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It Keeps Getting Tougher:
Functional Literacy Test Part Three;
INFER THE MAIN IDEA OF A SELECTION
Directions: Read each selection and answer the questions
which follow.
Sandy and Jim were to organize the company picnic which
usually occurred in the spring. Although it was several months
ahead of time, they decided to start organizing immediately.
First, they made a list of the jobs that would have to be done.
Some of the tasks listed were fund raising, food decorations
and recreational activities. When they had completed the list,
they realized they would need assistance.
They decided to organize committees to handle each of the
major jobs. They advertised in the company newsletter and on
the bulletin boards for volunteers. When they had 15 people,
they held a meeting. At that time, committees were formed,
coordinators were selected and tasks for each committee were
listed.
1. Which sentence tells the main idea best?
A. Sandy and Jim made two separate lists for the company
picnic.
B. Sandy and Jim realized they would need assistance with
the picnic.
C. Sandy and Jim advertised well ahead of time so they could
form committees.
O. Sandy and Jim set up a well-organized plan for the
company picnic.
The Miller family wanted to eat out. There were five
members in the family and they had $30.00 they could spend.
They went to the Esquire Restaurant and looked at the menu
posted at the door. They saw that the cheapest dinner was
$8.95. They headed back for their car.
At the next restaurant, the cheapest dinner on the menu was
$2.95. They went inside and were seated in a comfortable booth
by the window.
2. Which sentence tells the main idea best?
A. The five members of the Miller family decided to eat out
at a restaurant.
B. By looking at menus ahead of time, the Millers were able
to decide if they could afford to eat at certain restaurants.
C. The Millers chose the second restaurant because they
could be seated comfortably in a booth by the window.
D. One restaurant had a menu that was less expensive than
the other restaurant.
My cousin and her family wanted to vacation near the ocean.
In order to plan for the trip, they went to a travel agency and
picked up brochures which described several cities on the
Atlantic coast. They decided they wanted to go to Daytona
Beach and that they would drive rather than fly.
They checked a map U> determine how far away Daytona
Beach was and figured out the approximate number of hours it
would take them lo get there. Then they made a list of the types
of clothes and other items they wanted to take with them. They
also got a list of the hotels and motels near the beach and
checked their daily rates. Based on the amount of money they
had, they decided to stay ,at a hotel with moderate rates for a
period of four days.
3. Which sentence below tells the main idea best?
A. My cousin’s family wanted to go to Daytona Beach for
four days.
B. The family decided to drive rather than fly because it was
not as expensive.
C. My cousin’s family gathered information before deciding
where they would vacation and for how long.
D. The family made a list of the items they would need for
their trip.
Classified ads are one place to look when you want to find a
job. Most of the time, people writing these ads try to keep them
short but factual. It is important when reading these ads to
think carefully about the information given to you.
Other sources for employment are public and private
employment agencies. Public agencies do not charge you a fee
when helping you find a job. These agencies receive their
money from taxes. Private agencies charge you a fee, but are
able to give more help since they do not serve as large a
number of people.
However you find a job, you should be sure it fits your skills,
pays the amount of money you need, and has opportunities for
promotion.
4. Which sentence below tells the main idea best?
A. There are several sources available to help you in finding
the right job.
B. Public employment agencies are the best source for
finding a job.
C. Classified ads are not always clearly written, but are
short and give you the facts.
D. Your job should pay enough and should fit the skills you
have.
Ann was very nervous. She on her way to the
department store for a job interview. It was the first one she
had ever had. She had sent an application together with a
resume. The personnel director had called her and scheduled
an appointment.
In preparing for the interview, Ann decided to wear a
tailored suit. She also decided against using too much make
up. During the interview she was careful to be polite, to listen
carefully and to answer the personnel manager’s questions as
completely and honestly as she could. A week later the store
called her and asked her to report to work the following
Monday at 8:00 a.m.
5. Which sentence below tells the main idea best?
A. The personnel manager hired Ann because he was
impressed with her application and the way she conducted
herself during the interview.
B. Applying for a job can make you as nervous as Ann was.
C. In applying for a job, you should fill out an application and
also make up a resume which tells about you and your skills.
D . It usually takes a week after the interview for an
employer to let you know whether or not you have the job.
There are many places to look if you want to purchase a used
car. You can look in Uie classified ads and find a private owner
who wishes In this situation, you will
probably have to pay cash, and you should make sure the car is
in good running condition.
Another place to look for a used car is at a new car dealer.
These dealers usually keep the best of the cars that are traded
in. For this reason, a used car might be more expensive than if
you bought from some place else.
A third place is a used car lot. The prices of the cars are
usually less, but used car dealers generally get their cars from
auctions or from new car dealers. A good car can be bought,
but it is wise to check it out for mechanical difficulties.
6. Which sentence below tells the main idea best?
A. Most of the used cars at a new car dealer are expensive,
but not in good shape.
B. There are advantages and disadvantages to purchasing a
used car no matter where you get it.
C. The safest place to buy a used car is through a private
owner.
D. The best price on a used car will probably be found at a
used car lot because these dealers generally get their cars
from auctions.
FIND SPECIFIC INFORMATION
IN A SELECTION
Directions: Use the prescription label below to answer
questions 7-9.
Corner Drugstore
1620 Main
Miami, Florida 33133
9-16-77
Dr. H.BB. Helpful
No. 345431
Susan Stomachache
Take 1 tsp. after each meal. Store
in refrigerator
Not refillable
7. How much medicine should Susan take after dinner?
A. one tablespoon
B. one tablet
C. one teaspoon
D. one mouthful
8. Where should this medicine be kept?
A. in the medicine chest
B. in a cool place
C. in a dark place
D. close to Susan
9. How many times may this prescription be purchased?
A. once
B. twice
C. three times
D. as often as one wishes
Directions: use the recipe below to answer questions 10 and
11.
CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
1C brown sugar 2V4 C flour
I.C white sugar 1 tsp. salt
1C shortening 1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs 1 pkg. chocolate chips
1 tsp. baking soda
Add sugar to shortening and cream. Add vanilla. Add both
eggs. Combine flour, salt and baking soda. Add a little at a
time to mixture. Add 1 large package of chocolate chips. Drop
by teaspoon on cookie sheet. Bake at 350-375 degrees for 12
minutes.
10. What should be combined with the baking soda?
A. flour and salt
B. flour and eggs
C. salt and chocolate chips
D. eggs and white sugar
11. What is the last thing to be added?
A. eggs
B. chocolate chips
C. butter
D. flour
INFER THE CAUSE OR EFFECT
OF AN ACTION
John found a color television set in the department store for
$459. He had read in the Consumer's Guide that this particular
model was one of the best. He was talking to his neighbor,
Marty, about buying the set. John was a little concerned
because of the expense of the set.
Marty suggested that they check the papers for sales. They
looked through the advertisements and found the same model
for $399 at a different store. John decided to take advantage of
the sale.
12. Which sentence below best tells the cause and effect of
the main action in the story?
A. Because John did some comparison shopping, he was able
to save money.
B. Marty told John to buy the more expensive set because it
was of better quality.
C. Because John was concerned about the price, he checked
the Consumer’s Guide to see if the set was of good quality.
D. Because John had enough money, he decided to buy the
set in the store where he usually shopped.
Janet worked as a secretary for a big electrical power
company. She was always fifteen minutes to a half an hour late
to work. Other secretaries had to leave their desks to answer
her phone and her supervisor missed several important phone
calls. Her supervisor called her into the office and explained
how important it was to him for her to be on time, particularly
because of answering the phone. He explained that he was
getting complaints from his supervisors and that he was in a
very uncomfortable position. Janet tried to be on time, but
something always seemed to prevent her from getting there. A
month later she was looking for another job.
13. Which sentence below best tells the cause and effect of
the main action?
A. Because other secretaries answered her phone, Janet did
not have to be at work on time.
B. Because her excuses for being late were reasonable,
Janet’s supervisor allowed her to continue to be a few minutes
late.
C. Since Janet continued to arrive at work late, she lost her
job.
D. Janet’s supervisor had a long talk with her; therefore,
Janet began arriving at work on time.
Jane was very disappointed. She had bought a pair of blue
jeans on sale for $9.98 at Brown’s Department Store. They had
a label that stated “washing in hot water may cause
discoloration.” She had seen a pair of blue jeans on sale for
$11.50 at Green’s Department Store, but didn’t buy them.
There was no such label in these jeans. After washing the jeans
she had bought, Jane was horrified because they turned
purple.
14. Which sentence below best tells the cause and effect of
the main action?
A. Because she didn’t pay attention to the label, Jane washed
the jeans in hot water; therefore, they turned color.
B. Since Jane bought the cheaper pair of jeans, they did not
last well.
C. Since the jeans from Brown’s changed color, it can be
concluded that Green’s is a better department store.
D. Because the $11.50 jeans had no label, they would not have
changed color.
Ernest and Juan took their dates out to dinner. They selected
a nice restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere and facilities for
dancing. After they were seated, they had to wait a long time
before the waitress brought them their water and place
settings. Although they were ready to order, the waitress said,
“I’ll be right back.” They waited another 10 minutes. Finally
she came to take their order. They had to wait another 15
minutes before they were served. By this time, they were
getting impatient because they wanted to be on time to a movie
afterwards. When they finally got their check, they decided to
leave a ten cent tip.
15. Which sentence below best tells the cause and effect of
the main action?
A. Since the restaurant had a pleasant atmosphere, Ernest
and Juan decided they would go there again.
B. Ernest and Juan left a small tip because the service was
not good.
C. Since they had to go to a movie, Ernest and Juan decided
to leave.
D. Because the waitress took such a long time to serve them,
Ernest and Juan were late to the movie.
Fran heard a knock on the door. When she opened it, there
was a young man selling cookware. He was nice looking and
she decided to listen to what he had to say. She really became
impressed with the advantages of the cookware and decided
she wanted to buy it. Later that evening, she figured out that
she would be paying almost 20 per cent interest by making
time payments. The real cost of the cookware would be close to
S6OO. She really wished she had not signed the contract. Then
she reread the contract and found a buyer’s right to cancel. It
said that if she cancelled anytime prior to midnight of the third
business day, she would not have to stick to the contract. The
next morning she called the salesman’s office.
16. Which sentence below best tells the cause and effect of
the main action?
A. Fran decided she had to purchase the cookware anyway
because she had signed a contract.
B. Fran cancelled the contract because she was angry with
the salesman.
C. Since the contract contained a buyer’s right to cancel,
Fran was able to request that her order be stopped.
D. Because S6OO for the full set of cookware seemed
reasonable. Fran told the salesman she would keep it.
IDENTIFY FACTS AND OPINIONS
SATURDAY ACCIDENT LEAVES
TWO HOSPITALIZED
Two tourists to the Miami area, Bob Greene and Victor
Hayes of New Jersey, suffered serious injury when their Ford
van, driven by Bob Greene, collided with the Chevrolet driven
by Miami resident May Herndon. The accident occurred at 11
a.m. Saturday at the intersection of West Dixie Highway and
25th Street.
The cause of the accident is under investigation and neither
driver has been charged as of this report. Witnesses have
stated that the van was out of control. At least one witness
believes the driver of the van was “on something.” Mechanical
failure is another possibility.
Bob Greene is listed in critical condition at Jackson. Victor
Hayes is listed as serious, but stable. May Herndon was
treated for injuries and released late last night. The
investigation will continue.
17. Which of the following sentences is fact?
A. Bob Greene was charged with reckless driving.
B. Mechanical failure caused the accident.
C. The investigation has been completed.
D. Three people were injured.
18. Which of the following sentences is opinion?
A. Bob Greene and Victor Hayes are visitors.
B. The accident happened in the morning.
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HOUSTON HOME JOURNAL THURS., MAR 23, 1971,
C. The driver of the van was “on something.”
D. There are witnesses to the accident.
FIRE LEVELS HOUSE
Bill and Ann McMurray and their 10-year-old son are
homeless after a fire Thursday night. The house, located at
17642 N.W. 2nd Avenue, suffered extensive fire and smoke
damage.
The blaze started at approximately 8 p.m. Thursday in the
son’s bedroom. After attempting to put the fire out, the son
notified neighbors who in turn called the fire department. Mr.
and Mrs. McMurray were not home at the time of the fire.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Fire •
department officials stated “arson or faulty wiring may be the
cause.” At least one neighbor believes the son set the fire. The
official investigation into the cause will continue.
19. Which of the following sentences is fact?
A. The fire was caused by faulty wiring.
B. The house was badly damaged.
C. Mr. and Mrs. McMurray tried to put the fire out.
D. The investigation has been completed.
20. Which of the following sentences is opinion?
A. The McMurray family is homeless.
B. The fire was Thursday night. %
C. Bill and Anne McMurray were out when the fire started.
D. The son started the fire.
IDENTIFY AN UNSTATED OPINION
Directions: Read the paragraphs below and choose the
statements which best express each writer’s opinion.
It’s time this state had a governor who wasn't owned by the
big city bosses and the crooked machines. Our present
governor has been taking orders from big time gamblers and
racketeers for the last four years. That’s why I support John
Smith to replace the present governor.
21. The writer believes that: *
A. One of the big city bosses is the governor. •
B. Gamblers control John Smith.
C. The present governor deserves support.
D. John Smith is an honest man.
Mary True is certainly an unusual person. Despite
drastically changed conditions, runaway inflation and
ecological problems, she clings stubbornly to the “tried and
true” ways of the past. I urge you to consider this fact as you
cast your ballot.
22. The writer believes that;
A. People should vote for Mary True because she is an
unusual person. f
B. Mary True’s strength lies in her understanding of
changed conditions.
C. People should not vote for Mary True.
D. The ways of the past are the best ways.
The health food craze is sweeping the country. Despite high
prices, unverified claims, the dubious standards of
cleanliness, people continue to buy so-called organic food
instead of foods processed under modern, sanitary conditions.
23. The writer believes that:
A. Even though health food is expensive, people should buy
U - R
B. Organic foods are less sanitary than processed foods.
C. The popularity of organic foods is well deserved.
D. Processing food destroys its health benefits.
t Answers \
To Last Week’s Test
Solve purchase problems Involving sales tax. (Four out
of five.)
31. D
32. C
Solve problems involving discounts. (Three out of four.)
33. B .
34. C
35. B
36. C
Solve problems involving measurement. (Three out of
four.)
37. B
38. A
39. B
40. B
Solve problems Involving the area of a rectangle.
(Three out of four.)
41. C
42. C
43. C
44. B
Solve problems involving capacity. (Three out of four.)
45. C *
46. B
47. B
48. B
Solve problems involving weight. (Three out of four.)
49. B
50. B ,
51. C
52. A
Find information in graphs and tables. (Five out of
seven.)
53. C
54. D
55. B
56. B
57. C
58. D
59. B
I
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