How Ideas Relate in a Text

How are these two sentences related?

1) Sometimes when we don't get enough sleep we become very short-tempered.

2) It is important to set a time to go to bed that is realistic.

• The first sentence explains the meaning of the second.

• The second sentence explains why a lack of sleep affects us.

• The second sentence contradicts the first.

• The second sentence proposes a solution.

Read the statements below and then choose the best answer to the question from the list of lettered choices that follows:

1) Most people collect Star Wars toys for sentimental reasons.

2) Some people collect them strictly to make money.

What is the relationship between the two sentences?

• cause & effect

• contrast

• repetition

• statement & example

Answer the question based on what is stated or implied:

There are two kinds of jewellery that I do. There is commercial jewellery - class rings, necklaces, the kinds of things most people wear. I sell these items to meet my expenses for raw materials, supplies, and to make my living. The other, more creative work I do makes me feel that I am developing as a craftsperson.

The author of this passage implies that:

(hint: What is the main idea? Make sure your answer relates to ALL of the supporting details provided)

• artists are poor.

• there is no market for creative work.

• rings and necklaces can not be creative.

• commercial and creative work fulfill different needs for the artist.

Read the passage below and choose the organizational pattern that best describes the way the author organized this paragraph:

Did you know that the U.S. postal service handles 40% of the world's mail volume? Japan is the second-largest carrier of cards and letters, but it handles only 8% of the world's mail. Perhaps the reason that the U.S. handles such a large volume of mail is the large number of personal letters American citizens write. Personal letters do not require a strict format, but they do have a few guidelines. The date should be written at the top of the letter, either in the center or in the righthand corner. The salutation, "Dear ____," should begin the letter and should be followed by a comma instead of a colon which is used in the salutation of a business letter. The body of the letter should sound like you, and say the things you intend to say. Unlike in a business letter, you can use slang words, dashes, smiley faces, sentence fragments, and other kinds of casual forms of communication. Closing for personal letters are also a matter of personal preference. While a business letter requires you to use more formal closings such as "Sincerely," "Regards," or "Best Wishes," a personal letter can end with more casual phrases such as "Later," "Talk to you Soon," or "Bye." As with the rest of the letter, the closing should express your own feelings.

• Cause and Effect

• Example

• Comparison and Contrast

• Humour

Read the statements below and then choose the best answer to the question from the list of lettered choices that follows:

1) Jenny does not like cake.

2) She does not like to bake it, to ice it, or to eat it.

What does the second sentence do?

• It states the cause of the first.

• It emphasizes what is stated in the first.

• It compares the three things Jenny does not like about cake.

• It draws a conclusion about Jenny.

What does the second statement do?

1) When we write a cheque that we know is going to "bounce," we are in fact performing a criminal act.

2) It is a crime to knowingly write a "hot" cheque, one we know we don't have sufficient funds to cover.

• It provides supporting evidence for the first statement.

• It draws a conclusion from the first sentence.

• It restates the central idea of the first sentence.

• It provides a contradictory point of view.

How are these two sentences related?

1) The new Dance Tunes CD has proved to be very popular.

2) It has sold 80,000 copies over the last year.

How are these two sentences related?

• The first sentence explains the meaning of the second.

• The second sentence explains why the CD is popular.

• The second sentence provides evidence of the first.

• The first sentence contradicts the second.

Read the passage and then choose the best answer to the question:

Before the invention of automobiles and airplanes travel was a slow process. When traveling long distances families would be out of communication until the travelers reached their destination. Sometimes people lost touch with each other permanently.

The author would most likely continue the passage with which of the following sentences?

• Advances in communication have helped travelers stay in communication.

• Airplanes make travel more fun

• Driving a car helps families stay in touch.

• Cars can be used to travel comfortably.

Which of the following best describes the mood of the author after having this experience?

Scuba diving is the most exhilarating experience I have ever had. The first time I went, the dark mirror of the water beckoned (=called) me to drop from the side of the boat. I jumped feet first and entered a brightly colored world populated with fish, plants, and objects I had never dreamed of.

• Bored

• Anxious

• Excited

• Serene (=calm, peaceful)

Read the passage below and then choose the best answer to the question:

Did you know that a half-gallon milk container holds about $50.00 in pennies? While all investment counselors realize that we must accumulate money in order to save, most recommend different kinds of investments for people who are in different stages of life. Older investors, those with limited funds to invest, or people with greater financial and family commitments, should take fewer risks. Younger, wealthier, and unmarried investors can afford to venture into the unknown.

Which of the following best describes the main idea of this passage?

• A penny saved is a penny earned.

• Our ages and stage of life are part of what determines the investments that are best for us.

• Old people have the most money.

• Young people should concentrate on collecting pennies.