CASA Reading Practice Test

An article on social dynamics refers to "echo chambers" within online communities. What does this term imply about the communication within these communities?

A discussion in a novel revolves around "the folly of youth." What theme is this discussion likely exploring?

An editorial discusses the "paradox of prosperity" in economic terms. What is this paradox likely referring to?

A narrative describes a character who "always sees the glass as half full." Based on this description, how is the character most likely to view challenges?

A journalist writes about a town meeting discussing "the impending water crisis." What can be inferred about the situation in the town?

A magazine article explores the "renaissance of downtown areas across the country." What is the most likely focus of this article?

In a critique of a play, the main character is described as "a modern-day Cassandra." What does this comparison imply about the character?

A historical document mentions "the shadow of the Great War" affecting politics in the 1920s. What does "the shadow" most likely imply?

In a novel, the main character is described as often "climbing mountains only to admire the stones at the peak." What does this metaphor suggest about the character's values or priorities?

In a novel, a chapter begins with the protagonist "sailing against the wind." In literary terms, what does this action most likely symbolize?

A memoir includes the phrase "navigating the stormy seas of life." What does this metaphor likely imply about the person's experiences?

An article about urban planning describes a city's layout as "a labyrinth of narrow alleys." What does this description suggest about the city's streets?

In a literary analysis, the setting of a story is described as "claustrophobic." What can be inferred about the environment within the story?

A review of a historical drama refers to the plot as "a tapestry of intrigue and deceit." What does the metaphor "tapestry" suggest about the plot's complexity?

A science article discusses the "dawn of genetic engineering." What does the term "dawn" imply about the stage of development in this field?

A review of a book describes the setting as "a character in its own right, influencing the story as much as any person in it." What does this suggest about the setting?

An editorial about climate change uses the phrase "the heat of the moment" to describe global reactions to extreme weather events. What does this phrase likely imply about the nature of the reactions?

In a discussion of a social issue, the article refers to "bridging the gap." What is this phrase most likely referring to?

In a critique of modern media, the term "information overload" is frequently mentioned. What does this term suggest about the amount and impact of information available?

A biography describes a leader as "a beacon in times of darkness." What does this metaphor suggest about the leader's role during challenging times?

When reading a novel set in a dystopian future, which critical question is most relevant for understanding the author's message?

A critical analysis of media coverage on environmental issues argues that there is an overemphasis on climate change to the detriment of other environmental concerns. What factor is essential to evaluate to assess the balance of the coverage?

An article uses statistics from a variety of sources to argue that urban areas contribute disproportionately to climate change. Which factor would be most critical in evaluating the reliability of the article's argument?

A journal article reviews the effects of global warming on polar regions, suggesting dire future consequences. What is a critical reason to question the validity of the predictions made in the article?

In a critical essay about media influence, the author asserts that television has a diminishing effect on children's creativity. What would be an essential element to evaluate in the author's argument?

An author argues that technology inherently leads to decreased privacy. Which of the following, if true, would most directly challenge this argument?

In a book discussing the role of innovation in business success, the author frequently references companies from the technology sector. What critical aspect should be evaluated to assess the bias in the book's argument?

In a discussion about online learning, an author claims it enhances student autonomy. What would be a critical point to evaluate in this claim?

An author writes a critique of a government's handling of public health during a pandemic, suggesting that the response was inadequate. What is essential to critically evaluate to determine the fairness of the critique?

A review of a documentary about climate change scrutinizes the credentials of interviewed experts. What question is crucial for evaluating the integrity of the review?

A scholarly article presents an argument that public libraries are vital for maintaining community engagement. To critically evaluate this argument, which type of evidence would be most important to assess?

In discussing the consequences of economic policies, an article uses complex statistical methods to forecast long-term effects. What should be critically examined to evaluate these forecasts?

An article analyzes the role of media in shaping public perceptions of science. Which methodological aspect should be critically examined to evaluate the article's conclusions?

In a historical analysis, the author claims that economic downturns are primary catalysts for political revolutions. Which evidence would be most critical to substantiate this claim?

An essay discusses the decline in popularity of physical newspapers. To effectively critique the essay's argument, what should be primarily examined?

A poem contrasts the tumultuous sea during a storm with the calm waters at dawn. What does this contrast most likely symbolize?

A paper argues that modern architectural practices contribute to social isolation. Which evidence would most effectively support this argument?

In a debate about climate change, a speaker uses anecdotal evidence of unusual weather patterns to support their arguments. Which approach is most critical for evaluating the strength of these arguments?

An analysis piece in a magazine critiques the lack of diversity in science fiction literature. What should be evaluated to determine the validity of this critique?

A journalist writes a feature article suggesting that public art installations significantly improve urban quality of life. What aspect should be critically examined to assess the claim's robustness?