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Ace the EST Reading Test: Passage 1 Questions 1-10 Explained by TTA Pro Mr. O
EST Reading | October 2020 | Literacy II | Passage 1 | Explanation
Introduction:
Are you ready to conquer the EST Reading Test and achieve the score you deserve? Look no further! In this blog post, TTA Pro Mr. Osama A. Ibrahim, aka Mr. O, shares his invaluable insights and strategies to help you master Passage 1 Questions 1-10. With years of experience in preparing students for the EST, Mr. O has crafted comprehensive explanations, tips, and shortcuts that will guide you to success. Whether you're struggling with main ideas, tone, or context clues, this post has you covered. Get ready to elevate your EST performance and take a crucial step towards your academic goals!
Summary:
The passage is a first-person narration by Jane Eyre, a ten-year-old orphan girl who lives with her abusive cousin John Reed and his family. John Reed is a spoiled and cruel boy who bullies Jane constantly and hits her with a book, causing her to bleed. Jane is afraid of him, but also angry and defiant. She compares him to a murderer, a slave-driver, and the Roman emperors, whom she has read about in a history book. The passage shows the harsh and unfair treatment that Jane receives in the household, and her strong spirit and intelligence.
1.Which of the following statements best expresses the main idea of the passage?
A. John Reed openly expresses his dislike for the main character.
B. The main character is unwelcome in the household and constantly suffers from harassment.
C. The main character regularly seeks to engage in mischief.
D. The main character was harmed by John Reed.
Question 1:
Explanation: The main idea of the passage is that the main character is unwelcome in the household and constantly suffers from harassment. This is evident throughout the passage, which describes John Reed's mistreatment of the main character and the lack of support from others in the household.
Tip: To identify the main idea, look for a central theme or message that is consistently reinforced throughout the passage.
Shortcut: Eliminate answer choices that are too narrow or only mentioned briefly in the passage.
Why other choices are incorrect:
A. Although John Reed does express his dislike for the main character, this is not the main focus of the passage.
C. The passage does not suggest that the main character regularly seeks to engage in mischief.
D. While the main character is harmed by John Reed, this is a specific detail rather than the main idea.
2. The narrator’s tone in the beginning of the passage is that of
A. ambivalence and caution.
B. resignation and compliance.
C. rage and indignation.
D. naivety and optimism.
Question 2:
Explanation: John Reed's tone in the beginning of the passage is one of resignation and compliance. The passage describes him as "habitually obedient" (line 41) and suggests that he is accustomed to John Reed's abuse (line 60).
Tip: To identify tone, pay attention to word choice and the character's actions or reactions.
Shortcut: Consider the character's emotional state and how they respond to their circumstances.
Why other choices are incorrect:
A. The passage does not indicate that John Reed feels ambivalent or cautious.
C. John Reed does not display rage or indignation in the beginning of the passage.
D. The passage does not suggest that John Reed is naive or optimistic.
3. Which choice best provides evidence for the answer to the previous question? (Highlighted in Grey)
A. Lines 41-44 (“Habitually” ...“roots”)
B. Lines 51-53 (“I”...“chair”)
C. Lines 60-63 (“Accustomed”...“insult”)
D. Lines 89-91 (“The”...“succeeded”)
Question 3:
Explanation: Lines 60-63 provide the best evidence for John Reed's tone of resignation and compliance. The lines state, "Accustomed to John Reed's abuse, I never had an idea of replying to it; my care was how to endure the blow which would certainly follow the insult." This indicates that the main character is resigned to the abuse and focused on enduring it rather than fighting back.
Tip: When asked to provide evidence, look for lines that directly support the answer to the previous question.
Shortcut: Eliminate choices that do not relate to the character's tone or emotional state.
Why other choices are incorrect:
A. Lines 41-44 describe John Reed's actions but do not reveal his tone.
B. Lines 51-53 focus on the main character's physical reaction to being hit, not John Reed's tone.
D. Lines 89-91 describe the main character's feelings after being hit, not John Reed's tone.
4. In lines 1-6, the author most likely mentions these details to
A. discredit John Reed’s actions delineated later in the passage.
B. accentuate John Reed’s wickedness and subsequent actions.
C. describe a character’s appearance as an introduction.
D. draw a contrast between John Reed and the main character.
Question 4:
Explanation: In lines 1-6, the author most likely mentions details about John Reed's appearance and behavior to accentuate his wickedness and subsequent actions. The description of his "dingy and unwholesome skin," "thick lineaments," and "heavy limbs" (lines 4-6) creates an unpleasant image that foreshadows his cruel treatment of the main character.
Tip: Consider how the description of a character's appearance or behavior might relate to their actions later in the passage.
Shortcut: Eliminate choices that do not align with the overall portrayal of the character.
Why other choices are incorrect:
A. The details are more likely to accentuate John Reed's wickedness than to discredit his actions.
C. While the details do describe John Reed's appearance, this is not the primary purpose of mentioning them.
D. The passage does not focus on drawing a contrast between John Reed and the main character.
5. The main character mentions “the Roman emperors” in lines 94-95 to imply that
A. John Reed shares traits with previous historical tyrants.
B. John Reed is powerful and unforgiving.
C. the main character both fears and despises John Reed.
D. John Reed views himself as a ruler.
Question 5:
Explanation: The main character mentions "the Roman emperors" (lines 94-95) to imply that John Reed shares traits with previous historical tyrants. By comparing John Reed to notorious Roman emperors like Nero and Caligula (line 98), the main character suggests that he is cruel, powerful, and unjust.
Tip: When a character makes a historical or literary reference, consider how the referenced figures might relate to the character or situation being described.
Shortcut: Eliminate choices that do not align with the characteristics of the referenced figures.
Why other choices are incorrect:
B. While John Reed is portrayed as powerful and unforgiving, this is not the primary implication of the comparison to Roman emperors.
C. The comparison does not directly address the main character's feelings of fear and hatred towards John Reed.
D. The passage does not suggest that John Reed views himself as a ruler.
6. Which choice best provides evidence for the answer to the previous question? (Highlighted in Green)
A. Lines 85-89 (“I”... “it”)
B. Lines 93-95 (“Wicked”...“emperors”)
C. Lines 96-98 (“I”... “etc”)
D. Lines 98-100 (“Also”...“aloud”)
Question 6:
Explanation: Lines 96-98 provide the best evidence for the answer to the previous question. The main character mentions having "read Goldsmith's History of Rome, and had formed [her] opinion of Nero, Caligula, etc." This indicates that she is comparing John Reed to specific Roman emperors known for their cruelty and tyranny.
Tip: When asked to provide evidence, look for lines that directly support or explain the answer to the previous question.
Shortcut: Eliminate choices that do not relate to the comparison being made.
Why other choices are incorrect:
A. Lines 85-89 describe the main character being hit by a book but do not relate to the comparison to Roman emperors.
B. While lines 93-95 mention the comparison to Roman emperors, they do not provide the specific evidence of the main character having read about Nero and Caligula.
D. Lines 98-100 mention the main character's thoughts but do not directly relate to the comparison to Roman emperors.
7. Lines 96-97 mention that the main character has read “Goldsmith’s History of Rome” in order to
A. highlight the main character’s erudite integrity.
B. expose the main character’s ambivalent character.
C. express her interest in history and literature.
D. speculate the main character’s position within the household.
Question 7:
Explanation: The main character mentions having read "Goldsmith's History of Rome" (lines 96-97) to highlight her erudite nature. By referencing a historical work and demonstrating knowledge of Roman emperors, the main character shows that she is well-read and educated, despite her mistreatment in the household.
Tip: Consider how a character's actions or statements might reveal their personality, knowledge, or values.
Shortcut: Eliminate choices that do not align with the character's overall portrayal in the passage.
Why other choices are incorrect:
B. The passage does not suggest that the main character has an ambivalent nature.
C. While the main character does show an interest in history, this is not the primary reason for mentioning the specific book.
8. As used in line 3, “stout” most nearly means
A. determined.
B. tough.
C. fat.
D. firm.
Question 8:
Explanation: As used in line 3, "stout" most nearly means fat. The passage describes John Reed as "large and stout for his age" (line 3) and later mentions his "heavy limbs and large extremities" (line 6), indicating that he is overweight or corpulent.
Tip: When determining the meaning of a word in context, consider the surrounding descriptions and details.
Shortcut: Substitute the answer choices into the sentence to see which one fits best.
Why other choices are incorrect:
A. The passage does not suggest that John Reed is determined.
B. While John Reed is portrayed as tough, this is not the meaning of "stout" in this context.
D. The passage does not indicate that John Reed is firm in the sense of being resolute or unyielding.
9. In line 12, the phrase “on account of his delicate health” is placed in quotation marks
A. to emphasize John Reed’s weak physique.
B. to contradict the sentence that follows.
C. as an opportunity to empathize with John Reed.
D. as a stylistic device to express sarcasm and disdain.
Question 9:
Explanation: In line 12, the phrase "on account of his delicate health" is placed in quotation marks as a stylistic device to express sarcasm and disdain. The passage earlier describes John Reed as "large and stout" (line 3) with "heavy limbs and large extremities" (line 6), suggesting that he is not actually in delicate health. The quotation marks indicate that the author is mocking or questioning this claim.
Tip: Quotation marks can be used to express irony, sarcasm, or skepticism, especially when the quoted phrase contradicts other details in the passage.
Shortcut: Consider the tone and context of the passage when interpreting the use of quotation marks.
Why other choices are incorrect:
A. The quotation marks do not emphasize John Reed's weak physique; rather, they question it.
B. While the quotation marks do contradict the earlier description of John Reed, this is not their primary purpose.
C. The quotation marks do not express empathy for John Reed's health.
10. As used in line 45, “strike” most nearly means
A. ignite.
B. hit.
C. seem.
D. agree on.
Question 10:
Explanation: As used in line 45, "strike" most nearly means hit. The passage states that the main character "knew he would soon strike" (line 45) and later describes John Reed's action: "without speaking, he struck suddenly and strongly" (lines 50-51). This context indicates that "strike" refers to a physical blow or hit.
Tip: When determining the meaning of a word with multiple definitions, consider the context and the actions or events surrounding it.
Shortcut: Substitute the answer choices into the sentence to see which one aligns best with the context.
Why other choices are incorrect:
A. In this context, "strike" does not mean to ignite or light something.
C. The passage does not suggest that John Reed seems to do something.
D. "Strike" does not refer to agreeing on something in this context.
Conclusion:
By mastering the strategies and techniques outlined in this blog post, you'll be well on your way to acing the EST Reading Test. Remember to practice active reading, identify key ideas and themes, and use context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. Don't hesitate to reach out to TTA Pro Mr. Osama A. Ibrahim for further guidance and support in your EST preparation journey. With dedication and the right approach, you'll be able to tackle any passage and question that comes your way. Best of luck on your EST Reading Test!
For expert English courses and personalized guidance, message TTA at +201065156922. Let TTA Pro Mr. O help you achieve your academic dreams!
EST October Writing Resources:
EST October 2020 Passage 1 Explanation HERE
EST October 2020 Passage 2 Explanation HERE
EST October 2020 Passage 3 Explanation Click HERE
EST October Literacy I Mock Test and Report Click HERE
EST Writing and Grammar Skills Click HERE
EST Writing Drills Click HERE
EST October 2020 Reading Resources:
October 2020 Reading Passage 1 Click HERE
October 2020 Reading Passage 2 Click HERE
October 2020 Reading Passage 3 Click HERE
October 2020 Reading Passage 4 Click HERE
Take the full October 2020 Mock Test and Receive a Free Report HERE
Practice EST Vocabulary HERE
Practice EST Reading Skills HERE
Practice Real EST Reading Passages with Explanations HERE
Improve your EST Reading Skills with Passages from Level 1 HERE
