Section 3 – Reading Comprehension
Section 3 – Reading Comprehension
Directions: In this section you will read several passages. Each one is followed by a number of questions about it. Choose the one best answer — A, B, C or D — to each question. As you’re going through the questions, select the appropriate answer for each by clicking on it. When you have answered all the questions, click “Show all answers” at the end of the page to highlight the correct answer for each question.
Answer all questions about the information in a passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in that passage.
Look at the following examples before going on to the practice passage and questions.
Example
1. What is the main idea of the passage?
(A) In modern society we must make more time for our neighbors.
(B) The traditions of society are timeless.
(C) An accepted way of measuring time is essential for the smooth functioning of society.
(D) Society judges people by the times at which they conduct certain activities.
The main idea of the passage is that societies need to agree on how time is measured to function smoothly. Therefore, you should choose answer (C).
2. In line 7, the phrase ‘‘this tradition’’ refers to
(A) the practice of starting the business day at dawn
(B) friendly relations between neighbors
(C) the railroad’s reliance on time schedules
(D) people’s agreement on the measurement of time
The phrase ‘‘this tradition’’ refers to the preceding clause, ‘‘people have been in rough agreement with their neighbors as to the time of day.’’ Therefore, you should choose answer (D).