Comprehension

'The diplomat's words were carefully chosen to sound like an agreement without actually committing to any specific timeline or action.' What can be inferred?

In a study of ancient ruins, archaeologists found that the granaries were empty and there were many defensive walls built in the final years. What likely happened to this civilization?

'She looked at the old piano, her fingers hovering just inches above the keys, before she finally turned and walked away without playing a note.' What does this suggest about her relationship with the piano?

A scientist notes that species X thrives in warm water but dies when the temperature drops by only 2 degrees. What can be inferred about species X's survival in a changing climate?

'The author’s use of dark imagery and short, choppy sentences throughout the chapter creates a sense of __________.'

In a debate, one person keeps bringing up the other's personal mistakes from 10 years ago rather than discussing the current proposal. What is this person doing?

'The silence between them was not the comfortable quiet of old friends, but the jagged, sharp silence of two people who had said too much and yet not enough.' What can be inferred about their relationship?

An ancient document describes a king who 'distributed gold with one hand and took the people's sons with the other.' What can be inferred about his rule?

The poem concludes with the line: 'And so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.' What is the implied theme?

A judge dismisses a case because the evidence was 'circumstantial and lacked a direct nexus to the defendant.' What does this mean?

'The politician’s sudden interest in environmental protection coincided perfectly with the release of a poll showing that 80% of voters favored green policies.' What is the author implying?

During the drought, the village elder noted that 'even the most selfish man starts to share when the well is nearly dry.' What does this mean?

'His apology was as hollow as a drum, and just as loud.' What can be inferred about the apology?

The patient's symptoms improved when given a sugar pill that she believed was medicine. What can be inferred?

'The revolutionary leader was eventually consumed by the very system he sought to dismantle.' What happened to him?

The report showed that while the city’s population remained the same, the volume of trash produced tripled in ten years. What can be inferred about the lifestyle of the residents?

In the story, the protagonist's shadow begins to move independently of him. This most likely suggests that:

'The luxury hotel was built on the ruins of the village school, a fact that the brochure failed to mention.' What is the author’s perspective?

When the economy crashed, the 'experts' who had predicted a boom were suddenly nowhere to be found. What is the tone of this sentence?

'The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long.' What is the inferred meaning regarding life or fame?