Deck 8: Understanding Paragraphs

Question 1

In a paragraph, all details are

A) related to the paragraph's main idea.
B) considered the author's opinion.
C) intended to repeat the main idea.
D) meant to provide primary supporting evidence.

Answer 1

related to the paragraph's main idea.

Question 2

One clue to the topic of a paragraph is the

A) repeated use of a word throughout the paragraph.
B) types of details in the paragraph.
C) frequency of examples in the paragraph.
D) way the paragraph is organized.

Answer 2

repeated use of a word throughout the paragraph.

Question 3

Anauthor who uses a deductive thought pattern in a paragraph typically

A) states the main idea at the beginning of the paragraph.
B) builds up to the main idea and states it in the middle of the paragraph.
C) builds up to the main idea and states it at the end of the paragraph.
D) does not directly state the main idea in any one sentence.

Answer 3

states the main idea at the beginning of the paragraph.

Question 4

The type of transition in which the author shows a connection between two or more things is known as

A) time sequence.
B) cause-effect.
C) enumeration.
D) summation.

Question 5

The phrase on the other hand is an example of the type of transition known as

A) illustration.
B) cause-effect.
C) contrast.
D) summation.

Question 6

Time sequence is a type of transition in which the author

A) indicates that an example will follow.
B) arranges ideas in the order in which they happened.
C) identifies each major point to suggest order of importance.
D) shows how the previous idea is similar to what follows.

Question 7

The three essential elements of a paragraph are its topic, its main idea, and its

A) topic sentence.
B) supporting details.
C) transitions.
D) examples.

Question 8

If the main idea of a paragraph is not stated in a topic sentence, the reader should

A) move on to the next paragraph.
B) view the paragraph as transitional only.
C) try to identify the topic and then infer the paragraph's main idea.
D) determine whether the paragraph is the author's opinion only.

Question 9

The sentence that is most likely a topic sentence and not a detail is:

A) Bone is one of the hardest materials in the body.
B) First, consider the effects of calcium on the diet.
C) For example, older women often experience osteoporosis.
D) In contrast, cartilage is a type of connective tissue.

Question 10

A paragraph can be defined as a

A) collection of facts.
B) group of related sentences.
C) set of examples.
D) writer's opinion.

Question 11

The purpose of most sentences in a paragraph is to

A) restate the topic sentence.
B) provide examples.
C) introduce new ideas.
D) explain the main idea.

Question 12

To find the main idea of a paragraph, ask yourself:

A) What kinds of details does the author use to support the main idea?
B) What is the author trying to say about the topic?
C) What do I already know about the topic?
D) Is the author qualified to write about the topic?

Question 13

An author who uses an inductive thought pattern in a paragraph typically

A) states the main idea at the beginning of the paragraph.
B) states the main idea in the middle of the paragraph.
C) builds up to the main idea and states it at the end of the paragraph.
D) hints at the main idea but does not state it anywhere in the paragraph.

Question 14

A paragraph has this topic sentence: "The Amazon rainforest is home to the richest variety of wildlife on Earth." The detail that does not belong in this paragraph is:

A) Many unusual species, such as the emerald tree boa and the jaguar, can be found in the rainforest.
B) Rainforest birds often have short wings that allow them to fly through the trees.
C) One of the largest marshland areas in the world is found in the Florida Everglades.
D) Piranhas and harpy eagles are two of the most lethal inhabitants of the rainforest.

Question 15

The phrase for instance is an example of the type of transition known as

A) illustration.
B) comparison.
C) cause-effect.
D) summation.

Question 16

The phrase to conclude is an example of the type of transition known as

A) comparison.
B) cause-effect.
C) summation.
D) listing.

Question 17

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow.
Although used mainly to refer to prejudice against older people, the word ageism can also refer to prejudice against other age groups. For example, if you describe all teenagers as selfish and undependable, you're discriminating against a group purely because of their age, and thus are ageist in your statements. In some cultures-some Asian and some African cultures, for example-the old are revered and respected. Younger people seek them out for advice on economic, ethical, and relationship issues.
Individual ageism is seen in the general disrespect many show toward older people and in negative stereotypes about older people. Institutional ageism is seen in mandatory retirement laws and age restrictions in certain occupations (as opposed to
requirements based on demonstrated competence). In less obvious forms, ageism is seen in the media's portrayal of old people as incompetent, complaining, and perhaps most clearly evidenced in both television and films, without romantic feelings. Rarely, for example, does a TV show or film show older people working productively, being cooperative and pleasant, and engaging in romantic and sexual relationships.
Popular language is replete with examples of ageist language; "little old lady," "old-timer," "over the hill," and "old fogy" are a few examples. As with sexism, qualifying a description of someone in terms of his or her age demonstrates ageism. For example, if you refer to "a quick-witted 75-year-old" or "an agile 65-year-old" or "a responsible teenager," you're implying that these qualities are unusual in people of these ages and thus need special mention. You're saying that "quick-wittedness" and "being 75" do not normally go together. The problem with this kind of stereotyping is that it's simply wrong. There are many 75-year-olds who are extremely quick-witted (and many 30-year-olds who aren't).
One useful way to avoid ageism is to recognize and avoid the illogical stereotypes that ageist language is based on. Examine your own language to see if you:
• talk down to a person because he or she is older. Older people are not mentally slow; most people remain mentally alert well into old age.
• speak at an abnormally high volume. Being older does not mean being hard of hearing or being unable to see; most older people hear and see quite well, sometimes with hearing aids or glasses.
• avoid engaging older people in conversation as you would wish to be engaged.
Older people are interested in the world around them.

-The topic of paragraph 1 is

A) prejudice.
B) older people.
C) cultural discrimination.
D) ageism.

Question 18

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow.
Although used mainly to refer to prejudice against older people, the word ageism can also refer to prejudice against other age groups. For example, if you describe all teenagers as selfish and undependable, you're discriminating against a group purely because of their age, and thus are ageist in your statements. In some cultures-some Asian and some African cultures, for example-the old are revered and respected. Younger people seek them out for advice on economic, ethical, and relationship issues.
Individual ageism is seen in the general disrespect many show toward older people and in negative stereotypes about older people. Institutional ageism is seen in mandatory retirement laws and age restrictions in certain occupations (as opposed to
requirements based on demonstrated competence). In less obvious forms, ageism is seen in the media's portrayal of old people as incompetent, complaining, and perhaps most clearly evidenced in both television and films, without romantic feelings. Rarely, for example, does a TV show or film show older people working productively, being cooperative and pleasant, and engaging in romantic and sexual relationships.
Popular language is replete with examples of ageist language; "little old lady," "old-timer," "over the hill," and "old fogy" are a few examples. As with sexism, qualifying a description of someone in terms of his or her age demonstrates ageism. For example, if you refer to "a quick-witted 75-year-old" or "an agile 65-year-old" or "a responsible teenager," you're implying that these qualities are unusual in people of these ages and thus need special mention. You're saying that "quick-wittedness" and "being 75" do not normally go together. The problem with this kind of stereotyping is that it's simply wrong. There are many 75-year-olds who are extremely quick-witted (and many 30-year-olds who aren't).
One useful way to avoid ageism is to recognize and avoid the illogical stereotypes that ageist language is based on. Examine your own language to see if you:
• talk down to a person because he or she is older. Older people are not mentally slow; most people remain mentally alert well into old age.
• speak at an abnormally high volume. Being older does not mean being hard of hearing or being unable to see; most older people hear and see quite well, sometimes with hearing aids or glasses.
• avoid engaging older people in conversation as you would wish to be engaged.
Older people are interested in the world around them.

-The main idea of paragraph 2 is that

A) too many people show disrespect toward older people.
B) job requirements should be based solely on competence.
C) the media portrays old people as incompetent, complaining, and unromantic.
D) ageism can be seen individually, institutionally, and in the media.

Question 19

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow.
Although used mainly to refer to prejudice against older people, the word ageism can also refer to prejudice against other age groups. For example, if you describe all teenagers as selfish and undependable, you're discriminating against a group purely because of their age, and thus are ageist in your statements. In some cultures-some Asian and some African cultures, for example-the old are revered and respected. Younger people seek them out for advice on economic, ethical, and relationship issues.
Individual ageism is seen in the general disrespect many show toward older people and in negative stereotypes about older people. Institutional ageism is seen in mandatory retirement laws and age restrictions in certain occupations (as opposed to
requirements based on demonstrated competence). In less obvious forms, ageism is seen in the media's portrayal of old people as incompetent, complaining, and perhaps most clearly evidenced in both television and films, without romantic feelings. Rarely, for example, does a TV show or film show older people working productively, being cooperative and pleasant, and engaging in romantic and sexual relationships.
Popular language is replete with examples of ageist language; "little old lady," "old-timer," "over the hill," and "old fogy" are a few examples. As with sexism, qualifying a description of someone in terms of his or her age demonstrates ageism. For example, if you refer to "a quick-witted 75-year-old" or "an agile 65-year-old" or "a responsible teenager," you're implying that these qualities are unusual in people of these ages and thus need special mention. You're saying that "quick-wittedness" and "being 75" do not normally go together. The problem with this kind of stereotyping is that it's simply wrong. There are many 75-year-olds who are extremely quick-witted (and many 30-year-olds who aren't).
One useful way to avoid ageism is to recognize and avoid the illogical stereotypes that ageist language is based on. Examine your own language to see if you:
• talk down to a person because he or she is older. Older people are not mentally slow; most people remain mentally alert well into old age.
• speak at an abnormally high volume. Being older does not mean being hard of hearing or being unable to see; most older people hear and see quite well, sometimes with hearing aids or glasses.
• avoid engaging older people in conversation as you would wish to be engaged.
Older people are interested in the world around them.

-The sentence in paragraph 2 that is not a primary supporting detail is the

A) first sentence.
B) second sentence.
C) third sentence.

Question 20

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow.
Although used mainly to refer to prejudice against older people, the word ageism can also refer to prejudice against other age groups. For example, if you describe all teenagers as selfish and undependable, you're discriminating against a group purely because of their age, and thus are ageist in your statements. In some cultures-some Asian and some African cultures, for example-the old are revered and respected. Younger people seek them out for advice on economic, ethical, and relationship issues.
Individual ageism is seen in the general disrespect many show toward older people and in negative stereotypes about older people. Institutional ageism is seen in mandatory retirement laws and age restrictions in certain occupations (as opposed to
requirements based on demonstrated competence). In less obvious forms, ageism is seen in the media's portrayal of old people as incompetent, complaining, and perhaps most clearly evidenced in both television and films, without romantic feelings. Rarely, for example, does a TV show or film show older people working productively, being cooperative and pleasant, and engaging in romantic and sexual relationships.
Popular language is replete with examples of ageist language; "little old lady," "old-timer," "over the hill," and "old fogy" are a few examples. As with sexism, qualifying a description of someone in terms of his or her age demonstrates ageism. For example, if you refer to "a quick-witted 75-year-old" or "an agile 65-year-old" or "a responsible teenager," you're implying that these qualities are unusual in people of these ages and thus need special mention. You're saying that "quick-wittedness" and "being 75" do not normally go together. The problem with this kind of stereotyping is that it's simply wrong. There are many 75-year-olds who are extremely quick-witted (and many 30-year-olds who aren't).
One useful way to avoid ageism is to recognize and avoid the illogical stereotypes that ageist language is based on. Examine your own language to see if you:
• talk down to a person because he or she is older. Older people are not mentally slow; most people remain mentally alert well into old age.
• speak at an abnormally high volume. Being older does not mean being hard of hearing or being unable to see; most older people hear and see quite well, sometimes with hearing aids or glasses.
• avoid engaging older people in conversation as you would wish to be engaged.
Older people are interested in the world around them.

-The topic of paragraph 3 is

A) popular language.
B) ageist language.
C) sexism.
D) stereotyping.

Question 21

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow.
Although used mainly to refer to prejudice against older people, the word ageism can also refer to prejudice against other age groups. For example, if you describe all teenagers as selfish and undependable, you're discriminating against a group purely because of their age, and thus are ageist in your statements. In some cultures-some Asian and some African cultures, for example-the old are revered and respected. Younger people seek them out for advice on economic, ethical, and relationship issues.
Individual ageism is seen in the general disrespect many show toward older people and in negative stereotypes about older people. Institutional ageism is seen in mandatory retirement laws and age restrictions in certain occupations (as opposed to
requirements based on demonstrated competence). In less obvious forms, ageism is seen in the media's portrayal of old people as incompetent, complaining, and perhaps most clearly evidenced in both television and films, without romantic feelings. Rarely, for example, does a TV show or film show older people working productively, being cooperative and pleasant, and engaging in romantic and sexual relationships.
Popular language is replete with examples of ageist language; "little old lady," "old-timer," "over the hill," and "old fogy" are a few examples. As with sexism, qualifying a description of someone in terms of his or her age demonstrates ageism. For example, if you refer to "a quick-witted 75-year-old" or "an agile 65-year-old" or "a responsible teenager," you're implying that these qualities are unusual in people of these ages and thus need special mention. You're saying that "quick-wittedness" and "being 75" do not normally go together. The problem with this kind of stereotyping is that it's simply wrong. There are many 75-year-olds who are extremely quick-witted (and many 30-year-olds who aren't).
One useful way to avoid ageism is to recognize and avoid the illogical stereotypes that ageist language is based on. Examine your own language to see if you:
• talk down to a person because he or she is older. Older people are not mentally slow; most people remain mentally alert well into old age.
• speak at an abnormally high volume. Being older does not mean being hard of hearing or being unable to see; most older people hear and see quite well, sometimes with hearing aids or glasses.
• avoid engaging older people in conversation as you would wish to be engaged.
Older people are interested in the world around them.

-In paragraph 3, the phrase for example is the type of transition known as

A) illustration.
B) cause-effect.
C) comparison.
D) contrast.

Question 22

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow.
Although used mainly to refer to prejudice against older people, the word ageism can also refer to prejudice against other age groups. For example, if you describe all teenagers as selfish and undependable, you're discriminating against a group purely because of their age, and thus are ageist in your statements. In some cultures-some Asian and some African cultures, for example-the old are revered and respected. Younger people seek them out for advice on economic, ethical, and relationship issues.
Individual ageism is seen in the general disrespect many show toward older people and in negative stereotypes about older people. Institutional ageism is seen in mandatory retirement laws and age restrictions in certain occupations (as opposed to
requirements based on demonstrated competence). In less obvious forms, ageism is seen in the media's portrayal of old people as incompetent, complaining, and perhaps most clearly evidenced in both television and films, without romantic feelings. Rarely, for example, does a TV show or film show older people working productively, being cooperative and pleasant, and engaging in romantic and sexual relationships.
Popular language is replete with examples of ageist language; "little old lady," "old-timer," "over the hill," and "old fogy" are a few examples. As with sexism, qualifying a description of someone in terms of his or her age demonstrates ageism. For example, if you refer to "a quick-witted 75-year-old" or "an agile 65-year-old" or "a responsible teenager," you're implying that these qualities are unusual in people of these ages and thus need special mention. You're saying that "quick-wittedness" and "being 75" do not normally go together. The problem with this kind of stereotyping is that it's simply wrong. There are many 75-year-olds who are extremely quick-witted (and many 30-year-olds who aren't).
One useful way to avoid ageism is to recognize and avoid the illogical stereotypes that ageist language is based on. Examine your own language to see if you:
• talk down to a person because he or she is older. Older people are not mentally slow; most people remain mentally alert well into old age.
• speak at an abnormally high volume. Being older does not mean being hard of hearing or being unable to see; most older people hear and see quite well, sometimes with hearing aids or glasses.
• avoid engaging older people in conversation as you would wish to be engaged.
Older people are interested in the world around them.

-The main idea of paragraph 4 is that

A) most people remain mentally alert well into old age.
B) speaking loudly to older people is unnecessary.
C) older people are interested in the world around them.
D) recognizing and avoiding ageist stereotypes can help you avoid ageism.

Question 23

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow.
Although used mainly to refer to prejudice against older people, the word ageism can also refer to prejudice against other age groups. For example, if you describe all teenagers as selfish and undependable, you're discriminating against a group purely because of their age, and thus are ageist in your statements. In some cultures-some Asian and some African cultures, for example-the old are revered and respected. Younger people seek them out for advice on economic, ethical, and relationship issues.
Individual ageism is seen in the general disrespect many show toward older people and in negative stereotypes about older people. Institutional ageism is seen in mandatory retirement laws and age restrictions in certain occupations (as opposed to
requirements based on demonstrated competence). In less obvious forms, ageism is seen in the media's portrayal of old people as incompetent, complaining, and perhaps most clearly evidenced in both television and films, without romantic feelings. Rarely, for example, does a TV show or film show older people working productively, being cooperative and pleasant, and engaging in romantic and sexual relationships.
Popular language is replete with examples of ageist language; "little old lady," "old-timer," "over the hill," and "old fogy" are a few examples. As with sexism, qualifying a description of someone in terms of his or her age demonstrates ageism. For example, if you refer to "a quick-witted 75-year-old" or "an agile 65-year-old" or "a responsible teenager," you're implying that these qualities are unusual in people of these ages and thus need special mention. You're saying that "quick-wittedness" and "being 75" do not normally go together. The problem with this kind of stereotyping is that it's simply wrong. There are many 75-year-olds who are extremely quick-witted (and many 30-year-olds who aren't).
One useful way to avoid ageism is to recognize and avoid the illogical stereotypes that ageist language is based on. Examine your own language to see if you:
• talk down to a person because he or she is older. Older people are not mentally slow; most people remain mentally alert well into old age.
• speak at an abnormally high volume. Being older does not mean being hard of hearing or being unable to see; most older people hear and see quite well, sometimes with hearing aids or glasses.
• avoid engaging older people in conversation as you would wish to be engaged.
Older people are interested in the world around them.

-In paragraph 1, the word revered means

A) avoided.
B) valued.
C) imitated.
D) disregarded.

Question 24

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow.
Although used mainly to refer to prejudice against older people, the word ageism can also refer to prejudice against other age groups. For example, if you describe all teenagers as selfish and undependable, you're discriminating against a group purely because of their age, and thus are ageist in your statements. In some cultures-some Asian and some African cultures, for example-the old are revered and respected. Younger people seek them out for advice on economic, ethical, and relationship issues.
Individual ageism is seen in the general disrespect many show toward older people and in negative stereotypes about older people. Institutional ageism is seen in mandatory retirement laws and age restrictions in certain occupations (as opposed to
requirements based on demonstrated competence). In less obvious forms, ageism is seen in the media's portrayal of old people as incompetent, complaining, and perhaps most clearly evidenced in both television and films, without romantic feelings. Rarely, for example, does a TV show or film show older people working productively, being cooperative and pleasant, and engaging in romantic and sexual relationships.
Popular language is replete with examples of ageist language; "little old lady," "old-timer," "over the hill," and "old fogy" are a few examples. As with sexism, qualifying a description of someone in terms of his or her age demonstrates ageism. For example, if you refer to "a quick-witted 75-year-old" or "an agile 65-year-old" or "a responsible teenager," you're implying that these qualities are unusual in people of these ages and thus need special mention. You're saying that "quick-wittedness" and "being 75" do not normally go together. The problem with this kind of stereotyping is that it's simply wrong. There are many 75-year-olds who are extremely quick-witted (and many 30-year-olds who aren't).
One useful way to avoid ageism is to recognize and avoid the illogical stereotypes that ageist language is based on. Examine your own language to see if you:
• talk down to a person because he or she is older. Older people are not mentally slow; most people remain mentally alert well into old age.
• speak at an abnormally high volume. Being older does not mean being hard of hearing or being unable to see; most older people hear and see quite well, sometimes with hearing aids or glasses.
• avoid engaging older people in conversation as you would wish to be engaged.
Older people are interested in the world around them.

-In paragraph 3, the word agile means

A) helpful.
B) nimble.
C) impatient.
D) insincere.

Question 25

Read the following passage and then answer questions bellow.
Although used mainly to refer to prejudice against older people, the word ageism can also refer to prejudice against other age groups. For example, if you describe all teenagers as selfish and undependable, you're discriminating against a group purely because of their age, and thus are ageist in your statements. In some cultures-some Asian and some African cultures, for example-the old are revered and respected. Younger people seek them out for advice on economic, ethical, and relationship issues.
Individual ageism is seen in the general disrespect many show toward older people and in negative stereotypes about older people. Institutional ageism is seen in mandatory retirement laws and age restrictions in certain occupations (as opposed to
requirements based on demonstrated competence). In less obvious forms, ageism is seen in the media's portrayal of old people as incompetent, complaining, and perhaps most clearly evidenced in both television and films, without romantic feelings. Rarely, for example, does a TV show or film show older people working productively, being cooperative and pleasant, and engaging in romantic and sexual relationships.
Popular language is replete with examples of ageist language; "little old lady," "old-timer," "over the hill," and "old fogy" are a few examples. As with sexism, qualifying a description of someone in terms of his or her age demonstrates ageism. For example, if you refer to "a quick-witted 75-year-old" or "an agile 65-year-old" or "a responsible teenager," you're implying that these qualities are unusual in people of these ages and thus need special mention. You're saying that "quick-wittedness" and "being 75" do not normally go together. The problem with this kind of stereotyping is that it's simply wrong. There are many 75-year-olds who are extremely quick-witted (and many 30-year-olds who aren't).
One useful way to avoid ageism is to recognize and avoid the illogical stereotypes that ageist language is based on. Examine your own language to see if you:
• talk down to a person because he or she is older. Older people are not mentally slow; most people remain mentally alert well into old age.
• speak at an abnormally high volume. Being older does not mean being hard of hearing or being unable to see; most older people hear and see quite well, sometimes with hearing aids or glasses.
• avoid engaging older people in conversation as you would wish to be engaged.
Older people are interested in the world around them.

-In paragraph 4, the word illogical means

A) disrespectful.
B) unlawful.
C) irrational.
D) flexible.