FREE TABE Reading Exam

2.

Study the flowchart below and answer the questions. What is the first thing the chart asks you to do if you are hungry?

Eat.
Look in the kitchen.
Consider whether you can afford to eat out.
Consider whether you want to eat what you have.

Correct Answer

A. Look in the kitchen.

Explanation

B. There is only one arrow leading from the start box, and it goes to the “look in the kitchen” box. See Lesson: Summarizing Text and Using Text Features.

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3.

A high school student is presenting research on how gender affects participation in her political science class. Study the graphic elements below and answer the question. Male students spend _____ of class time speaking.

3%
6%
30%
70%

Correct Answer

A. 70%

Explanation

D. The pie chart indicates the amount of time students of different genders contribute to discussions. The larger wedge for male speaking indicates that 70% of class discussion time is dominated by male speakers. See Lesson: Summarizing Text and Using Text Features.

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4.

In which of the following situations would it be best to use informal language?

At brunch.
Talking to a professor.
Giving a presentation.
Giving a professional talk.

Correct Answer

A. At brunch.

Explanation

A. At brunch. It is an informal setting that a person goes to with their friends. See Lesson: Formal and Informal Language.

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5.

Read the passage and answer the following question. Dear Dr. Rodriguez, I am writing to request that you change my daughter Amelia’s chemistry grade. Amelia is a brilliant and capable girl who does not deserve an F in your class. Incidentally, I am sure you recall our family’s substantial donation to your school district last year. I was led to believe we would no longer be troubled by petty grade issues or incompetent teachers after I wrote that check. In fact, I feel compelled to forward this message to your superiors to make certain the issue is dealt with promptly, and to ensure that we have no future misunderstandings. Sincerely, Violetta D. Johannsen Question: What mood would this passage most likely evoke in the chemistry teacher, Dr. Rodriguez?

Fury
Glee
Calm
Respect

Correct Answer

A. Fury

Explanation

A. A teacher receiving a note like this would likely feel furious. See Lesson: Tone and Mood, Transition Words.

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6.

Read the following passage and answer the question. Adelia stood on the porch in her bathrobe. “Mr. Snuggles?” she called. “Mr. Sunggles! Come on in, you little vermin.” She peered up and down the street. Sighing, she went back inside and, a moment later, emerged with a metal bowl and a spoon. She rapped on the bowl several times. “Mr. Snuggles? Breakfast!” When Mr. Snuggles did not appear, Adelia reached inside and grabbed some keys off a low table. Cinching her bathrobe tightly around her waist, she climbed into the car. “It’s not like I have anything better to do than look for you again,” she said. Question: Which detail from the text supports the inference that Adelia cares what happens to Mr. Snuggles, even if she is angry at him?

She goes out to look for him.
She keeps her car keys near the door.
She is joking when she calls him “vermin.”
She says she wants to be doing something else.

Correct Answer

A. She goes out to look for him.

Explanation

A. Adelia tries repeatedly to call Mr. Snuggles, and when he does not come, she goes out to look for him. This implies that she does care about him, even if she is angry at him. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions.

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7.

Read the text below and answer the following question. It is perhaps unsurprising that fad diets are so common given the level of obesity in American society. But over the long term, most fad diets are harmful both to the health and to the waistline. Many such diets advocate cutting out one major nutrient, such as fats or carbohydrates. Others suggest fasting over long periods or eating from fixed menu options that may not meet the body’s needs. Most of these diets are highly impractical, and many lead directly or indirectly to binge eating and other unhealthy behaviors. Question: The topic of this paragraph is:

Fasting.
Obesity.
Fad diets.
Binge eating.

Correct Answer

A. Fad diets.

Explanation

C. The topic of this paragraph is related to obesity, but it is more narrowly focused on the fad diets people use as they try to control their weight. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.

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8.

Read the passage and answer the following question. Dear Dr. Rodriguez, I am writing to request that you change my daughter Amelia’s chemistry grade. Amelia is a brilliant and capable girl who does not deserve an F in your class. Incidentally, I am sure you recall our family’s substantial donation to your school district last year. I was led to believe we would no longer be troubled by petty grade issues or incompetent teachers after I wrote that check. In fact, I feel compelled to forward this message to your superiors to make certain the issue is dealt with promptly, and to ensure that we have no future misunderstandings. Sincerely, Violetta D. Johannsen Question: Which adjective best describes the tone of this passage?

Friendly
Arrogant
Hopeless
Respectful

Correct Answer

A. Arrogant

Explanation

B. The tone of this letter is hostile and arrogant as the author openly assumes her wealth and influence will secure a good chemistry grade for her daughter. See Lesson: Tone and Mood, Transition Words.

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9.

Read the following passage and answer the question. Adelia stood on the porch in her bathrobe. “Mr. Snuggles?” she called. “Mr. Sunggles! Come on in, you little vermin.” She peered up and down the street. Sighing, she went back inside and, a moment later, emerged with a metal bowl and a spoon. She rapped on the bowl several times. “Mr. Snuggles? Breakfast!” When Mr. Snuggles did not appear, Adelia reached inside and grabbed some keys off a low table. Cinching her bathrobe tightly around her waist, she climbed into the car. “It’s not like I have anything better to do than look for you again,” she said. Question: From the text above, you can infer that Adelia is:

Looking for a pet.
Calling her son home.
A kindhearted person.
Unconcerned for Mr. Snuggles.

Correct Answer

A. Looking for a pet.

Explanation

A. Adelia is attempting to call a pet, not a child. You can infer this because she calls Mr. Snuggles “vermin” and bangs on a bowl with a spoon to get his attention. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions.

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10.

In which of the following situations would it be best to use informal language?

A charity event
A football game
A job interview
A dentist's office

Correct Answer

A. A football game

Explanation

B. A football game. A stadium is an informal setting where formal language is not necessary. See Lesson: Formal and Informal Language.

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11.

Read the text below and answer the following question. It is perhaps unsurprising that fad diets are so common given the level of obesity in American society. But over the long term, most fad diets are harmful both to the health and to the waistline. Many such diets advocate cutting out one major nutrient, such as fats or carbohydrates. Others suggest fasting over long periods or eating from fixed menu options that may not meet the body’s needs. Most of these diets are highly impractical, and many lead directly or indirectly to binge eating and other unhealthy behaviors. Question: If the author added a description of a man who attempted several fad diets and ended up heavier than ever, what type of information would this be?

A main idea
A topic sentence
A supporting detail
An off-topic sentence

Correct Answer

A. A supporting detail

Explanation

C. A description of a failed experience with fad diets would function as a supporting detail in this paragraph about the negative consequences of fad diets. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.

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12.

Which of the following sentences uses the MOST informal language?

I must go to school.
I have to go to school.
I need to go to school.
I gotta go to school.

Correct Answer

A. I gotta go to school.

Explanation

D. I gotta go to school. It is the sentence that uses the most slang. See Lesson: Formal and Informal Language.

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13.

Read the following text and answer the question. Fly Lake is the heart and soul of our town, and it needs our help. The environmental problems are obvious everywhere. The parking lot and path to the lake are strewn with beer cans and other litter. A half-dead grove of oaks bears the scars of a careless visitor’s untended fire. Other trees are tagged with spray-painted graffiti. Any visitor who bothers to walk past this depressing scene all the way to the edge of the lake will notice piles of discarded fishing gear—but the fishing is terrible these days. Beneath the surface, hardly anything is still swimming. The lake has long been a source of recreation, tourist revenue, and food for the people of our town, but if current trends continue, it will no longer be able to fulfill any of these roles. For the greater good, we need funding and workers to clean up Fly Lake. Question: Which statement best expresses the unstated theme of the passage?

People who litter should pay hefty fines.
Caring for the environment benefits everyone.
If you start a campfire, don’t be careless with it.
Worthless human beings scar and defile the earth.

Correct Answer

A. Caring for the environment benefits everyone.

Explanation

B. When finding a theme, steer away from options that only reflect a sentence or two, and from options that are not fully supported by the whole text. The entire passage makes an argument for cleaning up a polluted site because it would benefit everyone. See Lesson: Types of Passages, Text Structures, Genre and Theme.

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14.

A high school student is presenting research on how gender affects participation in her political science class. Study the graphic elements below and answer the question. Which statement accurately describes the average number of interruptions during each class discussion?

Male students are interrupted an average of six times.
Female students are interrupted an average of six times.
Male students interrupt others an average of three times.
Female students interrupt others an average of three times.

Correct Answer

A. Female students are interrupted an average of six times.

Explanation

B. If you read the labels carefully, you will see that the bar graph shows how many times students of each gender are interrupted during class discussions. The graph shows that students are interrupted more often than male students. See Lesson: Summarizing Text and Using Text Features.

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15.

Carla is trying to limit her calorie intake. When she buys a bottle of soda, she is pleased to see a low value of 100 calories per serving. Before she pours herself a glass, she should check the number of:

Servings per bottle.
Calories per gram of fat.
Calories per gram of sugar.
Servings in a glass of water.

Correct Answer

A. Servings per bottle.

Explanation

A. If Carla wants to limit her calorie intake, she needs to know not only how many calories are in a serving of the foods and drinks she consumes, but also the number of servings per package or bottle. See Lesson: Evaluating and Integrating Data.

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16.

Read the following paragraph and answer the question. The idea of raising children in prison is controversial, but well-run prison nursery programs can actually be beneficial. A study of preschool age children showed that anxiety and depression are common among young children who are separated from their mothers at birth and reunited later. In contrast, babies who spent brief sentences of two years or less behind bars with their mothers showed greater resilience and stronger attachments. According to a nationwide analysis of women who participated in prison nursery programs, the benefits for mothers are even clearer than the benefits to children. Women who were allowed to remain with their infants during prison sentences were less likely to be convicted of another crime and less likely to use drugs in the five years after release. They were more likely to continue their education in prison and more likely to find employment on the outside. Mothers involved in prison nursery programs also reported better mental health and greater confidence in their own parenting skills. Question: Which statement expresses an opinion?

A study of preschool age children showed that anxiety and depression are common among young children who are separated from their mothers at birth and reunited later.
The idea of raising children in prison is controversial, but well-run prison nursery programs can actually be beneficial.
Mothers involved in prison nursery programs also reported better mental health and greater confidence in their own parenting skills.
Women who were allowed to remain with their infants during prison sentences were less likely to be convicted of another crime and less likely to use drugs after release.

Correct Answer

A. The idea of raising children in prison is controversial, but well-run prison nursery programs can actually be beneficial.

Explanation

B. The argument that prison nursery programs can be beneficial is an opinion statement because it makes a judgment. See Lesson: Facts Opinions and Evaluating an Argument.

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17.

Read the following passage and answer the question. Every time I visit the bookstore, I find a new science fiction title about post-apocalyptic survivors taking refuge in New York City’s subway tunnels. Some of these survival stories are fun to read, but they have a pesky plausibility problem: if society collapses, those subway tunnels won’t be there anymore—at least not for long. On a typical day in a functioning New York City, a crew of engineers works around the clock to pump about 13 million gallons of water out of the subway system, and a major rain event pushes that number up fast. What happens if you take the engineers—and the electricity to work the sump pumps—out of the equation? The first big storm will flood those tunnels, probably for good. At that point, any survivors left underground will have to grow gills or head for the surface. Question: Which graphic element would most clearly illustrate the author’s point?

A schematic showing the depth and volume of all of New York City’s subway tunnels
A graph comparing the ridership of New York City’s subways with those of other major American cities
A table showing how much water runs through the New York City subway system in varying conditions
A New York City subway map showing emergency exits and detailing procedures for exiting the system during a flood

Correct Answer

A. A table showing how much water runs through the New York City subway system in varying conditions

Explanation

C. The author argues that the New York City subway system would not be a good place to take refuge after a major weather event if nobody were working to pump the water out. Information about the water would help illustrate that point. See Lesson: Evaluating and Integrating Data.

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18.

A high school student is presenting research on how gender affects participation in her political science class. Study the graphic elements below and answer the question. Which argument does the information in the graphs best support?

Female students do not have as many ideas about political science as male students.
The class should make a greater effort to give students of both genders a fair chance to speak.
Contrary to popular belief, male students face greater gender discrimination in school settings.
There is no substantial difference between male and female students’ class participation in discussions.

Correct Answer

A. The class should make a greater effort to give students of both genders a fair chance to speak.

Explanation

B. The data in the chart and graph could help show that male students are receiving more chances to speak in class discussions, and that it would be a good idea to increase gender parity. See Lesson: Summarizing Text and Using Text Features.

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19.

Read the passage and answer the following question. Dear Dr. Rodriguez, I am writing to request that you change my daughter Amelia’s chemistry grade. Amelia is a brilliant and capable girl who does not deserve an F in your class. Incidentally, I am sure you recall our family’s substantial donation to your school district last year. I was led to believe we would no longer be troubled by petty grade issues or incompetent teachers after I wrote that check. In fact, I feel compelled to forward this message to your superiors to make certain the issue is dealt with promptly, and to ensure that we have no future misunderstandings. Sincerely, Violetta D. Johannsen Question: Which phrase from the passage has an openly hostile and superior tone?

I am writing to request
Brilliant and capable
Incompetent teachers
To make certain

Correct Answer

A. Incompetent teachers

Explanation

C. The author of the letter uses mostly polite language to make her arrogant request, but her language becomes openly hostile when she calls grading practices “petty” and accuses Dr. Rodriguez of being “incompetent.” See Lesson: Tone and Mood, Transition Words.

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20.

Read the following paragraph and answer the question. The idea of raising children in prison is controversial, but well-run prison nursery programs can actually be beneficial. A study of preschool age children showed that anxiety and depression are common among young children who are separated from their mothers at birth and reunited later. In contrast, babies who spent brief sentences of two years or less behind bars with their mothers showed greater resilience and stronger attachments. According to a nationwide analysis of women who participated in prison nursery programs, the benefits for mothers are even clearer than the benefits to children. Women who were allowed to remain with their infants during prison sentences were less likely to be convicted of another crime and less likely to use drugs in the five years after release. They were more likely to continue their education in prison and more likely to find employment on the outside. Mothers involved in prison nursery programs also reported better mental health and greater confidence in their own parenting skills. Question: What is the primary argument of the passage?

Young children should not be forced to live in prisons.
Society must promote the health and safety of children.
Letting imprisoned mothers keep their babies can be helpful.
It is bad for children but good for mothers if children live in prison.

Correct Answer

A. Letting imprisoned mothers keep their babies can be helpful.

Explanation

C. The main argument in this passage is that it may be beneficial to both mothers and babies if women who give birth in prison are allowed to keep their children with them. One assumption behind the passage is that society must promote the health and safety of children, but this is not the main argument. See Lesson: Facts Opinions and Evaluating an Argument.

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21.

Read the following passage and answer the question. Adelia stood on the porch in her bathrobe. “Mr. Snuggles?” she called. “Mr. Sunggles! Come on in, you little vermin.” She peered up and down the street. Sighing, she went back inside and, a moment later, emerged with a metal bowl and a spoon. She rapped on the bowl several times. “Mr. Snuggles? Breakfast!” When Mr. Snuggles did not appear, Adelia reached inside and grabbed some keys off a low table. Cinching her bathrobe tightly around her waist, she climbed into the car. “It’s not like I have anything better to do than look for you again,” she said. Question: Which sentence of dialogue, if added to the passage, would support the conclusion that Mr. Snuggles actually belongs to someone else?

“What ever possessed me to adopt a cat?”
“You shed on my sheets, you pee on my couch, and now this.”
“Next time Raul goes out of town, I’m going to babysit his plants instead.”
“If you make me late again, I’m going to lose my job. Then how will we eat?”

Correct Answer

A. “Next time Raul goes out of town, I’m going to babysit his plants instead.”

Explanation

C. The line about Raul and his plants does not explicitly say Adelia is babysitting Mr. Snuggles, but it suggests that she is caring for the pet for someone else. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions.

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22.

Read the following passage and answer the question. Every time I visit the bookstore, I find a new science fiction title about post-apocalyptic survivors taking refuge in New York City’s subway tunnels. Some of these survival stories are fun to read, but they have a pesky plausibility problem: if society collapses, those subway tunnels won’t be there anymore—at least not for long. On a typical day in a functioning New York City, a crew of engineers works around the clock to pump about 13 million gallons of water out of the subway system, and a major rain event pushes that number up fast. What happens if you take the engineers—and the electricity to work the sump pumps—out of the equation? The first big storm will flood those tunnels, probably for good. At that point, any survivors left underground will have to grow gills or head for the surface. Question: Which of the following is the best title for this passage?

A Visit to a Bookstore
The Science of Growing Gills
A Refuge in Fiction, But Not in Fact
The Best Science Fiction of the Year

Correct Answer

A. A Refuge in Fiction, But Not in Fact

Explanation

C. The main point of this paragraph is that science fiction often depicts a particular kind of post-apocalyptic survival scenario that would not work in fact. The title of the passage should reflect this idea. See Lesson: Evaluating and Integrating Data.

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23.

Which of the following sentences uses the MOST formal language?

I want to tell you my business plan.
I am writing to explain my business plan.
I'm telling you my business plan.
I'm explaining my business plan.

Correct Answer

A. I am writing to explain my business plan.

Explanation

B. I am writing to explain my business plan. The sentence does not have any contractions and uses the most polite and formal vocabulary. See Lesson: Formal and Informal Language.

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24.

Read the following text and answer the question. Fly Lake is the heart and soul of our town, and it needs our help. The environmental problems are obvious everywhere. The parking lot and path to the lake are strewn with beer cans and other litter. A half-dead grove of oaks bears the scars of a careless visitor’s untended fire. Other trees are tagged with spray-painted graffiti. Any visitor who bothers to walk past this depressing scene all the way to the edge of the lake will notice piles of discarded fishing gear—but the fishing is terrible these days. Beneath the surface, hardly anything is still swimming. The lake has long been a source of recreation, tourist revenue, and food for the people of our town, but if current trends continue, it will no longer be able to fulfill any of these roles. For the greater good, we need funding and workers to clean up Fly Lake. Question: If this text were to continue for a few more paragraphs, which genre label would best apply to it?

Essay
Fable
History
Memoir

Correct Answer

A. Essay

Explanation

A. The author of this text is expressing a point of view in a short-form piece. This is most likely an essay. See Lesson: Types of Passages, Text Structures, Genre and Theme.

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25.

Read the sentences below. Jeremiah’s lacrosse season had a rocky start. He is determined to score more goals than his teammates this year. Which word or phrase, if inserted at the beginning of sentence two, would effectively transition between these two ideas?

Likewise
Previously
For example
Nevertheless

Correct Answer

A. Nevertheless

Explanation

D. A transition between these two sentences would likely suggest contrast. Good choices would be words like nevertheless or however. See Lesson: Tone and Mood, Transition Words.

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26.

Read the passage and answer the following question. Dear Dr. Rodriguez, I am writing to request that you change my daughter Amelia’s chemistry grade. Amelia is a brilliant and capable girl who does not deserve an F in your class. Incidentally, I am sure you recall our family’s substantial donation to your school district last year. I was led to believe we would no longer be troubled by petty grade issues or incompetent teachers after I wrote that check. In fact, I feel compelled to forward this message to your superiors to make certain the issue is dealt with promptly, and to ensure that we have no future misunderstandings. Sincerely, Violetta D. Johannsen Question: Which transition word or phrase from the passage adds emphasis to the writer’s point?

And
After
In fact
Incidentally

Correct Answer

A. In fact

Explanation

C. The phrase “in fact” adds emphasis to the writer’s implicit point that she intends to make sure her daughter unfairly receives a high chemistry grade. See Lesson: Tone and Mood, Transition Words.

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27.

Read the following paragraph and answer the question. The idea of raising children in prison is controversial, but well-run prison nursery programs can actually be beneficial. A study of preschool age children showed that anxiety and depression are common among young children who are separated from their mothers at birth and reunited later. In contrast, babies who spent brief sentences of two years or less behind bars with their mothers showed greater resilience and stronger attachments. According to a nationwide analysis of women who participated in prison nursery programs, the benefits for mothers are even clearer than the benefits to children. Women who were allowed to remain with their infants during prison sentences were less likely to be convicted of another crime and less likely to use drugs in the five years after release. They were more likely to continue their education in prison and more likely to find employment on the outside. Mothers involved in prison nursery programs also reported better mental health and greater confidence in their own parenting skills. Question: Consider the following sentence from the passage: Mothers involved in prison nursery programs also reported better mental health and greater confidence in their own parenting skills. Is this statement a fact or an opinion? Why?

An opinion because it shares information about confidence, which is an emotion.
A fact because it states verifiable information about how women reported they felt.
A fact because it focuses on information from medical records rather than faulty memories.
An opinion because it relies on human input rather than objective sources like computer records.

Correct Answer

A. A fact because it states verifiable information about how women reported they felt.

Explanation

B. The statement makes a factual statement about how people said they felt. This makes it a fact even though it contains opinion information.

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28.

Read the passages below and answer the question. Many people find termites to be destructive little pests, but they are actually ingenious little creatures. If you were to look at a termite mound, you would see first hand how incredible these insects are. These masters of construction work together to erect high-functioning, green-energy skyscrapers out of nothing but soil, saliva, and dung. The largest one documented is in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mound, measuring 12.8 meters (41.9 feet) tall, has heat regulation and air conditioning systems. It also contains numerous chambers for food storage, gardens, and babies. And just think: a termite is only .6 cm long, yet it is still capable of building a sophisticated structure that’s 2,013 times its size! * As we hiked along the dusty trail deep within the Congo, our tour guide suddenly stopped and held up his hand. Panic rose inside me, as I expected to see a ghastly hyena or other vicious predator in our midst. But he slowly pointed toward a large mound off the side of the path. What on earth? It rose high above us, a tall, sandy structure, its arms outstretched to the sky. “This,” he began in a whisper so as not to disturb its inhabitants, “is a termite mound. Inside are thousands of termites. These tiny little insects have worked together to build this massive structure. And not only is it ventilated to keep them cool, but there are tons of little rooms or chambers inside for different purposes.” WHOA. A termite mound? How on earth did those pesky little bugs do that? Question: The author of Passage 1 supports his/her points primarily by:

Telling humanizing stories.
Relying on facts and logic.
Pointing to expert sources.
Using fear tactics and manipulation.

Correct Answer

A. Relying on facts and logic.

Explanation

B. The author of Passage 1 uses primarily facts and logic, although she could strengthen her points by clearly identifying sources or establishing her credentials. See Lesson: Understanding the Author’s Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.

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29.

Read the following passage and answer the question. Adelia stood on the porch in her bathrobe. “Mr. Snuggles?” she called. “Mr. Sunggles! Come on in, you little vermin.” She peered up and down the street. Sighing, she went back inside and, a moment later, emerged with a metal bowl and a spoon. She rapped on the bowl several times. “Mr. Snuggles? Breakfast!” When Mr. Snuggles did not appear, Adelia reached inside and grabbed some keys off a low table. Cinching her bathrobe tightly around her waist, she climbed into the car. “It’s not like I have anything better to do than look for you again,” she said. Question: Which detail does not provide evidence to back up the conclusion that Adelia is feeling frustrated?

She calls Mr. Snuggles “you little vermin.”
She has not yet gotten dressed for the day.
She complains about having to search for Mr. Snuggles.
She sighs when Mr. Snuggles does not immediately appear.

Correct Answer

A. She has not yet gotten dressed for the day.

Explanation

B. Adelia’s bathrobe is not evidence that she is frustrated at Mr. Snuggles. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions.

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30.

Read the following text and answer the question. Fly Lake is the heart and soul of our town, and it needs our help. The environmental problems are obvious everywhere. The parking lot and path to the lake are strewn with beer cans and other litter. A half-dead grove of oaks bears the scars of a careless visitor’s untended fire. Other trees are tagged with spray-painted graffiti. Any visitor who bothers to walk past this depressing scene all the way to the edge of the lake will notice piles of discarded fishing gear—but the fishing is terrible these days. Beneath the surface, hardly anything is still swimming. The lake has long been a source of recreation, tourist revenue, and food for the people of our town, but if current trends continue, it will no longer be able to fulfill any of these roles. For the greater good, we need funding and workers to clean up Fly Lake. Question: This passage is best described as:

Narrative.
Technical.
Persuasive.
Expository.

Correct Answer

A. Persuasive.

Explanation

C. The paragraph is meant to convince the reader to pay for or otherwise help with the cleanup of Fly Lake. This makes it a persuasive text. See Lesson: Types of Passages, Text Structures, Genre and Theme.

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31.

Read the following text and answer the question. Fly Lake is the heart and soul of our town, and it needs our help. The environmental problems are obvious everywhere. The parking lot and path to the lake are strewn with beer cans and other litter. A half-dead grove of oaks bears the scars of a careless visitor’s untended fire. Other trees are tagged with spray-painted graffiti. Any visitor who bothers to walk past this depressing scene all the way to the edge of the lake will notice piles of discarded fishing gear—but the fishing is terrible these days. Beneath the surface, hardly anything is still swimming. The lake has long been a source of recreation, tourist revenue, and food for the people of our town, but if current trends continue, it will no longer be able to fulfill any of these roles. For the greater good, we need funding and workers to clean up Fly Lake. Question: Which two organizational schemes best describe the structure of the text?

Cause/effect and sequence
Problem-solution and description
Cause/effect and compare/contrast
Problem-solution and compare/contrast

Correct Answer

A. Problem-solution and description

Explanation

B. The paragraph points out a problem at the beginning and offers a solution. In between, it describes the environmental problems at Fly Lake in a logical order. See Lesson: Types of Passages, Text Structures, Genre and Theme.

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32.

Read the following passage and answer the question. Every time I visit the bookstore, I find a new science fiction title about post-apocalyptic survivors taking refuge in New York City’s subway tunnels. Some of these survival stories are fun to read, but they have a pesky plausibility problem: if society collapses, those subway tunnels won’t be there anymore—at least not for long. On a typical day in a functioning New York City, a crew of engineers works around the clock to pump about 13 million gallons of water out of the subway system, and a major rain event pushes that number up fast. What happens if you take the engineers—and the electricity to work the sump pumps—out of the equation? The first big storm will flood those tunnels, probably for good. At that point, any survivors left underground will have to grow gills or head for the surface. Question: Which information would belong in a sidebar alongside this text?

An illustration showing how a family of people might look if they all had gills behind their ears
A description of a subway’s electrified third rail and an explanation of how it works to power the train
A list of science fiction novels about people living in subway tunnels in a post-apocalyptic world
A description of the job qualifications of a subway engineer who works the pumps to keep the tunnels functional

Correct Answer

A. A list of science fiction novels about people living in subway tunnels in a post-apocalyptic world

Explanation

C. Sidebar information should be peripheral to the text. That means it’s clearly related and interesting to the same audience. Here, the list of sci-fi novels would be the best option. See Lesson: Evaluating and Integrating Data.

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33.

Read the following paragraph and answer the question. The idea of raising children in prison is controversial, but well-run prison nursery programs can actually be beneficial. A study of preschool age children showed that anxiety and depression are common among young children who are separated from their mothers at birth and reunited later. In contrast, babies who spent brief sentences of two years or less behind bars with their mothers showed greater resilience and stronger attachments. According to a nationwide analysis of women who participated in prison nursery programs, the benefits for mothers are even clearer than the benefits to children. Women who were allowed to remain with their infants during prison sentences were less likely to be convicted of another crime and less likely to use drugs in the five years after release. They were more likely to continue their education in prison and more likely to find employment on the outside. Mothers involved in prison nursery programs also reported better mental health and greater confidence in their own parenting skills. Question: What is one assumption behind the passage?

Imprisoned mothers should take parenting classes to learn how to raise children.
Some people disagree with the idea of allowing mothers to raise children in prison.
The needs of incarcerated mothers are more important than the needs of their babies.
Society should protect the health and well-being of children born to incarcerated mothers.

Correct Answer

A. Society should protect the health and well-being of children born to incarcerated mothers.

Explanation

D. The passage states explicitly that the idea of raising children in prison is controversial, so this is not an assumption. It does assume that our society should attempt to help children born to mothers in prison. See Lesson: Facts Opinions and Evaluating an Argument.

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34.

Read the text below and answer the following question. It is perhaps unsurprising that fad diets are so common given the level of obesity in American society. But over the long term, most fad diets are harmful both to the health and to the waistline. Many such diets advocate cutting out one major nutrient, such as fats or carbohydrates. Others suggest fasting over long periods or eating from fixed menu options that may not meet the body’s needs. Most of these diets are highly impractical, and many lead directly or indirectly to binge eating and other unhealthy behaviors. Question: Why doesn’t a statistic about early childhood obesity rates belong in this paragraph?

It does not directly support the main idea that fad diets are harmful.
Readers might feel hopeless to solve the problem the author identifies.
Statistics should never be used as supporting details in persuasive writing.
It would act as a second topic sentence and confuse readers about the main idea.

Correct Answer

A. It does not directly support the main idea that fad diets are harmful.

Explanation

A. Although a statistic about early childhood obesity might belong in a passage focusing on obesity rates, it would be off-topic information in this paragraph on the harm of fad dieting. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.

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35.

Read the passages below and answer the question. Many people find termites to be destructive little pests, but they are actually ingenious little creatures. If you were to look at a termite mound, you would see first hand how incredible these insects are. These masters of construction work together to erect high-functioning, green-energy skyscrapers out of nothing but soil, saliva, and dung. The largest one documented is in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mound, measuring 12.8 meters (41.9 feet) tall, has heat regulation and air conditioning systems. It also contains numerous chambers for food storage, gardens, and babies. And just think: a termite is only .6 cm long, yet it is still capable of building a sophisticated structure that’s 2,013 times its size! * As we hiked along the dusty trail deep within the Congo, our tour guide suddenly stopped and held up his hand. Panic rose inside me, as I expected to see a ghastly hyena or other vicious predator in our midst. But he slowly pointed toward a large mound off the side of the path. What on earth? It rose high above us, a tall, sandy structure, its arms outstretched to the sky. “This,” he began in a whisper so as not to disturb its inhabitants, “is a termite mound. Inside are thousands of termites. These tiny little insects have worked together to build this massive structure. And not only is it ventilated to keep them cool, but there are tons of little rooms or chambers inside for different purposes.” WHOA. A termite mound? How on earth did those pesky little bugs do that? Question: With which statement would the author of Passage 1 most likely agree with?

Things are not always what they seem.
The best things in life come in small packages.
If you try hard enough, you can achieve anything.
Working together accomplishes more than working alone.

Correct Answer

A. Things are not always what they seem.

Explanation

A. Passage 1 says, “Many people find termites to be destructive little pests, but they are actually ingenious little creatures.” This suggests that termites are misunderstood and things are not always what they seem. See Lesson: Understanding the Author’s Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.

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36.

Read the text below and answer the following question. It is perhaps unsurprising that fad diets are so common given the level of obesity in American society. But over the long term, most fad diets are harmful both to the health and to the waistline. Many such diets advocate cutting out one major nutrient, such as fats or carbohydrates. Others suggest fasting over long periods or eating from fixed menu options that may not meet the body’s needs. Most of these diets are highly impractical, and many lead directly or indirectly to binge eating and other unhealthy behaviors. Read the following description of the paragraph: The author argues unfairly against fad diets without taking their good qualities into account. Question: Why is this not a valid description of the main idea?

It is not accurate; the author of the paragraph is stating facts, not opinions.
It is not objective; the person summarizing the main idea is adding a judgment.
It is not accurate; the author of the paragraph does not argue against fad diets.
It is not objective; the person summarizing the main idea ignores a sentence about the benefits of dieting.

Correct Answer

A. It is not objective; the person summarizing the main idea is adding a judgment.

Explanation

B. Although this description of the paragraph would be valid in an opinion response, it is not merely a statement of the main idea because it adds the reader’s judgment about the paragraph. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.

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37.

Read the passages below and answer the question. Many people find termites to be destructive little pests, but they are actually ingenious little creatures. If you were to look at a termite mound, you would see first hand how incredible these insects are. These masters of construction work together to erect high-functioning, green-energy skyscrapers out of nothing but soil, saliva, and dung. The largest one documented is in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mound, measuring 12.8 meters (41.9 feet) tall, has heat regulation and air conditioning systems. It also contains numerous chambers for food storage, gardens, and babies. And just think: a termite is only .6 cm long, yet it is still capable of building a sophisticated structure that’s 2,013 times its size! * As we hiked along the dusty trail deep within the Congo, our tour guide suddenly stopped and held up his hand. Panic rose inside me, as I expected to see a ghastly hyena or other vicious predator in our midst. But he slowly pointed toward a large mound off the side of the path. What on earth? It rose high above us, a tall, sandy structure, its arms outstretched to the sky. “This,” he began in a whisper so as not to disturb its inhabitants, “is a termite mound. Inside are thousands of termites. These tiny little insects have worked together to build this massive structure. And not only is it ventilated to keep them cool, but there are tons of little rooms or chambers inside for different purposes.” WHOA. A termite mound? How on earth did those pesky little bugs do that? Question: What is the primary purpose of Passage 2?

To inform
To distract
To persuade
To entertain

Correct Answer

A. To entertain

Explanation

D. Passage 2 tells a story, which is meant to entertain. See Lesson: Understanding the Author’s Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.

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38.

Read the text below and answer the following question. It is perhaps unsurprising that fad diets are so common given the level of obesity in American society. But over the long term, most fad diets are harmful both to the health and to the waistline. Many such diets advocate cutting out one major nutrient, such as fats or carbohydrates. Others suggest fasting over long periods or eating from fixed menu options that may not meet the body’s needs. Most of these diets are highly impractical, and many lead directly or indirectly to binge eating and other unhealthy behaviors. Question: The topic sentence of this paragraph is:

But over the long term, most fad diets are harmful both to the health and to the waistline.
Many such diets advocate cutting out one major nutrient, such as fats or carbohydrates.
It is perhaps unsurprising that fad diets are so common given the level of obesity in American society.
Most of these diets are highly impractical, and many lead directly or indirectly to binge eating and other unhealthy behaviors.

Correct Answer

A. But over the long term, most fad diets are harmful both to the health and to the waistline.

Explanation

A. The first sentence of this paragraph leads the reader toward the main idea, which is expressed next in a topic sentence about the harmfulness of fad diets. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.

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39.

Which of the following sources should be treated with skepticism even though it is primary?

An original work of art that has been celebrated and imitated
The research notes of a technician studying infectious diseases
An opinion article by a person who witnessed a famine firsthand
A 1910 article on how to treat measles by an experienced doctor

Correct Answer

A. A 1910 article on how to treat measles by an experienced doctor

Explanation

D. A 1910 article on medicine is highly outdated. Even if the writer is an experienced doctor, the advice presented would likely not be worth following.

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40.

Read the passages below and answer the question. Many people find termites to be destructive little pests, but they are actually ingenious little creatures. If you were to look at a termite mound, you would see first hand how incredible these insects are. These masters of construction work together to erect high-functioning, green-energy skyscrapers out of nothing but soil, saliva, and dung. The largest one documented is in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mound, measuring 12.8 meters (41.9 feet) tall, has heat regulation and air conditioning systems. It also contains numerous chambers for food storage, gardens, and babies. And just think: a termite is only .6 cm long, yet it is still capable of building a sophisticated structure that’s 2,013 times its size! * As we hiked along the dusty trail deep within the Congo, our tour guide suddenly stopped and held up his hand. Panic rose inside me, as I expected to see a ghastly hyena or other vicious predator in our midst. But he slowly pointed toward a large mound off the side of the path. What on earth? It rose high above us, a tall, sandy structure, its arms outstretched to the sky. “This,” he began in a whisper so as not to disturb its inhabitants, “is a termite mound. Inside are thousands of termites. These tiny little insects have worked together to build this massive structure. And not only is it ventilated to keep them cool, but there are tons of little rooms or chambers inside for different purposes.” WHOA. A termite mound? How on earth did those pesky little bugs do that? Question: What is the purpose of the first paragraph of Passage 1?

To inform
To distract
To persuade
To entertain

Correct Answer

A. To persuade

Explanation

C. Passage 1 is intended to persuade readers that termites are amazing insects. See Lesson: Understanding the Author’s Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.

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Free TABE Reading Exam

Study the flowchart below and answer the questions. According to the flowchart, what do you need to do if you cannot afford to eat out?

Quiz Preview

Study the flowchart below and answer the questions. What is the first thing the chart asks you to do if you are hungry?

A high school student is presenting research on how gender affects participation in her political science class. Study the graphic elements below and answer the question. Male students spend _____ of class time speaking.

In which of the following situations would it be best to use informal language?

In which of the following situations would it be best to use informal language?

Which of the following sentences uses the MOST informal language?

A high school student is presenting research on how gender affects participation in her political science class. Study the graphic elements below and answer the question. Which statement accurately describes the average number of interruptions during each class discussion?

Carla is trying to limit her calorie intake. When she buys a bottle of soda, she is pleased to see a low value of 100 calories per serving. Before she pours herself a glass, she should check the number of:

A high school student is presenting research on how gender affects participation in her political science class. Study the graphic elements below and answer the question. Which argument does the information in the graphs best support?

Which of the following sentences uses the MOST formal language?

Read the sentences below. Jeremiah’s lacrosse season had a rocky start. He is determined to score more goals than his teammates this year. Which word or phrase, if inserted at the beginning of sentence two, would effectively transition between these two ideas?

Which of the following sources should be treated with skepticism even though it is primary?