should eliminate automatic reminders
  4. Extended loan periods caused fines to increase

Explanation

By noting additional changes made at the same time, the author introduces alternative explanations for the reduction. This signals that the original policy may not be solely responsible.

Question 43Reading subtest (101)

Which sentence uses a dash correctly in formal prose?

  1. Only one thing mattered to the team finishing-the project on time.
  2. Only one thing mattered to the team-finishing the project on time. Correct answer.
  3. Only one thing-mattered to the team finishing the project on time.
  4. Only one thing mattered-to the team finishing the project on time.

Explanation

A dash can introduce a dramatic restatement or explanation after a complete clause. Here the dash follows the independent clause 'Only one thing mattered to the team' and sets off the clarifying phrase.

Question 44Reading subtest (101)

A passage describes a character who 'returned every borrowed book on time but never lent one from her own shelves.' Which character trait does this detail most suggest?

  1. An enthusiasm for collecting rare books
  2. A desire to become a librarian
  3. A cautious sense of reciprocity that stops short of generosity Correct answer.
  4. A careless disregard for other people's property

Explanation

The character is scrupulous about returning what she borrows yet unwilling to share her own, suggesting careful reciprocity without generosity. Readers infer traits by weighing contrasting actions.

Question 45Reading subtest (101)

A writer uses the phrase 'a paper tiger' to describe a threatening opponent. Which interpretation best captures the phrase's meaning?

  1. Something that grows stronger over time
  2. Something that is literally made of paper
  3. Something that is impossible to describe
  4. Something that appears menacing but is actually weak Correct answer.

Explanation

'Paper tiger' is a figurative expression for something that looks dangerous but lacks real strength. Recognizing figurative language requires moving beyond the literal words to the intended comparison.

Question 46Reading subtest (101)

A reader comes across the sentence 'The senator's remarks were so ambiguous that reporters left the briefing with three different interpretations.' Which meaning of 'ambiguous' is best supported?

  1. Deliberately kept secret
  2. Open to more than one interpretation Correct answer.
  3. Supported by strong evidence
  4. Delivered in a hostile tone

Explanation

The detail that reporters reached three different interpretations signals that the remarks could be understood in multiple ways. Context clues in the same sentence confirm the meaning.

Question 47Reading subtest (101)

Two articles describe the same factory closing. Article 1 focuses on laid-off workers and their families; Article 2 focuses on the company's declining profits. Which statement best explains the difference?

  1. The articles must contradict each other on the facts
  2. Article 2 is unreliable because it discusses money
  3. Article 1 is biased because it mentions people
  4. The articles emphasize different aspects because they address different audiences and purposes Correct answer.

Explanation

Different emphases often reflect different audiences and purposes rather than factual disagreement. Comparing two accounts requires identifying each author's focus before judging accuracy.

Question 48Reading subtest (101)

A passage argues: 'Students who eat breakfast earn higher grades. Therefore, our school should provide free breakfast to all students.' Which unstated assumption is required for the argument to hold?

  1. Free breakfast programs are inexpensive to operate
  2. All students enjoy eating breakfast
  3. Grades are the only meaningful measure of student success
  4. Eating breakfast contributes to higher grades rather than merely correlating with them Correct answer.

Explanation

The argument moves from a correlation to a policy recommendation, which requires assuming that breakfast helps cause better grades. If the link were merely coincidental, the recommendation would not follow.

Question 49Reading subtest (101)

An author writes: 'The proposal to widen the highway will surely reduce congestion, since its supporters have studied the issue carefully.' Which assumption underlies this reasoning?

  1. Congestion is unrelated to road capacity
  2. Supporters of proposals are usually mistaken
  3. Careful study by supporters guarantees that the proposal will achieve its goal Correct answer.
  4. Highway widening is always opposed by residents

Explanation

The argument treats supporters' careful study as sufficient grounds for accepting the predicted outcome. That inference requires assuming careful study by supporters ensures the proposal will work.

Question 50Reading subtest (101)

A passage reports: 'After the museum began offering free admission on Sundays, attendance rose by thirty percent. Critics note that the museum also launched a major advertising campaign that same month.' Which statement best evaluates the evidence for the policy's effect?

  1. The advertising campaign is a confounding factor that weakens the claim that free admission caused the increase Correct answer.
  2. The attendance increase proves that advertising campaigns always succeed
  3. The evidence is conclusive because attendance was measured precisely
  4. The critics' observation strengthens the claim that free admission caused the increase

Explanation

Two changes occurred at the same time, so the attendance increase cannot be attributed confidently to free admission alone. The advertising campaign is a confounding variable that undermines a causal conclusion.