Two-Passage Questions - SAT Reading & Writing
Card 1 of 60
Which passage type often presents a narrative or anecdote?
Which passage type often presents a narrative or anecdote?
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Literary passage. Literary texts use storytelling to convey their message.
Literary passage. Literary texts use storytelling to convey their message.
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Identify a question type that asks for passage relationship.
Identify a question type that asks for passage relationship.
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Relationship question. These examine how passages connect, agree, or disagree.
Relationship question. These examine how passages connect, agree, or disagree.
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Identify the best label when Passage 1 and Passage 2 reach similar conclusions using different reasoning.
Identify the best label when Passage 1 and Passage 2 reach similar conclusions using different reasoning.
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Convergence (same conclusion, different support). Convergence indicates agreement in outcomes despite varied paths, highlighting complementary rather than identical approaches.
Convergence (same conclusion, different support). Convergence indicates agreement in outcomes despite varied paths, highlighting complementary rather than identical approaches.
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What is the primary purpose of comparing two passages?
What is the primary purpose of comparing two passages?
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To analyze differing perspectives or arguments. This allows readers to understand multiple viewpoints on a topic.
To analyze differing perspectives or arguments. This allows readers to understand multiple viewpoints on a topic.
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What does a synthesis question typically require?
What does a synthesis question typically require?
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Combining information from both passages. These questions ask you to merge ideas from both texts.
Combining information from both passages. These questions ask you to merge ideas from both texts.
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Which relationship is present if Passage 2 restates Passage 1’s ideas in different words without adding new claims?
Which relationship is present if Passage 2 restates Passage 1’s ideas in different words without adding new claims?
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Restatement. Restatement paraphrases existing ideas without innovation, reinforcing the original without expansion or contradiction.
Restatement. Restatement paraphrases existing ideas without innovation, reinforcing the original without expansion or contradiction.
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Identify a word that signals cause and effect in passages.
Identify a word that signals cause and effect in passages.
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Because. This word introduces reasons or explanations for events.
Because. This word introduces reasons or explanations for events.
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Find the commonality in purpose between two passages.
Find the commonality in purpose between two passages.
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Look for shared goals or themes. Similar purposes indicate passages work toward the same end.
Look for shared goals or themes. Similar purposes indicate passages work toward the same end.
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Identify a common strategy for answering two-passage questions.
Identify a common strategy for answering two-passage questions.
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Summarize each passage before comparing them. Understanding each passage individually makes comparison easier.
Summarize each passage before comparing them. Understanding each passage individually makes comparison easier.
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Choose the best relationship label: Passage 2 agrees with Passage 1’s claim but says the effect is smaller than stated.
Choose the best relationship label: Passage 2 agrees with Passage 1’s claim but says the effect is smaller than stated.
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Qualification. Qualification accepts the core claim but moderates its scope or intensity, adding precision without full rejection.
Qualification. Qualification accepts the core claim but moderates its scope or intensity, adding precision without full rejection.
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Identify a transition that indicates a similar point in both passages.
Identify a transition that indicates a similar point in both passages.
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Similarly. This word shows authors make comparable or parallel points.
Similarly. This word shows authors make comparable or parallel points.
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What is a common error when answering two-passage questions?
What is a common error when answering two-passage questions?
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Confusing perspectives of the passages. Mixing up which author holds which view leads to wrong answers.
Confusing perspectives of the passages. Mixing up which author holds which view leads to wrong answers.
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What is the initial step in approaching two-passage questions?
What is the initial step in approaching two-passage questions?
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Read each passage carefully. Understanding each passage fully is essential before comparing.
Read each passage carefully. Understanding each passage fully is essential before comparing.
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Choose a word that typically signals contrast between ideas.
Choose a word that typically signals contrast between ideas.
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However. This transition word introduces opposing ideas or viewpoints.
However. This transition word introduces opposing ideas or viewpoints.
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What is a key clue for identifying agreement between passages?
What is a key clue for identifying agreement between passages?
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Similar tone or conclusion. Similar language and outcomes indicate authors share perspectives.
Similar tone or conclusion. Similar language and outcomes indicate authors share perspectives.
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What method can help identify the main idea of each passage?
What method can help identify the main idea of each passage?
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Look for repeated themes or keywords. Recurring ideas reveal the central argument of each passage.
Look for repeated themes or keywords. Recurring ideas reveal the central argument of each passage.
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Which option is best if Passage 1 is descriptive background and Passage 2 argues a position using that background?
Which option is best if Passage 1 is descriptive background and Passage 2 argues a position using that background?
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Passage 2 builds an argument from Passage 1’s context. This structure shows Passage 2 leveraging Passage 1's foundation to develop a reasoned stance, creating a supportive relationship.
Passage 2 builds an argument from Passage 1’s context. This structure shows Passage 2 leveraging Passage 1's foundation to develop a reasoned stance, creating a supportive relationship.
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Identify what to compare first when asked, "How do the authors’ tones differ across the two passages?"
Identify what to compare first when asked, "How do the authors’ tones differ across the two passages?"
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Each author’s attitude toward the subject (approval, skepticism, neutrality). Comparing attitudes reveals tonal differences, as tone reflects the author's stance toward the topic in each passage.
Each author’s attitude toward the subject (approval, skepticism, neutrality). Comparing attitudes reveals tonal differences, as tone reflects the author's stance toward the topic in each passage.
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Identify the error: 'Passage 1 is more persuasive then Passage 2.'
Identify the error: 'Passage 1 is more persuasive then Passage 2.'
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Correct: 'Passage 1 is more persuasive than Passage 2.'. 'Than' is used for comparisons, not 'then' (time sequence).
Correct: 'Passage 1 is more persuasive than Passage 2.'. 'Than' is used for comparisons, not 'then' (time sequence).
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What is the difference between a passage's topic and its central claim in two-passage questions?
What is the difference between a passage's topic and its central claim in two-passage questions?
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Topic is the subject; central claim is the author’s main assertion about it. Distinguishing these helps in comparing passages by focusing on shared subjects versus differing author perspectives.
Topic is the subject; central claim is the author’s main assertion about it. Distinguishing these helps in comparing passages by focusing on shared subjects versus differing author perspectives.
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What relationship is present if Passage 2 uses Passage 1’s idea but applies it to a new context or case?
What relationship is present if Passage 2 uses Passage 1’s idea but applies it to a new context or case?
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Extension (application to a new context). Extension broadens the original idea's relevance by adapting it to novel situations, demonstrating practical applicability.
Extension (application to a new context). Extension broadens the original idea's relevance by adapting it to novel situations, demonstrating practical applicability.
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What is a critical aspect of understanding passage relationships?
What is a critical aspect of understanding passage relationships?
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Identifying author intentions. Knowing why each author wrote helps reveal their relationship.
Identifying author intentions. Knowing why each author wrote helps reveal their relationship.
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Which type of question asks about differences between two passages?
Which type of question asks about differences between two passages?
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Contrast question. These questions focus on how passages differ in approach or viewpoint.
Contrast question. These questions focus on how passages differ in approach or viewpoint.
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Which passage type often uses data or studies to support claims?
Which passage type often uses data or studies to support claims?
Tap to reveal answer
Scientific passage. Scientific texts rely on evidence and research for credibility.
Scientific passage. Scientific texts rely on evidence and research for credibility.
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Choose a strategy to find the author's tone in each passage.
Choose a strategy to find the author's tone in each passage.
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Analyze word choice and style. Diction and writing style reveal the author's attitude.
Analyze word choice and style. Diction and writing style reveal the author's attitude.
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Which question type asks how one passage responds to another?
Which question type asks how one passage responds to another?
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Response question. These ask how one author might react to another's argument.
Response question. These ask how one author might react to another's argument.
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Which relationship is present if Passage 2 accepts Passage 1’s claim but adds limits or exceptions?
Which relationship is present if Passage 2 accepts Passage 1’s claim but adds limits or exceptions?
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Qualification. Qualification refines an accepted claim by introducing boundaries, maintaining partial agreement while adding nuance.
Qualification. Qualification refines an accepted claim by introducing boundaries, maintaining partial agreement while adding nuance.
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Find and correct the error: 'Both passages agrees on the issue.'
Find and correct the error: 'Both passages agrees on the issue.'
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Correct: 'Both passages agree on the issue.'. 'Passages' is plural, requiring the plural verb 'agree.'
Correct: 'Both passages agree on the issue.'. 'Passages' is plural, requiring the plural verb 'agree.'
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Choose the best relationship label: Passage 1 proposes a solution; Passage 2 explains why it will not work.
Choose the best relationship label: Passage 1 proposes a solution; Passage 2 explains why it will not work.
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Refutation. Refutation undermines the proposed solution by highlighting flaws, establishing direct opposition between the passages.
Refutation. Refutation undermines the proposed solution by highlighting flaws, establishing direct opposition between the passages.
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Which relationship is present if Passage 2 argues against Passage 1’s main claim?
Which relationship is present if Passage 2 argues against Passage 1’s main claim?
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Refutation. Refutation directly challenges and opposes the primary assertion, creating a contrasting relationship between passages.
Refutation. Refutation directly challenges and opposes the primary assertion, creating a contrasting relationship between passages.
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What is the difference between a passage's topic and its central claim in two-passage questions?
What is the difference between a passage's topic and its central claim in two-passage questions?
Tap to reveal answer
Topic is the subject; central claim is the author’s main assertion about it. Distinguishing these helps in comparing passages by focusing on shared subjects versus differing author perspectives.
Topic is the subject; central claim is the author’s main assertion about it. Distinguishing these helps in comparing passages by focusing on shared subjects versus differing author perspectives.
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Which relationship is present if Passage 2 accepts Passage 1’s claim but adds limits or exceptions?
Which relationship is present if Passage 2 accepts Passage 1’s claim but adds limits or exceptions?
Tap to reveal answer
Qualification. Qualification refines an accepted claim by introducing boundaries, maintaining partial agreement while adding nuance.
Qualification. Qualification refines an accepted claim by introducing boundaries, maintaining partial agreement while adding nuance.
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Which relationship is present if Passage 2 argues against Passage 1’s main claim?
Which relationship is present if Passage 2 argues against Passage 1’s main claim?
Tap to reveal answer
Refutation. Refutation directly challenges and opposes the primary assertion, creating a contrasting relationship between passages.
Refutation. Refutation directly challenges and opposes the primary assertion, creating a contrasting relationship between passages.
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Which relationship is present if Passage 2 restates Passage 1’s ideas in different words without adding new claims?
Which relationship is present if Passage 2 restates Passage 1’s ideas in different words without adding new claims?
Tap to reveal answer
Restatement. Restatement paraphrases existing ideas without innovation, reinforcing the original without expansion or contradiction.
Restatement. Restatement paraphrases existing ideas without innovation, reinforcing the original without expansion or contradiction.
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What relationship is present if Passage 2 uses Passage 1’s idea but applies it to a new context or case?
What relationship is present if Passage 2 uses Passage 1’s idea but applies it to a new context or case?
Tap to reveal answer
Extension (application to a new context). Extension broadens the original idea's relevance by adapting it to novel situations, demonstrating practical applicability.
Extension (application to a new context). Extension broadens the original idea's relevance by adapting it to novel situations, demonstrating practical applicability.
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Identify the best label when Passage 1 and Passage 2 reach similar conclusions using different reasoning.
Identify the best label when Passage 1 and Passage 2 reach similar conclusions using different reasoning.
Tap to reveal answer
Convergence (same conclusion, different support). Convergence indicates agreement in outcomes despite varied paths, highlighting complementary rather than identical approaches.
Convergence (same conclusion, different support). Convergence indicates agreement in outcomes despite varied paths, highlighting complementary rather than identical approaches.
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Which option is best if Passage 1 is descriptive background and Passage 2 argues a position using that background?
Which option is best if Passage 1 is descriptive background and Passage 2 argues a position using that background?
Tap to reveal answer
Passage 2 builds an argument from Passage 1’s context. This structure shows Passage 2 leveraging Passage 1's foundation to develop a reasoned stance, creating a supportive relationship.
Passage 2 builds an argument from Passage 1’s context. This structure shows Passage 2 leveraging Passage 1's foundation to develop a reasoned stance, creating a supportive relationship.
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Choose the best relationship label: Passage 2 agrees with Passage 1’s claim but says the effect is smaller than stated.
Choose the best relationship label: Passage 2 agrees with Passage 1’s claim but says the effect is smaller than stated.
Tap to reveal answer
Qualification. Qualification accepts the core claim but moderates its scope or intensity, adding precision without full rejection.
Qualification. Qualification accepts the core claim but moderates its scope or intensity, adding precision without full rejection.
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Choose the best relationship label: Passage 1 proposes a solution; Passage 2 explains why it will not work.
Choose the best relationship label: Passage 1 proposes a solution; Passage 2 explains why it will not work.
Tap to reveal answer
Refutation. Refutation undermines the proposed solution by highlighting flaws, establishing direct opposition between the passages.
Refutation. Refutation undermines the proposed solution by highlighting flaws, establishing direct opposition between the passages.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify what to compare first when asked, "How do the authors’ tones differ across the two passages?"
Identify what to compare first when asked, "How do the authors’ tones differ across the two passages?"
Tap to reveal answer
Each author’s attitude toward the subject (approval, skepticism, neutrality). Comparing attitudes reveals tonal differences, as tone reflects the author's stance toward the topic in each passage.
Each author’s attitude toward the subject (approval, skepticism, neutrality). Comparing attitudes reveals tonal differences, as tone reflects the author's stance toward the topic in each passage.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Find and correct the error: 'Both passages agrees on the issue.'
Find and correct the error: 'Both passages agrees on the issue.'
Tap to reveal answer
Correct: 'Both passages agree on the issue.'. 'Passages' is plural, requiring the plural verb 'agree.'
Correct: 'Both passages agree on the issue.'. 'Passages' is plural, requiring the plural verb 'agree.'
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which passage type often uses data or studies to support claims?
Which passage type often uses data or studies to support claims?
Tap to reveal answer
Scientific passage. Scientific texts rely on evidence and research for credibility.
Scientific passage. Scientific texts rely on evidence and research for credibility.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify a transition that indicates a similar point in both passages.
Identify a transition that indicates a similar point in both passages.
Tap to reveal answer
Similarly. This word shows authors make comparable or parallel points.
Similarly. This word shows authors make comparable or parallel points.
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Choose a strategy to find the author's tone in each passage.
Choose a strategy to find the author's tone in each passage.
Tap to reveal answer
Analyze word choice and style. Diction and writing style reveal the author's attitude.
Analyze word choice and style. Diction and writing style reveal the author's attitude.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which question type asks how one passage responds to another?
Which question type asks how one passage responds to another?
Tap to reveal answer
Response question. These ask how one author might react to another's argument.
Response question. These ask how one author might react to another's argument.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is a common error when answering two-passage questions?
What is a common error when answering two-passage questions?
Tap to reveal answer
Confusing perspectives of the passages. Mixing up which author holds which view leads to wrong answers.
Confusing perspectives of the passages. Mixing up which author holds which view leads to wrong answers.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which passage type often presents a narrative or anecdote?
Which passage type often presents a narrative or anecdote?
Tap to reveal answer
Literary passage. Literary texts use storytelling to convey their message.
Literary passage. Literary texts use storytelling to convey their message.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify a word that signals cause and effect in passages.
Identify a word that signals cause and effect in passages.
Tap to reveal answer
Because. This word introduces reasons or explanations for events.
Because. This word introduces reasons or explanations for events.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which type of question asks about differences between two passages?
Which type of question asks about differences between two passages?
Tap to reveal answer
Contrast question. These questions focus on how passages differ in approach or viewpoint.
Contrast question. These questions focus on how passages differ in approach or viewpoint.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is a key clue for identifying agreement between passages?
What is a key clue for identifying agreement between passages?
Tap to reveal answer
Similar tone or conclusion. Similar language and outcomes indicate authors share perspectives.
Similar tone or conclusion. Similar language and outcomes indicate authors share perspectives.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What does a synthesis question typically require?
What does a synthesis question typically require?
Tap to reveal answer
Combining information from both passages. These questions ask you to merge ideas from both texts.
Combining information from both passages. These questions ask you to merge ideas from both texts.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify the error: 'Passage 1 is more persuasive then Passage 2.'
Identify the error: 'Passage 1 is more persuasive then Passage 2.'
Tap to reveal answer
Correct: 'Passage 1 is more persuasive than Passage 2.'. 'Than' is used for comparisons, not 'then' (time sequence).
Correct: 'Passage 1 is more persuasive than Passage 2.'. 'Than' is used for comparisons, not 'then' (time sequence).
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is a critical aspect of understanding passage relationships?
What is a critical aspect of understanding passage relationships?
Tap to reveal answer
Identifying author intentions. Knowing why each author wrote helps reveal their relationship.
Identifying author intentions. Knowing why each author wrote helps reveal their relationship.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Find the commonality in purpose between two passages.
Find the commonality in purpose between two passages.
Tap to reveal answer
Look for shared goals or themes. Similar purposes indicate passages work toward the same end.
Look for shared goals or themes. Similar purposes indicate passages work toward the same end.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the primary purpose of comparing two passages?
What is the primary purpose of comparing two passages?
Tap to reveal answer
To analyze differing perspectives or arguments. This allows readers to understand multiple viewpoints on a topic.
To analyze differing perspectives or arguments. This allows readers to understand multiple viewpoints on a topic.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the initial step in approaching two-passage questions?
What is the initial step in approaching two-passage questions?
Tap to reveal answer
Read each passage carefully. Understanding each passage fully is essential before comparing.
Read each passage carefully. Understanding each passage fully is essential before comparing.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify a common strategy for answering two-passage questions.
Identify a common strategy for answering two-passage questions.
Tap to reveal answer
Summarize each passage before comparing them. Understanding each passage individually makes comparison easier.
Summarize each passage before comparing them. Understanding each passage individually makes comparison easier.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Choose a word that typically signals contrast between ideas.
Choose a word that typically signals contrast between ideas.
Tap to reveal answer
However. This transition word introduces opposing ideas or viewpoints.
However. This transition word introduces opposing ideas or viewpoints.
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What method can help identify the main idea of each passage?
What method can help identify the main idea of each passage?
Tap to reveal answer
Look for repeated themes or keywords. Recurring ideas reveal the central argument of each passage.
Look for repeated themes or keywords. Recurring ideas reveal the central argument of each passage.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify a question type that asks for passage relationship.
Identify a question type that asks for passage relationship.
Tap to reveal answer
Relationship question. These examine how passages connect, agree, or disagree.
Relationship question. These examine how passages connect, agree, or disagree.
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