Identifying Source or Genre - SSAT Middle Level Reading
- Which source is most likely if a passage states a claim and then refutes counterarguments directly?
- Persuasive essay or editorial. Stating a claim and refuting counterarguments builds a case to sway opinions in opinion-based writing.
- What source is most likely if a passage reports recent events with a neutral, factual tone?
- News article. Reporting recent events in a neutral, factual tone delivers timely information objectively, as seen in journalism.
- What source is most likely if a passage uses first-person reflection and dates or daily entries?
- Diary or journal entry. First-person reflections with dates or daily entries convey personal thoughts and experiences in a chronological, intimate format.
- What source is most likely if a passage uses slogans, persuasive language, and urges you to buy or join?
- Advertisement. Slogans and persuasive language with calls to action promote products or ideas to influence behavior or choices.
- What source is most likely if a passage has headings, step-by-step directions, and safety warnings?
- Instruction manual or how-to guide. Headings, step-by-step directions, and safety warnings provide practical guidance for tasks, typical of instructional materials.
- What source is most likely if a passage is addressed to a recipient and includes a greeting and closing?
- Letter or email. Addressing a recipient with a greeting and closing structures personal or professional communication in epistolary form.
- Which source is most likely if a passage begins with a headline-like lead and answers who/what/when/where?
- News report. Starting with a lead summarizing key facts (who, what, when, where) structures objective reporting of current events.
- What genre is most likely if a passage is a person's life story written by the person themself?
- Autobiography or memoir. A first-person account of one's own life provides personal insights and reflections, unlike third-person biographies.
- What genre is most likely if a passage is a traditional story passed down with heroes or folklore?
- Legend or folktale. Stories passed orally with heroic figures or cultural motifs preserve folklore and historical exaggerations.
- Which genre is most likely if a passage explains causes and effects of a past event in a neutral tone?
- Historical nonfiction (history text). Explaining causes and effects of past events neutrally documents history factually, without fictional embellishment.
- What source is most likely if a passage includes a thesis, reasons, and evidence to persuade readers?
- Argumentative essay or editorial. A thesis supported by reasons and evidence aims to convince readers, marking the persuasive nature of such writing.
- What genre is most likely if a passage tells a traditional story explaining a natural event or belief?
- Myth. Traditional stories explaining natural phenomena or cultural beliefs often feature supernatural elements and origins in oral tradition.
- What source is most likely if a passage focuses on a person's life story with dates and achievements?
- Biography. Focusing on a person's life with dates and achievements chronicles real events and accomplishments in a factual account.
- Which source is most likely if a passage uses technical terms, definitions, and an impersonal voice?
- Academic or technical article. Technical terms, definitions, and impersonal voice convey specialized knowledge objectively in scholarly contexts.
- Which genre is most likely if a passage centers on a speaker addressing "you" with imagery and emotion?
- Lyric poem. A speaker addressing 'you' with imagery and emotion expresses personal feelings lyrically, often in verse form.
- What source is most likely if a passage describes a scientific study, methods, results, and conclusions?
- Scientific article or lab report. Describing methods, results, and conclusions from a study follows the systematic structure of scientific documentation.
- What source is most likely if a passage defines terms, explains concepts, and uses an objective tone?
- Textbook or encyclopedia entry. Defining terms and explaining concepts objectively educates readers on topics in an encyclopedic or pedagogical manner.
- What genre is most likely if a passage presents verifiable facts about a real topic or event?
- Nonfiction (informational text). Presenting verifiable facts about real topics or events indicates a focus on information rather than invention or persuasion.
- Which source is most likely if a passage lists symptoms, treatments, and cautions in formal language?
- Health brochure or medical information text. Listing symptoms, treatments, and cautions in formal language informs about health issues for public awareness or prevention.
- What genre is most likely if a passage is a brief traditional story teaching a moral lesson?
- Fable. Short tales with anthropomorphic characters or simple plots convey ethical lessons, rooted in didactic folklore.
- Which genre is most likely if a passage uses sensory details and a clear sequence of events?
- Narrative (story). Sensory details and sequential events create immersive storytelling, evoking experiences through narrative progression.
- What genre is most likely if a passage uses characters, setting, plot, and dialogue?
- Fiction (narrative prose). These elements form the core structure of imaginative storytelling in prose, distinguishing it from factual or poetic genres.
- What genre is most likely if a passage is written in lines with rhythm or figurative language?
- Poetry. Lines with rhythm or figurative language are characteristic of verse that emphasizes artistic expression over straightforward narrative.
- What genre is most likely if a passage has character names followed by dialogue and stage directions?
- Drama (play script). Character names, dialogue, and stage directions format scripts intended for performance, differentiating from prose narratives.
- What source is most likely if a passage compares products, gives ratings, and recommends a purchase?
- Review (product, book, or movie review). Comparing items, assigning ratings, and offering recommendations evaluates quality to guide consumer decisions.