Critical Reading

Complete the sentence with the correct word or phrase. When a reader underlines the writer's thesis, identifies key terms, highlights important details, and writes marginal notes directly in a text, this process is known as _____. Multiple choice question. reviewing annotating outlining correcting

annotating

Choose the phrase that most accurately completes the sentence. When reading critically, it helps to preview a text—that is, read the introduction and conclusion, scan section headings or subheadings, look for graphs and other visual or text features—unless the text is a(n) _____. Multiple choice question. scholarly research paper newspaper, magazine, or journal article essay written by a classmate seeking constructive criticism novel, poem, play, or short story

novel, poem, play, or short story

Suppose you are previewing an academic journal article. Which of the following text features is the most efficient way to determine the article's subject? Multiple choice question. introductory notes title subheadings charts

title

Complete the sentence with the correct answer. An advantage that's unique to taking notes electronically is that you can _____. Multiple choice question. use word-search functions to identify specific ideas and notes interpret the text cite the specific page number question the text

use word-search functions to identify specific ideas and notes

Which of the following statements best describes the qualities of effective notes? Multiple choice question. Effective notes are always written in complete sentences. Effective notes copy the original text word for word. Effective notes are written electronically. Are easy to read.

Are easy to read.

Which of the following is a reason for a writer to use emotional language? Multiple choice question. to avoid connecting personally with readers to avoid expressing an opinion on the subject to connect personally with readers to emphasize only the facts

to connect personally with readers

Reading the following passage. Which of the answer choices could be the thesis or claim of the text? The farmer's diet was a sparse one, based on drinking beer and eating bread, a few vegetables, and some protein in the form of fish and eggs. The noble diet was almost limitless: fancy fruits, deer, duck, cheese, butter, and honey. The priests, who offered up banquets of rich food and drink to the gods three times a day, ate the unconsumed food and ended up with blocked arteries, high blood pressure, and premature heart attacks. So say their mummified remains. Multiple choice question. Farmers and priests had different diets. So say their mummified remains. The noble diet was almost limitless: fancy fruits, deer, duck, cheese, butter, and honey. Based on the remains of farmers, priests, and nobles it is believed each maintained different diets that related to their occupations.

Based on the remains of farmers, priests, and nobles it is believed each maintained different diets that related to their occupations.

What is the thesis or claim of this text? Because consumer goods were so often marketed (and advertised) nationally, the 1950s were notable for the rapid spread of great national consumer crazes. For example, children, adolescents, and even some adults became entranced in the late 1950s with the hula hoop—a large plastic ring kept spinning around the waist. The popularity of the Walt Disney-produced children's television show The Mickey Mouse Club created a national demand for Mickey Mouse watches and hats. It also contributed to the stunning success of Disneyland, an amusement park near Los Angeles that re-created many of the characters and events of Disney entertainment programs. Multiple choice question.

Because consumer goods were so often marketed (and advertised) nationally, the 1950s were notable for the rapid spread of great national consumer crazes.

Complete the passage by selecting from the answer choices. Blue is a color. This statement expresses the _____ of the word blue. Multiple choice question. Denotation Connotation

Denotation

Select all that apply Which phrases in this quotation from a presidential candidate's speech appeal to the reader's emotions? Select all that apply. If I'm elected, I promise to work hard. I love this country with all my heart and soul. I would lay down my life to protect its citizens. Multiple select question. I would lay down my life to protect its citizens If I'm elected I promise to work hard I love this country with all my heart and soul

I would lay down my life to protect its citizens I love this country with all my heart and soul

In the passage, which of the following sentences is the thesis or claim of the text? An interest group—also called a "faction," "pressure group," "special interest," or "organized interest"—can be defined as any organization that actively seeks to influence public policy. Interest groups are similar to political parties in some respects but differ from them in important ways. Like parties, groups are a linkage mechanism: they serve to connect citizens with government. However, political parties address a broad range of issues so as to appeal to diverse blocs of voters. Above all, parties are in the business of trying to win elections. Groups, on the other hand, concentrate on policies directly affecting their interests. A group may involve itself in elections, but its major purpose is to influence the policies that affect it. Multiple choice question.

Interest groups are similar to political parties in some respects but differ from them in important ways.

Based on how it is used in the sentence, what is the connotation of the word stingy in the following sentence? Because Bella is stingy, her children have to go without things they need, like new shoes and school supplies. Multiple choice question. Neutral Positive Negative

Negative

After reading the passage, choose the answer that best describes how you can determine that it is intended for a specialized audience who is very familiar with the topic of comic books. The cover of the book Comic Book Fever is a delight—it's an Alex Ross painting of Snyderman (host of the Superhero Merchandise Catalog), flying amidst the likes of a Power Record, treasury-size comics, Hostess fruit pies, and some Underoos. Which in turn leads me to my favorite part of the book, as it examines not only the comics themselves but all the things that tied into them in those days. Writer George Khoury looks at Big Jim's P.A.C.K., Fireside books, Grit, KISS, the Mile High Comics centerfold ads, Dynamite magazine and other late-70s to early-80s phenomena. There are even two entire pages devoted to the Jack Davis-drawn "Rick Barry and Dr. J" Spalding ad! Multiple choice question.

The passage is directed at a specialized audience who is very familiar with comic books because it uses the term treasury-size comics without defining it.

Which answer best describes the relationship between the word in bold type and the phrase in italicized type? Gestures are motions of the hands or body for emphasis or expression. Effective use of gestures distinguishes outstanding speaking from the more mundane. Although you probably are unaware of your arms and hands when you converse with someone, they may become bothersome appendages when you stand in front of an audience. You have to work to make public speaking look easy, just as skillful athletes or graceful dancers make their performances look effortless. Multiple choice question. The word in bold is a key term and the phrase in italics defines that term. The word in bold contrasts with the phrase in italics. Both the word in bold and the phrase in italics describe skillful athletes and graceful dancers. The word in bold is a specific example, and the phrase in italics makes a general point.

The word in bold is a key term and the phrase in italics defines that term.

What is the writer's purpose for writing this passage? While shopping at Fairway, I came across a distraught-looking mother pushing a large shopping cart. She had two children in tow, about 3 and 5 years old, both of whom were whining constantly. They yanked at her clothes and pleaded for candy, and her attempts to soothe them failed utterly. Finally, when the older child—for at least the twentieth time—screamed, "Mom-EEEEE," the mother looked straight ahead and said, "There is no one here by that name." Multiple choice question. To inform the reader of something To persuade the reader to think or act in a particular way To entertain the reader To share feelings or experiences with the reader

To entertain the reader

What is the author's purpose for writing this passage? The saying "quality over quantity" can be applied to most situations, but somehow the idea has been overlooked in the case of the U.S. education system. In an effort to educate more of the population, the system sacrifices individuality and forces students to be pigeonholed into rigid educational structures, thereby benefitting some but leaving many others behind. A quality education, therefore, is likely better served by allowing students to be themselves and work at their own pace so that all can succeed. To do this, we must hold administrators accountable for improving learning conditions. Multiple choice question. To persuade the reader to think or act in a particular way To inform the reader of something To share feelings or experiences with the reader To entertain the reader

To persuade the reader to think or act in a particular way

Read the following passage, written for readers of a popular entertainment website. Choose the answer that states how this passage is an example of writing for a general audience. Select all that apply. A brand new reality TV show starts up next week, right after One-Minute Marriage. It's called Dancing Chefs, and it's a wild combination of a cooking show and a ballroom dance competition. What could be more deliciously toe-tapping than contestants whipping up a mouth-watering dessert and then serving it to a screaming audience of fans while performing a challenging salsa, waltz, or tango? Contestants are judged on their cooking and dancing skills. Watch for the occasional faceplant into a cream pie to add to the fun. The desserts are even themed to the dance numbers for extra points! Sweet! Don't try this at home, folks! Multiple select question.

To reach a general audience of entertainment news readers, the author of this passage uses informal language. To reach a specialized audience of entertainment news readers, the author of this passage uses humor.

Read the following passage, written for education professionals. Choose the answer that states how this passage is an example of writing for a specialized audience. After reviewing district data and recognizing that national trends of college preparedness also described students within the Llanfair Independent School District (LISD), as well as receiving concerns about the literacy skills of graduates from local employers and post-secondary educators, LISD has proposed to implement a ten-week mandatory summer intensive reading program for rising twelfth-grade students reading below the 50th percentile on district assessments in Summer 2016. The articulated goal of this intervention is to ensure that all students demonstrate reading comprehension abilities at a twelfth-grade level upon exiting the program. Multiple choice question.

To reach a specialized audience of education professionals, the author of this passage uses formal language.

What is the author's purpose for writing this passage? On a fall day in 1678, Chief Tatanka-Iyotanka made his way down the steep mountain trail into the Wallowa Valley. He traversed the ridge between the headwaters of Blackbird Creek and then followed the road down Little Creek. Overhead, a vulture circled and he grew suspicious. Multiple choice question. To share feelings or experiences with the reader To persuade the reader to think or act in a particular way. To inform the reader of something To set the scene for the reader

To set the scene for the reader

Which of the following is the most useful guiding question to ask yourself when previewing the introduction and conclusion of a text? Multiple choice question. Given the organization of this text, what might be the main point? What is the author's main point or thesis? What is the subject of this text? What is the title?

What is the author's main point or thesis?

Which of the following is the most useful guiding question to ask yourself when previewing the introduction and conclusion of a text? Multiple choice question. What is the subject of this text? Given the organization of this text, what might be the main point? What is the title? What is the author's main point or thesis?

What is the author's main point or thesis?

Which of the following are essential questions to ask yourself when thinking critically about an author's tone? Select all that apply. What is the author's main point? Is the author's tone appropriate for the audience? Do I agree with the author? What is the author's purpose?

What is the author's main point? Is the author's tone appropriate for the audience? What is the author's purpose?

Complete the passage by selecting the best answer choice. When previewing a text's key words, to make sure you fully understand a word, you should determine if you _____. Multiple choice question. know its definition can use it effectively in your own writing have a rough idea of what the word means have seen the word before

can use it effectively in your own writing

To write a good summary, it is important to _____. Multiple choice question. check the summary's accuracy against the meaning of the original passage use quotation from the original passage to make the author's meaning clear keep the original syntax, phrasing, and sentence structure of the original passage include quotes from the original passage

check the summary's accuracy against the meaning of the original passage

To write a good summary, it is important to _____. Multiple choice question. keep the original syntax, phrasing, and sentence structure of the original passage include quotes from the original passage use quotation from the original passage to make the author's meaning clear check the summary's accuracy against the meaning of the original passage

check the summary's accuracy against the meaning of the original passage

Identify the strategy or mode of organization used in this passage. An interest group—also called a "faction," "pressure group," "special interest," or "organized interest"—can be defined as any organization that actively seeks to influence public policy. Interest groups are similar to political parties in some respects but differ from them in important ways. Like parties, groups are a linkage mechanism: they serve to connect citizens with government. However, political parties address a broad range of issues so as to appeal to diverse blocs of voters. Above all, parties are in the business of trying to win elections. Groups, on the other hand, concentrate on policies directly affecting their interests. A group may involve itself in elections, but its major purpose is to influence the policies that affect it. Multiple choice question. compare and contrast exemplification definition cause and effect

compare and contrast

Which of the following are characteristics of effective paraphrasing? Select all that apply. Multiple select question. demonstrates a clear understanding of the original source or passage uses original text's exact wording captures the thesis or claim of an entire text restates specific details from a portion of the text

demonstrates a clear understanding of the original source or passage restates specific details from a portion of the text

A student is writing an argument essay about immigration policy and includes a theory from a contemporary legal scholar and author of an influential text on immigration history. What type of evidence does this writer use? Multiple choice question. facts and data expert opinion anecdotal evidence illustrated examples

expert opinion

A student is writing an argument essay about the effects of immigration on universal health care policy. This student includes statistics from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. What type of evidence does this writer use? Multiple choice question. facts and data anecdotal evidence illustrated examples expert opinion

facts and data

Select all that apply Taking notes on sources can be more useful for reading comprehension than highlighting because notetaking _____. Select all that apply. Multiple select question. helps you remember information better can make key passages and ideas easier to find later is usually less time-consuming than highlighting helps you to actively engage with a source or text

helps you remember information better can make key passages and ideas easier to find later helps you to actively engage with a source or text

Which of the following is an effective strategy to help you identify the support for a thesis or claim in a text? Select all that apply. Multiple select question. identify the topic identify the thesis or claim identify the key terms preview the text

identify the topic identify the thesis or claim preview the text

Choose the answer which is the best choice for completing the sentence. When you annotate a text, it is helpful to _____. Multiple choice question. mark the thesis and the important ideas that support the thesis rewrite the author's ideas as written, as this will help with your comprehension highlight and underline as much of the text as possible assume the writer is objective and free of biases

mark the thesis and the important ideas that support the thesis

Identify the strategy or mode of organization used in this passage. While waiting on line to purchase groceries, the woman in front of me became distraught. She fumbled through her purse, patted her pockets. She had two children in two, about 3 and 5 years old, who played quietly in the shopping cart, but began to fuss when they saw their mother get upset . "I must have left my wallet in the car," she said to the cashier. I noticed she only had a few items-- coffee, cream, and popcorn, so I decided to help. "I got it," I said, smiling and handing the cashier a $10 bill. Multiple choice question. compare and contrast exemplification narration process analysis

narration

Paraphrases not only require rewording in original language; they also require that the source text be cast in _____ . Multiple choice question. terms that reflect personal observation language that gives a different meaning exact words of the original author new sentence structure or syntax

new sentence structure or syntax

As a general rule, a summary of a text begins with a statement of the author's _____. Multiple choice question. evidence examples thesis or claim introduction

thesis or claim

Informal outlines can be especially helpful to understand a text because _____. Multiple choice question. they require you to use a strict system of letters and numbers to distinguish between general statements and specific details they include a visual representation of the text's organization they require information from the text to be written in complete sentences they encourage you to recast the points and ideas from a source in your own words

they encourage you to recast the points and ideas from a source in your own words

Which of the following is a reason for a writer to use emotional language? Multiple choice question. to avoid connecting personally with readers to sway readers to a particular point of view to avoid expressing a personal opinion on the topic to emphasize only the facts

to sway readers to a particular point of view

To help understand a text, it may be more effective to create an outline of the text rather than annotating (taking notes) when _____. Multiple choice question. identifying where you agree or disagree with the text recording bibliographic information for a research project trying to understand a text's overall structure and organization identifying specific facts within a text

trying to understand a text's overall structure and organization