Praireman, I was asking if the sample test below is similar to the reading test that so many condutors have taken and spoke of as being "simple 5th grade reading". I took the test (which include's another 17 questions similar to the 3 below) and only got a couple wrong, so I'm not too worried. However from reading alot of what people have posted here on this forum concerning this "reading" test and how simple it was, I expected it to be a little easier than this sample test. Anyone who has taken a RR reading test for a conductor position, can you offer your opinion? Is the test similar to the passage below or was it easier or harder? Does anyone know of any links to a similar math test that is given by the RR's? Thanks!!!
Reading Sample Test Questions 1-20
The Spider has a bad name: to most of us, she represents an odious, noxious animal, which every one hastens to crush under foot. Against this summary verdict the observer sets the beast's industry, its talent as a weaver, its wiliness in the chase, its tragic nuptials and other characteristics of great interest. Yes, the Spider is well worth studying, apart from any scientific reasons; but she is said to be poisonous and that is her crime and the primary cause of the repugnance wherewith she inspires us. Poisonous, I agree, if by that we understand that the animal is armed with two fangs which cause the immediate death of the little victims which it catches; but there is a wide difference between killing a Midge and harming a man. However immediate in its effects upon the insect entangled in the fatal web, the Spider's poison is not serious for us and causes less inconvenience than a Gnat-bite. That, at least, is what we can safely say as regards the great majority of the Spiders of our regions.
1. What is the main idea of paragraph A?
A: Spiders are hard workers.
B: Spiders are not worth studying.
C: Most people hate spiders.
D: Spiders have an undeserved bad reputation.
2. Which of the following words describes the author's attitude to spider bites?
A: terrified
B: lazy
C: unafraid
D: uninformed
3. Which of the following inferences can be made from the information given in paragraph A?
A: It takes more poison to kill a person than to kill a midge.
B: There is no such thing as a poisonous spider.
C: Spiders are only interested in killing tiny insects.
D: People are immune to the poison of a spider.
