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NCEA Literacy (Reading) study materials
NCEA Literacy (Reading) study resources

NCEA Literacy (Reading) practice questions

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Question 1Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A recipe states: 'Bake for 25 minutes, then cool for 10 minutes before icing.' According to the text, at what point should the icing be applied?

  1. Before the cake is baked
  2. While the cake is still baking
  3. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven
  4. After the cake has cooled for 10 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

The text sets a sequence: bake first, then cool for 10 minutes, and only after that apply the icing. The word 'before' marks the cooling as a step that must finish prior to icing, so the icing belongs after the cooling period.

Question 2Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A notice reads: 'The library closes at 6 pm on weekdays and at 4 pm on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.' A reader wants to visit on Saturday afternoon. What does the text tell them about closing time?

  1. It stays open all afternoon
  2. It closes at 4 pm Correct answer.
  3. It is closed all day
  4. It closes at 6 pm

Explanation

The notice gives two separate closing times: 6 pm for weekdays and 4 pm for Saturdays. Because the visit is on a Saturday, the relevant time is the Saturday closing time of 4 pm.

Question 3Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text says: 'Bring your signed permission form to the office by Friday. Students who have not returned the form cannot attend the trip.' What does the text say happens to students who miss the Friday deadline?

  1. They must pay a fine
  2. They attend with a teacher's note
  3. They cannot attend the trip Correct answer.
  4. They can bring the form on the day

Explanation

The second sentence directly states the consequence: students who have not returned the form cannot attend the trip. The deadline of Friday defines when the form must reach the office.

Question 4Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A paragraph begins: 'Kauri trees can live for over a thousand years. Their trunks can grow wider than a small car.' Which statement is stated directly in the text?

  1. Kauri trees are the tallest trees in the world
  2. Kauri trees can live for over a thousand years Correct answer.
  3. Kauri trees lose their leaves in winter
  4. Kauri trees grow only in the far north

Explanation

Literal comprehension means finding what the text actually says. The first sentence states the lifespan of over a thousand years directly, while the other claims are not present in the passage.

Question 5Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A timetable shows: 'Bus 12 departs at 8:15, 9:15 and 10:15. Bus 14 departs at 8:40 and 9:40.' A passenger needs to reach town before 9:00 and prefers Bus 14. Which departure allows this?

  1. Bus 12 at 9:15
  2. Bus 12 at 10:15
  3. Bus 14 at 9:40
  4. Bus 14 at 8:40 Correct answer.

Explanation

The passenger needs a departure that arrives before 9:00 and uses Bus 14. The only Bus 14 departure early enough to meet the time limit is 8:40, since 9:40 is after 9:00.

Question 6Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A sign reads: 'No entry beyond this point without a helmet.' What does the text require before a person may go past the sign?

  1. Showing a staff card
  2. Paying an entry fee
  3. Signing a register
  4. Wearing a helmet Correct answer.

Explanation

The sign names one condition for passing the point: having a helmet. Literal reading means taking the stated condition exactly, without adding requirements the text does not mention.

Question 7Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text states: 'The hui will be held in the wharenui at 10 am. Please remove your shoes before entering.' What does the text ask people to do before going inside?

  1. Bring their own chairs
  2. Arrive after 10 am
  3. Wait outside the building
  4. Remove their shoes Correct answer.

Explanation

The instruction 'remove your shoes before entering' directly states the required action before going inside. The other options add details the passage does not contain.

Question 8Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text reads: 'Prices rise by 5% on 1 April. Orders placed before that date keep the old price.' A customer orders on 28 March. Which price applies?

  1. The new price with 5% added
  2. A discounted price
  3. No price applies
  4. The old price Correct answer.

Explanation

The text says orders placed before 1 April keep the old price. Because 28 March falls before that date, the old price applies to the order.

Question 9Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A paragraph says: 'Many students walk to school, but the number cycling has fallen since the new road opened.' What change does the text report?

  1. Fewer students cycling since the new road opened Correct answer.
  2. More students cycling than walking
  3. No students walking to school at all
  4. More students walking since the new road opened

Explanation

The text reports a fall in the number of students cycling after the new road opened. The word 'fallen' signals a decrease, so the correct reading is fewer cyclists.

Question 10Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text states: 'Applications close on 30 June. Late applications will be considered only if places remain.' What does the text say about a late application?

  1. It will always be accepted
  2. It will be rejected automatically
  3. It must be sent by 30 June
  4. It may be considered if places remain Correct answer.

Explanation

The conditional word 'only if' shows that late applications are accepted just when places remain. The text does not promise acceptance or guarantee rejection.

Question 11Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A report says: 'The wetland was drained in the 1950s. Since then, native bird numbers have dropped sharply.' According to the text, what happened after the draining?

  1. The draining was reversed
  2. The wetland was restored
  3. Bird numbers increased
  4. Native bird numbers dropped sharply Correct answer.

Explanation

The phrase 'since then' links the draining to the later event described: a sharp drop in native bird numbers. The text presents the drop as following the draining.

Question 12Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text reads: 'Entry is free for children under 12. Adults pay $10, and seniors pay $5.' A family group includes two adults, one senior and a child aged 10. What is the total cost?

  1. $25 Correct answer.
  2. $30
  3. $20
  4. $15

Explanation

Two adults at $10 each make $20, one senior at $5 makes $5, and the 10-year-old child is free. Adding these gives $20 plus $5, which equals $25.

Question 13Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text says: 'The museum is open daily except public holidays. Guided tours run at 11 am and 2 pm, and must be booked online.' A visitor wants a guided tour on a public holiday. What does the text indicate?

  1. The museum is closed that day Correct answer.
  2. Tours can be booked at the door
  3. Tours run at 11 am only
  4. The museum opens at 2 pm

Explanation

The text states the museum is open daily except public holidays, which means it is closed on those days. If the museum is closed, no guided tours can run that day.

Question 14Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A paragraph states: 'Although the trail is short, it is steep and slippery after rain.' What does the text warn about?

  1. A lack of signage
  2. Steep, slippery conditions after rain Correct answer.
  3. A long and flat trail
  4. A closed track

Explanation

The word 'although' contrasts the short length with the difficulty: the trail is steep and becomes slippery after rain. The warning concerns those conditions, not length or closures.

Question 15Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text reads: 'Volunteers must attend a training session before their first shift. Sessions are held on the first Monday of each month.' A new volunteer starts on 15 May. When is the earliest training session they could attend before starting?

  1. 15 May itself
  2. The first Monday of May Correct answer.
  3. The first Monday of June
  4. The first Monday of April

Explanation

Training must happen before the first shift on 15 May. The first Monday of May falls before that date, while June and April sessions fall after or well before the relevant period.

Question 16Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text says: 'The council received 300 submissions. Of these, 180 supported the plan and the rest opposed it.' How many submissions opposed the plan?

  1. 300
  2. 60
  3. 180
  4. 120 Correct answer.

Explanation

The total is 300 and 180 supported the plan. The remaining submissions, found by subtracting 180 from 300, equal 120, which is the number opposing it.

Question 17Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text reads: 'The shop will hold your order for seven days. After that, it will be returned to stock.' What happens to an order not collected within seven days?

  1. It is held for another week
  2. It is returned to stock Correct answer.
  3. It is delivered to the customer
  4. It is sold at a discount

Explanation

The second sentence states the outcome after seven days: the order is returned to stock. The phrase 'after that' connects the seven-day limit to this consequence.

Question 18Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text states: 'Only Year 12 and Year 13 students may enter the competition. Entries close at noon on Friday.' A Year 11 student asks about entering. What does the text say?

  1. They may enter if they are over 16
  2. They may enter before noon Friday
  3. They may enter with permission
  4. They are not eligible to enter Correct answer.

Explanation

The eligibility rule limits entry to Year 12 and Year 13 students. A Year 11 student falls outside that group, so the text indicates they are not eligible, regardless of the closing time.

Question 19Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text reads: 'The event was cancelled because the venue flooded the night before.' What reason does the text give for the cancellation?

  1. The speaker became ill
  2. The tickets were sold out
  3. The venue flooded the night before Correct answer.
  4. Too few people registered

Explanation

The word 'because' introduces the stated cause of the cancellation: the venue flooded the night before. Literal reading means identifying the reason the text actually gives.

Question 20Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text says: 'Our opening hours change with the season. In summer we open at 8 am; in winter we open at 9 am.' A reader visits in July, which is a winter month in New Zealand. What opening time does the text indicate?

  1. 10 am
  2. 8 am
  3. 9 am Correct answer.
  4. 7 am

Explanation

The text ties opening times to the season, not the month name alone. In New Zealand, July falls in winter, so the winter opening time of 9 am applies to the reader's visit.

Question 21Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A paragraph states: 'The survey found that 60% of respondents recycled weekly, while 25% recycled occasionally and the rest never did.' Which statement is directly supported by the text?

  1. Most respondents recycled occasionally
  2. Half of respondents recycled weekly
  3. 15% of respondents never recycled Correct answer.
  4. All respondents recycled weekly

Explanation

The percentages given are 60% weekly and 25% occasionally, which total 85%. The remaining 15% is the group described as never recycling, so that figure is supported by the text.

Question 22Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text reads: 'The bridge will close for repairs from Monday to Wednesday. During this time, drivers should use the bypass, which adds about 15 minutes to the trip.' A driver normally takes 20 minutes to cross the bridge. How long will the bypass trip take?

  1. About 15 minutes
  2. About 35 minutes Correct answer.
  3. About 20 minutes
  4. About 5 minutes

Explanation

The text says the bypass adds about 15 minutes to the normal trip. Adding 15 minutes to the usual 20-minute crossing gives about 35 minutes for the bypass route.

Question 23Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text states: 'Membership renews automatically unless you cancel at least 14 days before the renewal date. Your renewal date is 1 September.' What is the latest date to cancel to avoid automatic renewal?

  1. 18 August Correct answer.
  2. 1 September
  3. 31 August
  4. 14 September

Explanation

Cancellation must happen at least 14 days before 1 September. Counting back 14 days from 1 September gives 18 August, which is the last date that satisfies the requirement.

Question 24Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text reads: 'The study found no link between screen time and poor sleep in the sample, but noted that the sample was small.' How does the text present its finding?

  1. As proof that screens improve sleep
  2. As a final and definite conclusion
  3. As a result that should be treated with caution Correct answer.
  4. As a reason to ban screens

Explanation

The text reports no link but adds that the sample was small, which signals a limit on how much weight the finding can carry. The mention of the small sample is a caution about the result.

Question 25Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text says: 'The first trains leave at 6 am, then run every 20 minutes until 9 am, after which they run every 30 minutes.' A passenger arrives at 9:10 am. When is the next train after their arrival?

  1. 9:40 am
  2. 9:20 am
  3. 10:00 am
  4. 9:30 am Correct answer.

Explanation

After 9 am the text says trains run every 30 minutes. The 9:00 departure is followed by 9:30, so a passenger arriving at 9:10 waits for the 9:30 train.

Question 26Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A notice states: 'The library closes at 5 pm on weekdays and at 1 pm on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.' On which day does the library close earliest?

  1. Every day at the same time
  2. Weekdays
  3. Saturday Correct answer.
  4. Sunday

Explanation

The text gives three closing times: 5 pm on weekdays, 1 pm on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays. Comparing the stated times, 1 pm is the earliest closing time, and it applies to Saturday. Sunday has no opening at all, so it is not a closing time to compare.

Question 27Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A form says: 'Please write your name in the box marked A and your date of birth in the box marked B. Do not write in the shaded area.' Where should the person write their date of birth?

  1. In box B Correct answer.
  2. In box A
  3. In the shaded area
  4. Anywhere on the form

Explanation

The text pairs each item with a specific location: name goes in box A and date of birth goes in box B. Locating the phrase 'date of birth' and reading the instruction attached to it gives box B. The shaded area is separately marked as off-limits.

Question 28Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text reads: 'The workshop costs $40, which includes lunch. Members of the garden club pay half price.' A garden club member registers. What does the text say this person pays?

  1. $20 Correct answer.
  2. Nothing
  3. $40
  4. $10

Explanation

The full cost is stated as $40, and club members are told they pay half price. Half of $40 is $20, so $20 is the amount the text supports for a member. Lunch is included in the stated cost and does not change the calculation.

Question 29Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A sign on a machine reads: 'Press the green button to start. Press the red button to stop in an emergency.' Which action does the sign link to an emergency?

  1. Pressing the green button
  2. Reading the sign
  3. Pressing the red button Correct answer.
  4. Starting the machine

Explanation

The sign gives two button instructions, each tied to a purpose. The red button is the one the text connects to an emergency stop. The green button is linked only to starting the machine.

Question 30Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A paragraph states: 'The reserve covers 240 hectares. Most of it is bush, but about 30 hectares near the entrance is open grassland.' Which statement matches the text?

  1. The whole reserve is covered in bush.
  2. The reserve has no entrance.
  3. Grassland makes up most of the reserve.
  4. Bush covers more of the reserve than grassland does. Correct answer.

Explanation

The text says most of the 240 hectares is bush and only about 30 hectares is grassland. That means bush covers a larger share than grassland. The grassland is described as being near the entrance, so the entrance clearly exists.

Question 31Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text reads: 'The road is open to residents only between 7 am and 9 am. At all other times it is closed to all traffic.' A resident wants to drive on the road at 8 am. What does the text say?

  1. The resident must wait until 9 am.
  2. The resident may use the road only on foot.
  3. The road is closed to the resident.
  4. The resident may use the road. Correct answer.

Explanation

The text permits residents to use the road during the 7 am to 9 am window. Because 8 am falls inside that window, the resident is allowed to drive on it. The closure applies at all other times, not during the stated window.

Question 32Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A leaflet says: 'Bring a water bottle and sturdy shoes. Sunscreen is provided at the start point. Lunch is not supplied, so bring your own.' Which item does the text say will be supplied?

  1. Sunscreen Correct answer.
  2. Lunch
  3. A water bottle
  4. Sturdy shoes

Explanation

The text lists several items and states clearly which one is provided: sunscreen at the start point. Water bottles, sturdy shoes and lunch are all things participants must bring themselves. Distinguishing 'bring' from 'provided' is the key to locating the answer.

Question 33Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text reads: 'The meeting was moved from Tuesday to Thursday because the chair was away on Tuesday. The room booking, however, stayed the same.' On which day is the meeting now held?

  1. The text does not say.
  2. It was cancelled.
  3. Thursday Correct answer.
  4. Tuesday

Explanation

The text says the meeting was moved from Tuesday to Thursday, which means Thursday is the new day. The reason given is the chair's absence on Tuesday. The room booking staying the same does not change the day.

Question 34Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A paragraph states: 'The new pool opened in March. It replaced the old pool, which had been built in 1962 and had leaked for several years.' What reason does the text give for replacing the old pool?

  1. It had only just opened.
  2. It was too small for the town.
  3. It was built in the wrong place.
  4. It had leaked for several years. Correct answer.

Explanation

The text connects the old pool to a specific problem: it had leaked for several years. That is the only reason offered for replacing it. The 1962 date is background about the old pool's age, not a stated reason for replacement.

Question 35Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A notice reads: 'Bags must be stored in the lockers provided. Lockers are free but need a $2 coin, which is returned when you collect your bag.' What does a user need in order to use a locker?

  1. A printed ticket
  2. A $2 coin Correct answer.
  3. A staff member's key
  4. A padlock

Explanation

The text says lockers need a $2 coin, and that the coin comes back when the bag is collected. That makes a $2 coin the item required to use a locker. The text mentions no padlock, key or ticket.

Question 36Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text states: 'The survey was sent to 500 households. A total of 320 replies were received, and of these 200 came from people aged over 60.' How many replies came from people aged 60 or under?

  1. 180
  2. 120 Correct answer.
  3. 200
  4. 320

Explanation

The number of replies is 320, and 200 of those came from people over 60. Subtracting 200 from 320 leaves 120 replies from people aged 60 or under. The 500 figure is the number of households surveyed, not the number of replies.

Question 37Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text reads: 'The course runs for eight weeks, with one two-hour class each week. Students must also complete about three hours of reading between classes.' How much class time does the course involve in total?

  1. 11 hours
  2. 16 hours Correct answer.
  3. 24 hours
  4. 8 hours

Explanation

The text gives one two-hour class per week across eight weeks. Multiplying 2 hours by 8 weeks gives 16 hours of class time. The three hours of reading is separate work between classes and is not class time.

Question 38Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text states: 'The trust's income rose from $80,000 to $100,000 last year. However, the report notes that most of the increase came from a one-off grant that will not be repeated.' What does the report suggest about next year's income?

  1. It has already fallen below $80,000.
  2. It may be lower without the one-off grant. Correct answer.
  3. It will certainly double again.
  4. It will stay exactly the same.

Explanation

The report says most of the increase came from a grant that will not be repeated. If that money is not received again, income is likely to fall back, so a lower figure is a reasonable inference. The text does not state that income will certainly double, stay the same, or has already dropped.

Question 39Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text reads: 'The trial reduced waiting times in the first month. The authors caution that the sample was small and drawn from one clinic, so results may not apply elsewhere.' What is the authors' main point about the findings?

  1. The trial should be repeated everywhere immediately.
  2. Waiting times did not change at all.
  3. The clinic was too large for the trial.
  4. The findings need testing in other settings. Correct answer.

Explanation

The authors report a reduction in waiting times but warn the sample was small and from a single clinic. Their caution implies the results should be checked in other settings before being generalised. The text does not say waiting times were unchanged or that the clinic was too large.

Question 40Understanding and locating information in texts (literal comprehension)

A text says: 'Applications are ranked by interview score. Where scores are equal, preference goes to applicants who have volunteered with the organisation.' Two applicants have the same interview score. What does the text say decides between them?

  1. The date they applied
  2. Their volunteering with the organisation Correct answer.
  3. Their age
  4. Their interview score alone

Explanation

The text sets out a tie-break rule: when interview scores are equal, preference goes to those who have volunteered with the organisation. Because the two applicants share a score, this tie-break is what separates them. Application date and age are not mentioned as criteria.

Question 41Interpreting and integrating ideas within and across texts

A reader is comparing two articles about a local river cleanup. Article A says volunteers removed 400 kg of rubbish in one morning. Article B says the same cleanup took three weekends and removed 1.2 tonnes. Which statement best describes how the two texts relate?

  1. They agree on both the amount of rubbish and the time taken.
  2. They report the same event but give different figures for its scale and duration. Correct answer.
  3. They describe two separate cleanups at different rivers.
  4. They contradict each other only about the number of volunteers.

Explanation

Integration requires noticing that both texts describe one event while the reported quantities differ. Recognising agreement on the event but disagreement on scale and duration is the accurate synthesis. The other options either invent separate events or claim agreement where figures clearly clash.

Question 42Interpreting and integrating ideas within and across texts

A poster states: 'Bring your own bag and get 10% off.' A shopper reads this alongside a store notice saying the discount applies only to reusable bags bought in-store. What is the combined meaning a reader should take from both texts?

  1. The poster overrides the store notice.
  2. Any bag brought from home earns the discount.
  3. The discount requires a reusable bag purchased at that store. Correct answer.
  4. The discount applies to all bags, including plastic ones.

Explanation

Integrating the two texts means letting the specific store notice qualify the general poster claim. The notice narrows 'your own bag' to a reusable bag bought in-store. Reading only the poster would overstate who qualifies.

Question 43Interpreting and integrating ideas within and across texts

A class reads a graph showing rainfall for four months and a paragraph saying 'the dry spell ended in March'. March shows the highest bar on the graph. How do the two sources work together?

  1. The graph supports the paragraph by showing March had the most rain. Correct answer.
  2. The two sources are unrelated and cannot be combined.
  3. The graph contradicts the paragraph because March is the wettest month.
  4. The paragraph explains why the graph begins in January.

Explanation

A reader integrates visual and written information by checking whether they tell a consistent story. The tallest bar in March matches the claim that the dry spell ended then. Support, not contradiction, is the correct relationship.

Question 44Interpreting and integrating ideas within and across texts

One text calls a new housing development 'a much-needed solution to the shortage'. A second text calls the same development 'a strain on local roads and schools'. A reader integrating both should conclude that:

  1. one text must be factually wrong
  2. the first text is more reliable because it appears first
  3. the second text is about a different development
  4. the texts weigh the same project differently, balancing benefits against costs Correct answer.

Explanation

When two texts evaluate the same thing in opposing ways, integration means holding both perspectives together. One stresses housing supply, the other infrastructure pressure. Recognising this as a difference in emphasis, not a factual error, is the key move.

Question 45Interpreting and integrating ideas within and across texts

A recipe card says 'bake for 25 minutes'. A note on the same card says 'ovens vary; check from 20 minutes'. What does a reader understand by combining the two instructions?

  1. Bake for 20 minutes and stop.
  2. Bake for exactly 25 minutes with no checking.
  3. Start checking at 20 minutes and judge doneness rather than relying only on the clock. Correct answer.
  4. Ignore the timing and check constantly.

Explanation

The main instruction gives a target time while the note adds a checking point and a reason. Integrating them means treating 20 minutes as the earliest check, with the full 25 as a guide. The reader adjusts for their own oven.

Question 46Interpreting and integrating ideas within and across texts

Text 1: 'The library now opens until 9 pm on weekdays.' Text 2: 'Weekend opening hours are unchanged at 4 pm.' Which question can a reader answer by combining both texts?

  1. Why did the library extend weekday hours?
  2. Who decided the new opening hours?
  3. How many books does the library hold?
  4. What are the library's closing times on weekdays and weekends? Correct answer.

Explanation

The two texts together supply closing times for weekdays and weekends. Integration is shown by identifying what the combined information lets you determine. The other questions need details neither text provides.

Question 47Interpreting and integrating ideas within and across texts

A reader sees a headline 'Council backs cycleway' and a body paragraph saying the council 'voted to investigate the proposal further'. How should the reader interpret the headline in light of the body text?

  1. The body text contradicts the headline so the story is false.
  2. The council rejected the cycleway.
  3. The council has fully approved and funded the cycleway.
  4. The headline overstates the decision, which is only to investigate. Correct answer.

Explanation

Headlines often compress and intensify a story, so integrating headline and body means checking the precise action taken. Voting to investigate is weaker than 'backs'. The reader recognises the headline as an overstatement rather than a literal summary.

Question 48Interpreting and integrating ideas within and across texts

A survey table shows 70% of students feel stressed before exams. A companion article says 'most students manage exam stress well with planning'. Which reading best integrates the two?

  1. The survey and article discuss unrelated topics.
  2. The survey proves planning does not work.
  3. The survey shows stress is common, while the article describes a coping strategy for it. Correct answer.
  4. The article disproves the survey figures.

Explanation

Integrating a data source with a commentary means seeing how each contributes a different piece. The survey establishes prevalence; the article addresses management. Together they describe a problem and a response, not a contradiction.

Question 49Interpreting and integrating ideas within and across texts

Two reviews of a film appear side by side. Review A praises the acting but criticises the plot. Review B criticises the acting but praises the plot. A reader integrating both reviews would most reasonably conclude that:

  1. the film divides opinion on acting and plot Correct answer.
  2. both reviews are unreliable
  3. the film is universally disliked
  4. reviewers agree on the film's strengths

Explanation

Where two reviews praise opposite elements, the integrated conclusion is that opinion is split on those elements. Integration means summarising the pattern across sources rather than adopting one view. Neither reviewer agrees with the other on specifics.

Question 50Interpreting and integrating ideas within and across texts

A workplace memo says 'all staff must complete fire training by Friday'. A later email says 'the Friday deadline applies to new staff only; others have until month end'. How should an existing staff member interpret the combined instructions?

  1. They must finish by Friday because the memo is more formal.
  2. They have no deadline at all.
  3. They must finish by Friday because the memo came first.
  4. They have until month end because the later email refines who the Friday deadline covers. Correct answer.

Explanation

Later communication that narrows an earlier instruction should be integrated as a refinement, not ignored. The email restricts the Friday deadline to new staff, leaving existing staff the month-end date. The reader applies the most specific, most recent rule to their situation.