501 Critical Reading Questions

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is
comprised of experts in test preparation, as well as educators and 
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Introduction
ix
1 Popular 
Culture
1
2  U.S. History and Politics
27
3  Arts and Humanities
59
4  Health and Medicine
87
5  Literature and Literary Criticism
121
6 Music
155
7  Science and Nature
181
8  Sports and Leisure
211
9 Social 
Studies
245
Source Materials
267
Contents
v i i

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Why Should I Use this Book?
Schools and employers know that students and workers who reason criti-
cally about what they read are better students and more valuable employ-
ees.  That  is  why  standardized  tests  almost  invariably  include  a  reading
comprehension section.
This book is designed to help you be a more successful critical reader.
You are probably most interested in performing well on a standardized test
such as the SAT, ACT, or a vocational or professional exam. By reading and
working through 
501 Critical Reading Questions
you will become much more
proficient at answering the multiple-choice questions found on those tests.
The benefits you gain from this practice and from your conscious attention
to  critical  reasoning  skills  will  extend  far  beyond  any  exam  and  into  all
aspects  of  your  life.  Reading  will  become  a  much  more  rewarding  and
enjoyable experience, and your life will be richer for it.
What Is in this Book?
Each of the chapters in this book focuses on a different subject matter, so
regardless of the exact exam you need to prepare for, there will be content
similar to material you will face on your exam. However, it’s important that
Introduction
i x

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you practice with all the passages, not just the ones in your areas of inter-
est. Sometimes unfamiliar subjects can teach you the most valuable lessons
about critical reading.
Each chapter contains three short reading passages, similar to the ones
found on many exams, including the SAT. There are also six longer pas-
sages, two of which are paired for purposes of comparison.
Passages in Chapter One deal with popular culture and current events.
History and politics are covered in Chapter Two. Chapter Three’s passages
focus on the humanities—they are drawn from fields such as mythology,
philosophy, and the arts. Chapter Four has passages that deal with health
and medicine. Chapter Five draws passages from literature. Chapter Six’s
passages are drawn from the field of music. Chapter Seven contains mate-
rial on science and nature. Chapter Eight covers sports and leisure. And
finally, Chapter Nine’s passages are based in the social sciences of anthro-
pology and sociology.
STAY ACTIVE
The most impor tant thing to know about critical reading is that it is an active
endeavor. Keep your mind active and on its figurative toes at all times. Under-
line impor tant points as you read, argue with the author, make notes, and do
whatever you need to stay involved with the passage.
Seven Strategies for Success
Even though short passages are new to the SAT, strategies for successfully
answering the questions are identical to those for the longer passages. The
first thing you will want to do, before diving into the practice, is to make
sure you are thoroughly familiar with these strategies. Then feel free to
adapt  them  to  suit  your  needs  and  preferences.  One  word  of  caution,
though: Be sure you actually try each strategy several times before decid-
ing whether or not it suits you!
1.
Get involved with the passage.
Critical reading is an active endeavor,
not a passive one. React to the material, form questions as you
read, and make your own marks on the paper. Write in the
margins, underline important words and sentences—talk back!
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