CPT and FCELPT Sample Reading Comprehension Questions

Question 1: (Narrative Question)

Read the statement or passage and then choose the best answer to the question. Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the statement or passage.

Myths are stories, the products of fertile imagination, sometimes simple, often containing profound truths. They are not meant to be taken too literally. Details may sometimes appear childish, but most myths express a culture’s most serious beliefs about human beings, eternity, and God.

The main idea of this passage is that myths

1. are created primarily to entertain young children
2. are purposely written for the reader who lacks imagination
3. provide the reader with a means of escape from reality
4. illustrate the values that are considered important to a society

Question 2: (Sentence Relationships)

Two underlined sentences are followed by a question or statement about them. Read each pair of sentences and then choose the best answer to the question or the best completion of the statement.

The Midwest is experiencing its worst drought in fifteen years.
Corn and soybean prices are expected to be very high this year.

What does the second sentence do?

1. It restates the idea found in the first.
2. It states an effect.
3. It gives an example.
4. It analyzes the statement made in the first.

Question 3: (Understanding Main Ideas)

Read the statement or passage below. Answer all questions following the passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.

During the ‘50s, each TV season offered 39 weeks of new shows, and 13 weeks of repeats. Slowly, the ratio has reversed. The ultimate goal may be a one-week season, 50 weeks of repeats, and one week off for good behavior.

The main point the writer is making is that

1. television shows are being repeated more often than ever
2. shows must be repeated to allow time to prepare new shows
3. repeated shows are used to gain good ideas for new shows
4. repeating shows cuts down costs

Question 4: (Understanding Direct Statements)

Read the statement or passage below. Answer all questions following the passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.

During the ‘50s, each TV season offered 39 weeks of new shows, and 13 weeks of repeats. Slowly, the ratio has reversed. The ultimate goal may be a one-week season, 50 weeks of repeats, and one week off for good behavior.

When did the change in television that the passage describes take place?

1. During the past year
2. Only very recently
3. Over a period of time
4. Several years ago

Question 5: (Drawing Inferences)

Read the statement or passage below. Answer all questions following the passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.

During the ‘50s, each TV season offered 39 weeks of new shows, and 13 weeks of repeats. Slowly, the ratio has reversed. The ultimate goal may be a one-week season, 50 weeks of repeats, and one week off for good behavior.

What does the writer most probably think of the situation in television that he or she is telling us about?

1. It is better than it was before.
2. It cannot be helped.
3. It may soon improve.
4. It is becoming ridiculous.