SSAT Upper Level Reading Comprehension: Understanding Purpose Practice Test 12

1. This passage is mostly about

• A. the importance of protest.
• B. the Civil Rights Movement.
• C. an example of a movement.
• D. a criticism of sexist attitudes.
• E. a celebration of trial lawyers.

2. The author's primary purpose of the passage is to

• A. praise a judge.
• B. question a career.
• C. criticize a parent.
• D. celebrate a victory.
• E. describe a concern.

3. What does the author mean when he says "our living room was abuzz with fireflies"?

• A. Many children played in the house.
• B. The sun's light created a visual effect.
• C. The children had lost touch with reality.
• D. The screen doors were frequently left open.
• E. Fireflies sought warmth inside each autumn.

4. Which of the following best states the main idea of the passage?

• A. Different theories on animal play have been proposed.
• B. It is unlikely that animal play has an important purpose.
• C. The social aspect of animal play remains a point of controversy.
• D. The purpose of play among animals is unlikely to be discovered.
• E. It is most likely that animals play as part of their physical development.

5. The main point expressed by the passage is that

• A. the Mona Lisa is popular.
• B. the Mona Lisa is a great painting.
• C. the Mona Lisa engages the subconscious.
• D. art historians prize the eyes, hands, and smile of the Mona Lisa.
• E. more than one factor might explain the popularity of the Mona Lisa.