Reading Keys
Test 1: Recognizing Patterns in Sentences I

Copyright 2006 © Laraine Flemming.
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Directions: Decide which relationship—cause and effect, comparison and contrast, or time order—organizes the following sentences. Then circle the appropriate letter.


1. As both statesman and human being, John Adams was much more open and direct than was his longtime friend and sometime enemy Thomas Jefferson

Pattern:    a.    Cause and effect
     b.    Comparison and contrast
     c.    Time order


2. The terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 has caused a dramatic change in the organization of the FBI.

Pattern:    a.    Cause and effect
     b.    Comparison and contrast
     c.    Time order


3. In 1925 the economy appeared to be booming, but by 1929 the country was plunged into depression.

Pattern:    a.    Cause and effect
     b.    Comparison and contrast
     c.    Time order


4. Stars in the universe are born, radiate energy, and then expand, contract, possibly explode, and eventually die.

Pattern:    a.    Cause and effect
     b.    Comparison and contrast
     c.    Time order


5. The gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun produce changes in the ocean tides on Earth.

Pattern:    a.    Cause and effect
     b.    Comparison and contrast
     c.    Time order


6. A diet low in carbohydrates not only results in faster weight loss but also appears to lower cholesterol.

Pattern:    a.    Cause and effect
     b.    Comparison and contrast
     c.    Time order


7. Contrary to popular belief, tap water is often healthier than bottled water.

Pattern:    a.    Cause and effect
     b.    Comparison and contrast
     c.    Time order


8. After thirty to forty-five minutes in stage 4 sleep, you quickly return to stage 2 and enter a special stage in which your eyes move rapidly under your closed eyelids.

Pattern:    a.    Cause and effect
     b.    Comparison and contrast
     c.    Time order


9. Compared to truth tellers, liars usually blink their eyes more often, speak in a higher pitched voice, give shorter responses, and make more speech errors.

Pattern:    a.    Cause and effect
     b.    Comparison and contrast
     c.    Time order


10. An immigrant who wants to become an American citizen must first live here for five years, and then submit an application, pass a test about American government, and, finally, swear loyalty to the United States.

Pattern:    a.    Cause and effect
     b.    Comparison and contrast
     c.    Time order



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Test 2Reading Keys: Additional Material

Last change made to this page: Feb. 27, 2014