Reading Practice Test 1

1. Which word/phrase in the sentence below is redundant and can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence?Historically, in the past, politicians often inserted their religious beliefs into their positions.

2. 1

Read the following short biography below and identify the main idea.The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln was not born into a rich family. As a child, he lived in a one-room log cabin in Kentucky with his parents. When he was still a young boy, his father lost a lot of money, which created some financial troubles with his family. Consequently, the Lincolns had to move to Perry County, Indiana. They did not have an easy time due to their problems with money, but they survived. Abraham Lincoln's mother sadly passed away when he was only nine, and his father eventually remarried. Although young Abraham did not attend school for many years, he was able to educate himself by reading many books. Before becoming President, he worked a few different jobs, such as shopkeeper and head of the post office.

What is the main idea of this biography?

3. 0

Read the following short biography below and identify the main idea.If the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning is turn on a light, you can thank Thomas Edison. This inventor - who was born in Ohio but spent much of his time working in New Jersey - is famous for a variety of inventions, including the light bulb. But that's not all he contributed. Thomas Edison was known for inventing the phonograph, which was a machine that is able to record sound and play it back. It was the first of its kind back then! He also invented not just the light bulb, but the switches that we use to turn the lights on and off. Another one of his most famous inventions is the motion picture camera, which was used to make movies. These were groundbreaking inventions in his day!

What is the main idea of this biography?

4. DIRECTIONS: Read each passage and identify how the information is being organized.If you feel tired all the time, have trouble concentrating, or just feel depressed, it may be because you’re not getting enough or the proper nutrients. Making positive changes in your diet can give you energy, help you focus, and put you in a better mood.

 

 

5. Which word/phrase in the sentence below is redundant and can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence?The couple's abrupt decision to elope was sudden and surprised their families.

6. Which word/phrase in the sentence below is redundant and can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence?In 2014. researchers discovered and uncovered one of the biggest dinosaurs of all time, a new species of titanosaur, one of the largest species of dinosaurs to ever have walked on Earth.

7. Read about the artist. Then answer the question below.

Vincent Van Gogh was born in 1853. He is a very famous artist now. But during his lifetime, hardly anyone knew about him or his work. Today his paintings are among the most expensive artworks in the world. But Vincent only sold one painting while he was alive. Vincent was born in Holland, where the weather is usually dark and rainy. When he grew up, he moved to the south of France, where the sun shines more brightly and the colors are more vivid. Vincent loved bright colors, and he used them boldly in all of his paintings. He used a lot of paint and applied it in very thick strokes so that his paintings actually have texture. Vincent painted a lot of pictures of flowers in vases, and a lot of landscapes. He also painted still lifes, buildings, and people. Two of his most famous paintings are called Starry Night, and Sunflowers. Most artists sign their names on their paintings when they have finished it. But in 1888, Vincent painted four pictures of sunflowers. He only signed two of the paintings. Art experts believe that this is because he wasn’t happy with the other two. Today you can see his paintings in museums all around the world.

Vincent applied paint in thick strokes, so his paintings have:

8. 2

Read the following short biography below and identify the main idea.The 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, was known in his adult life as being a very strong, very outspoken man who intimidated many people. He was courageous and often spoke in a powerful tone. Yet when he was younger, Theodore Roosevelt was the complete opposite. In fact, as a child, he was extremely sick. He suffered from severe asthma, which made him sickly and caused his body to become weak. His father wanted his son to be a strong young man, and Theodore - who did not want to disappoint his father - decided to spend his time exercising, lifting weights, and boxing. All of the exercise and the fresh air did him good. Theodore eventually became very strong and got rid of his asthma through hard work and dedication.

What is the main idea of this biography?

9. Which word/phrase in the sentence below is redundant and can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence?As you prepare the newspaper, please ensure that the captions are aligned in a straight line underneath each photo.

10. Read the text and answer the question.In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.
Now the trumpet summons us again - not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are - but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation" - a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.
Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shank from this responsibility - I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it -- and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.

Since this his inauguration speech, JFK uses it as an opportunity to puff up himself and share all of his qualifications.