KNAT Reading Practice Test

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Fall in the Midwest

Fall in the Midwest is the time for harvesting a variety of fruits, including the incredible persimmon. Looking a little like a flattened tomato with more pumpkin-hued skin, the persimmon packs a healthy dose of vitamin C and other nutrients.

Pioneers used persimmons to make pudding. They also appreciated its health benefits. With high fiber and water content, persimmons are natural laxatives.

The high levels of potassium and calcium also give them diuretic properties. However, unripe persimmons contain a high level of tannins in their skins.

Not only do they have an astringent and bitter taste at that stage, but the tannins can react with the acid in the stomach to attract cellulose and create undesirable phytobezoars.

This can be a rare and unusual cause of small bowel obstructions if unripe persimmons with their skins are ingested in large quantities.

To ripen a persimmon, place it in a paper bag with an apple or other fruit that emits ethylene gas. It will soon soften to a delicious consistency.

According to the passage, when is the best time to eat a persimmon?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Fall in the Midwest

Fall in the Midwest is the time for harvesting a variety of fruits, including the incredible persimmon. Looking a little like a flattened tomato with more pumpkin-hued skin, the persimmon packs a healthy dose of vitamin C and other nutrients.

Pioneers used persimmons to make pudding. They also appreciated its health benefits. With high fiber and water content, persimmons are natural laxatives.

The high levels of potassium and calcium also give them diuretic properties. However, unripe persimmons contain a high level of tannins in their skins.

Not only do they have an astringent and bitter taste at that stage, but the tannins can react with the acid in the stomach to attract cellulose and create undesirable phytobezoars.

This can be a rare and unusual cause of small bowel obstructions if unripe persimmons with their skins are ingested in large quantities.

To ripen a persimmon, place it in a paper bag with an apple or other fruit that emits ethylene gas. It will soon soften to a delicious consistency.

What are some of the health benefits of eating persimmons that are mentioned in the passage? (check all that apply)

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Aspirin

Health records of over 12,000 patients aged 55 and above were taken from a United Kingdom database known as The Health Improvement Network (THIN). All patients had type 2 diabetes and heart failure, but no prior history of heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease or atrial fibrillation. Nearly 50% had been prescribed daily aspirin and the other 50% were not given aspirin.

The team then tracked the health outcomes of the patients for an average of 5 years. The health outcomes were grouped into two; primary outcomes included All-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure and secondary outcomes included All-cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, major bleeding events and nonfatal heart attack or stroke.

Patients who took one aspirin a day were found to show:

-10 percent decrease in the primary outcome

-No difference in major bleeding events

-50 percent increase in nonfatal heart attack or stroke.

Concluding the results of the study, lead author Abi Khalil suggests that patients speak with their doctors to assess the benefits and risks of taking aspirin.

What is the meaning of the word assess in the last sentence?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Aspirin

Health records of over 12,000 patients aged 55 and above were taken from a United Kingdom database known as The Health Improvement Network (THIN). All patients had type 2 diabetes and heart failure, but no prior history of heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease or atrial fibrillation. Nearly 50% had been prescribed daily aspirin and the other 50% were not given aspirin.

The team then tracked the health outcomes of the patients for an average of 5 years. The health outcomes were grouped into two; primary outcomes included All-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure and secondary outcomes included All-cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, major bleeding events and nonfatal heart attack or stroke.

Patients who took one aspirin a day were found to show:

-10 percent decrease in the primary outcome

-No difference in major bleeding events

-50 percent increase in nonfatal heart attack or stroke.

Concluding the results of the study, lead author Abi Khalil suggests that patients speak with their doctors to assess the benefits and risks of taking aspirin.

Which of the following is not a fact?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Aspirin

Health records of over 12,000 patients aged 55 and above were taken from a United Kingdom database known as The Health Improvement Network (THIN). All patients had type 2 diabetes and heart failure, but no prior history of heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease or atrial fibrillation. Nearly 50% had been prescribed daily aspirin and the other 50% were not given aspirin.

The team then tracked the health outcomes of the patients for an average of 5 years. The health outcomes were grouped into two; primary outcomes included All-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure and secondary outcomes included All-cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, major bleeding events and nonfatal heart attack or stroke.

Patients who took one aspirin a day were found to show:

-10 percent decrease in the primary outcome

-No difference in major bleeding events

-50 percent increase in nonfatal heart attack or stroke.

Concluding the results of the study, lead author Abi Khalil suggests that patients speak with their doctors to assess the benefits and risks of taking aspirin.

What is the main focus of this passage?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Aspirin

Health records of over 12,000 patients aged 55 and above were taken from a United Kingdom database known as The Health Improvement Network (THIN). All patients had type 2 diabetes and heart failure, but no prior history of heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease or atrial fibrillation. Nearly 50% had been prescribed daily aspirin and the other 50% were not given aspirin.

The team then tracked the health outcomes of the patients for an average of 5 years. The health outcomes were grouped into two; primary outcomes included All-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure and secondary outcomes included All-cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, major bleeding events and nonfatal heart attack or stroke.

Patients who took one aspirin a day were found to show:

-10 percent decrease in the primary outcome

-No difference in major bleeding events

-50 percent increase in nonfatal heart attack or stroke.

Concluding the results of the study, lead author Abi Khalil suggests that patients speak with their doctors to assess the benefits and risks of taking aspirin.

Which of the following can be logically inferred from this passage?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Aspirin

Health records of over 12,000 patients aged 55 and above were taken from a United Kingdom database known as The Health Improvement Network (THIN). All patients had type 2 diabetes and heart failure, but no prior history of heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease or atrial fibrillation. Nearly 50% had been prescribed daily aspirin and the other 50% were not given aspirin.

The team then tracked the health outcomes of the patients for an average of 5 years. The health outcomes were grouped into two; primary outcomes included All-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure and secondary outcomes included All-cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, major bleeding events and nonfatal heart attack or stroke.

Patients who took one aspirin a day were found to show:

-10 percent decrease in the primary outcome

-No difference in major bleeding events

-50 percent increase in nonfatal heart attack or stroke.

Concluding the results of the study, lead author Abi Khalil suggests that patients speak with their doctors to assess the benefits and risks of taking aspirin.

Which statement is not listed as a detail within the passage?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Smoking and Hearing Loss

You can add hearing loss to the many health risks of smoking, new research suggests.

For the study, researchers analyzed eight years of health data on more than 50,000 people in Japan.

After accounting for work-related noise exposure and other hearing loss risk factors, the investigators found that smokers were 1.2 to 1.6 times more likely to suffer hearing loss than people who never smoked.

“With a large sample size, long follow-up period and objective assessment of hearing loss, our study provides strong evidence that smoking is an independent risk factor of hearing loss,” said study lead author Dr. Huanhuan Hu, from the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, in Japan.

And the more people smoked, the greater their risk of both high- and low-frequency hearing loss.

The increased risk of hearing loss associated with smoking did decline within five years after a person quit smoking, the researchers reported.

The study was published March 14 in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

“These results provide strong evidence to support that smoking is a causal factor for hearing loss, and emphasize the need for tobacco control to prevent or delay the development of hearing loss,” Hu added in a journal news release.

But the study could not prove that smoking caused hearing loss; it only showed an association.

What is the meaning of the word independent as used in this passage?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Smoking and Hearing Loss

You can add hearing loss to the many health risks of smoking, new research suggests.

For the study, researchers analyzed eight years of health data on more than 50,000 people in Japan.

After accounting for work-related noise exposure and other hearing loss risk factors, the investigators found that smokers were 1.2 to 1.6 times more likely to suffer hearing loss than people who never smoked.

“With a large sample size, long follow-up period and objective assessment of hearing loss, our study provides strong evidence that smoking is an independent risk factor of hearing loss,” said study lead author Dr. Huanhuan Hu, from the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, in Japan.

And the more people smoked, the greater their risk of both high- and low-frequency hearing loss.

The increased risk of hearing loss associated with smoking did decline within five years after a person quit smoking, the researchers reported.

The study was published March 14 in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

“These results provide strong evidence to support that smoking is a causal factor for hearing loss, and emphasize the need for tobacco control to prevent or delay the development of hearing loss,” Hu added in a journal news release.

But the study could not prove that smoking caused hearing loss; it only showed an association.

What is the main idea of the passage?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Smoking and Hearing Loss

You can add hearing loss to the many health risks of smoking, new research suggests.

For the study, researchers analyzed eight years of health data on more than 50,000 people in Japan.

After accounting for work-related noise exposure and other hearing loss risk factors, the investigators found that smokers were 1.2 to 1.6 times more likely to suffer hearing loss than people who never smoked.

“With a large sample size, long follow-up period and objective assessment of hearing loss, our study provides strong evidence that smoking is an independent risk factor of hearing loss,” said study lead author Dr. Huanhuan Hu, from the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, in Japan.

And the more people smoked, the greater their risk of both high- and low-frequency hearing loss.

The increased risk of hearing loss associated with smoking did decline within five years after a person quit smoking, the researchers reported.

The study was published March 14 in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

“These results provide strong evidence to support that smoking is a causal factor for hearing loss, and emphasize the need for tobacco control to prevent or delay the development of hearing loss,” Hu added in a journal news release.

But the study could not prove that smoking caused hearing loss; it only showed an association.

What is the writer’s primary purpose in writing this essay?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Smoking and Hearing Loss

You can add hearing loss to the many health risks of smoking, new research suggests.

For the study, researchers analyzed eight years of health data on more than 50,000 people in Japan.

After accounting for work-related noise exposure and other hearing loss risk factors, the investigators found that smokers were 1.2 to 1.6 times more likely to suffer hearing loss than people who never smoked.

“With a large sample size, long follow-up period and objective assessment of hearing loss, our study provides strong evidence that smoking is an independent risk factor of hearing loss,” said study lead author Dr. Huanhuan Hu, from the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, in Japan.

And the more people smoked, the greater their risk of both high- and low-frequency hearing loss.

The increased risk of hearing loss associated with smoking did decline within five years after a person quit smoking, the researchers reported.

The study was published March 14 in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

“These results provide strong evidence to support that smoking is a causal factor for hearing loss, and emphasize the need for tobacco control to prevent or delay the development of hearing loss,” Hu added in a journal news release.

But the study could not prove that smoking caused hearing loss; it only showed an association.

Which of the following statements cannot be logically inferred from this passage?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Smoking and Hearing Loss

You can add hearing loss to the many health risks of smoking, new research suggests.

For the study, researchers analyzed eight years of health data on more than 50,000 people in Japan.

After accounting for work-related noise exposure and other hearing loss risk factors, the investigators found that smokers were 1.2 to 1.6 times more likely to suffer hearing loss than people who never smoked.

“With a large sample size, long follow-up period and objective assessment of hearing loss, our study provides strong evidence that smoking is an independent risk factor of hearing loss,” said study lead author Dr. Huanhuan Hu, from the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, in Japan.

And the more people smoked, the greater their risk of both high- and low-frequency hearing loss.

The increased risk of hearing loss associated with smoking did decline within five years after a person quit smoking, the researchers reported.

The study was published March 14 in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

“These results provide strong evidence to support that smoking is a causal factor for hearing loss, and emphasize the need for tobacco control to prevent or delay the development of hearing loss,” Hu added in a journal news release.

But the study could not prove that smoking caused hearing loss; it only showed an association.

Which statement is not a detail from the passage?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Thrifting

Thrift shops, second-hand stores, and quaint antique malls have become increasingly popular with students from high school through college.

No longer seen as just places to look at things that your aunt or grandparents owned; these shopping experiences have become destinations shared on social media.

But what exactly is the appeal of “thrifting” as it has become known? There are several reasons. One is economic, especially with rising prices and supply chain challenges.

One of the best ways to stretch your nickels is to buy them second-hand. A recent newspaper article quoted a student who boasted about decorating her entire chic dorm room for under $50.

However, along with the financial benefits, there are deeper reasons for the new fascination. This generation is deeply concerned with recycling and the environment.

What better way to help than to reuse and redecorate? Many popular websites have step-by-step instructions for repurposing objects and being fashion-conscious at the same time.

While the younger generation is finding that “they don’t make them like they used to” is true for items made of metal, wood, and glass instead of plastics, there is also another tug.

Visiting these haunts is a way to connect with the past by experiencing items that your aunt or grandparents did have! Where else can you relive history in your vintage clothes, while sharing a selfie?

What is the most likely reason that young people would be looking for ways “to connect with the past by experiencing items that your aunt or grandparents did have! “

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Thrifting

Thrift shops, second-hand stores, and quaint antique malls have become increasingly popular with students from high school through college.

No longer seen as just places to look at things that your aunt or grandparents owned; these shopping experiences have become destinations shared on social media.

But what exactly is the appeal of “thrifting” as it has become known? There are several reasons. One is economic, especially with rising prices and supply chain challenges.

One of the best ways to stretch your nickels is to buy them second-hand. A recent newspaper article quoted a student who boasted about decorating her entire chic dorm room for under $50.

However, along with the financial benefits, there are deeper reasons for the new fascination. This generation is deeply concerned with recycling and the environment.

What better way to help than to reuse and redecorate? Many popular websites have step-by-step instructions for repurposing objects and being fashion-conscious at the same time.

While the younger generation is finding that “they don’t make them like they used to” is true for items made of metal, wood, and glass instead of plastics, there is also another tug.

Visiting these haunts is a way to connect with the past by experiencing items that your aunt or grandparents did have! Where else can you relive history in your vintage clothes, while sharing a selfie?

This type of passage could be described as which of the following?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Thrifting

Thrift shops, second-hand stores, and quaint antique malls have become increasingly popular with students from high school through college.

No longer seen as just places to look at things that your aunt or grandparents owned; these shopping experiences have become destinations shared on social media.

But what exactly is the appeal of “thrifting” as it has become known? There are several reasons. One is economic, especially with rising prices and supply chain challenges.

One of the best ways to stretch your nickels is to buy them second-hand. A recent newspaper article quoted a student who boasted about decorating her entire chic dorm room for under $50.

However, along with the financial benefits, there are deeper reasons for the new fascination. This generation is deeply concerned with recycling and the environment.

What better way to help than to reuse and redecorate? Many popular websites have step-by-step instructions for repurposing objects and being fashion-conscious at the same time.

While the younger generation is finding that “they don’t make them like they used to” is true for items made of metal, wood, and glass instead of plastics, there is also another tug.

Visiting these haunts is a way to connect with the past by experiencing items that your aunt or grandparents did have! Where else can you relive history in your vintage clothes, while sharing a selfie?

Which of the following sentences provides the best evidence that this passage is informal?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Thrifting

Thrift shops, second-hand stores, and quaint antique malls have become increasingly popular with students from high school through college.

No longer seen as just places to look at things that your aunt or grandparents owned; these shopping experiences have become destinations shared on social media.

But what exactly is the appeal of “thrifting” as it has become known? There are several reasons. One is economic, especially with rising prices and supply chain challenges.

One of the best ways to stretch your nickels is to buy them second-hand. A recent newspaper article quoted a student who boasted about decorating her entire chic dorm room for under $50.

However, along with the financial benefits, there are deeper reasons for the new fascination. This generation is deeply concerned with recycling and the environment.

What better way to help than to reuse and redecorate? Many popular websites have step-by-step instructions for repurposing objects and being fashion-conscious at the same time.

While the younger generation is finding that “they don’t make them like they used to” is true for items made of metal, wood, and glass instead of plastics, there is also another tug.

Visiting these haunts is a way to connect with the past by experiencing items that your aunt or grandparents did have! Where else can you relive history in your vintage clothes, while sharing a selfie?

What is the main idea of this passage?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

Thrifting

Thrift shops, second-hand stores, and quaint antique malls have become increasingly popular with students from high school through college.

No longer seen as just places to look at things that your aunt or grandparents owned; these shopping experiences have become destinations shared on social media.

But what exactly is the appeal of “thrifting” as it has become known? There are several reasons. One is economic, especially with rising prices and supply chain challenges.

One of the best ways to stretch your nickels is to buy them second-hand. A recent newspaper article quoted a student who boasted about decorating her entire chic dorm room for under $50.

However, along with the financial benefits, there are deeper reasons for the new fascination. This generation is deeply concerned with recycling and the environment.

What better way to help than to reuse and redecorate? Many popular websites have step-by-step instructions for repurposing objects and being fashion-conscious at the same time.

While the younger generation is finding that “they don’t make them like they used to” is true for items made of metal, wood, and glass instead of plastics, there is also another tug.

Visiting these haunts is a way to connect with the past by experiencing items that your aunt or grandparents did have! Where else can you relive history in your vintage clothes, while sharing a selfie?

What is a subtle theme that runs throughout the passage?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

The Importance of Financial Literacy Education

Recent studies have highlighted the critical need for early financial literacy education among young students. Surveys indicate that 62% of individuals enter adulthood without a basic understanding of financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt.

Early influences on financial literacy include family upbringing, exposure to financial discussions at home, and educational programs offered in schools. Proponents of financial literacy education argue that providing children with age-appropriate financial knowledge can significantly impact their financial decisions later in life.

Young learners are often curious about money and economic concepts, making it an opportune time to introduce financial literacy education. Educators believe that instilling financial skills early can empower individuals to make informed financial choices, avoid debt pitfalls, and plan for their financial future.

Furthermore, there’s a growing concern about financial disparities and the impact of inadequate financial education on marginalized communities. Advocates stress the importance of ensuring that all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, have access to comprehensive financial literacy curricula.

Students who lack financial literacy skills may face challenges navigating financial responsibilities as adults. Without a solid understanding of concepts like budgeting and saving, individuals may struggle with managing their finances effectively, leading to financial stress and insecurity.

Moreover, the absence of financial education in early years can hinder students’ abilities to make informed financial decisions in higher education and career choices. Understanding financial principles is increasingly important in a world where financial decisions impact various aspects of life, from student loans to retirement planning.

In conclusion, advocates for financial literacy education emphasize the need to equip students with essential financial skills early in life to promote financial well-being and empower them to make sound financial decisions throughout their lives.

In the passage, what is meant by “financial disparities”?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

The Importance of Financial Literacy Education

Recent studies have highlighted the critical need for early financial literacy education among young students. Surveys indicate that 62% of individuals enter adulthood without a basic understanding of financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt.

Early influences on financial literacy include family upbringing, exposure to financial discussions at home, and educational programs offered in schools. Proponents of financial literacy education argue that providing children with age-appropriate financial knowledge can significantly impact their financial decisions later in life.

Young learners are often curious about money and economic concepts, making it an opportune time to introduce financial literacy education. Educators believe that instilling financial skills early can empower individuals to make informed financial choices, avoid debt pitfalls, and plan for their financial future.

Furthermore, there’s a growing concern about financial disparities and the impact of inadequate financial education on marginalized communities. Advocates stress the importance of ensuring that all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, have access to comprehensive financial literacy curricula.

Students who lack financial literacy skills may face challenges navigating financial responsibilities as adults. Without a solid understanding of concepts like budgeting and saving, individuals may struggle with managing their finances effectively, leading to financial stress and insecurity.

Moreover, the absence of financial education in early years can hinder students’ abilities to make informed financial decisions in higher education and career choices. Understanding financial principles is increasingly important in a world where financial decisions impact various aspects of life, from student loans to retirement planning.

In conclusion, advocates for financial literacy education emphasize the need to equip students with essential financial skills early in life to promote financial well-being and empower them to make sound financial decisions throughout their lives.

Which statement from the passage is a fact rather than an opinion?

Use the following passage to answer the question.

The Importance of Financial Literacy Education

Recent studies have highlighted the critical need for early financial literacy education among young students. Surveys indicate that 62% of individuals enter adulthood without a basic understanding of financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt.

Early influences on financial literacy include family upbringing, exposure to financial discussions at home, and educational programs offered in schools. Proponents of financial literacy education argue that providing children with age-appropriate financial knowledge can significantly impact their financial decisions later in life.

Young learners are often curious about money and economic concepts, making it an opportune time to introduce financial literacy education. Educators believe that instilling financial skills early can empower individuals to make informed financial choices, avoid debt pitfalls, and plan for their financial future.

Furthermore, there’s a growing concern about financial disparities and the impact of inadequate financial education on marginalized communities. Advocates stress the importance of ensuring that all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, have access to comprehensive financial literacy curricula.

Students who lack financial literacy skills may face challenges navigating financial responsibilities as adults. Without a solid understanding of concepts like budgeting and saving, individuals may struggle with managing their finances effectively, leading to financial stress and insecurity.

Moreover, the absence of financial education in early years can hinder students’ abilities to make informed financial decisions in higher education and career choices. Understanding financial principles is increasingly important in a world where financial decisions impact various aspects of life, from student loans to retirement planning.

In conclusion, advocates for financial literacy education emphasize the need to equip students with essential financial skills early in life to promote financial well-being and empower them to make sound financial decisions throughout their lives.

How does the author likely view the role of financial literacy education in schools?