CAEC Reading Preparation Course: Content and context: stated information and main ideas

Untimed topic quiz: 18 questions on Content and context: stated information and main ideas, with an explanation after each answer. Questions and answers are shuffled every time.

Course
Canada
93 questions
Checked October 13, 2026
Fact-checked October 13, 2026

Start with the lessonsCAEC Reading Preparation: Lessons: about 300 minutes of reading. Every test question is covered in the lessons.

Topic quiz 2: Content and context: stated information and main ideas

Question 1 of 18
According to the notice, how long does a parking ban last if the Town does not end it early?
Snow Route Parking Ban – Town of Pine Hollow
When more than 5 cm of snow falls, the Town will declare a parking ban on all marked snow routes. The ban starts at 7 p.m. on the day it is announced and lasts for 48 hours, unless the Town ends it sooner.
During a ban, vehicles parked on a snow route may be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense. Snow route signs are blue with a white snowflake.
You can find out about a ban in three ways: sign up for text alerts on the Town website, follow the Town on social media, or call the 24-hour information line. Local radio stations also share ban news, but the Town's own channels are updated first.
Residents who have no driveway may park free of charge in the arena lot on Birch Street during a ban.
- 24 hours
- Until the snow melts
- 72 hours
- 48 hours
Show answer
Answer: D. 48 hours
The notice says the ban "lasts for 48 hours, unless the Town ends it sooner." This is a detail stated directly in the text.
Question 2 of 18
What do snow route signs look like?
Snow Route Parking Ban – Town of Pine Hollow
When more than 5 cm of snow falls, the Town will declare a parking ban on all marked snow routes. The ban starts at 7 p.m. on the day it is announced and lasts for 48 hours, unless the Town ends it sooner.
During a ban, vehicles parked on a snow route may be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense. Snow route signs are blue with a white snowflake.
You can find out about a ban in three ways: sign up for text alerts on the Town website, follow the Town on social media, or call the 24-hour information line. Local radio stations also share ban news, but the Town's own channels are updated first.
Residents who have no driveway may park free of charge in the arena lot on Birch Street during a ban.
- White with a blue snowflake
- Yellow with a black tow truck
- Red with a white snowflake
- Blue with a white snowflake
Show answer
Answer: D. Blue with a white snowflake
The second paragraph says snow route signs are blue with a white snowflake. Read details carefully, because the wrong options mix up the colours.
Question 3 of 18
According to the notice, which source of ban news is updated first?
Snow Route Parking Ban – Town of Pine Hollow
When more than 5 cm of snow falls, the Town will declare a parking ban on all marked snow routes. The ban starts at 7 p.m. on the day it is announced and lasts for 48 hours, unless the Town ends it sooner.
During a ban, vehicles parked on a snow route may be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense. Snow route signs are blue with a white snowflake.
You can find out about a ban in three ways: sign up for text alerts on the Town website, follow the Town on social media, or call the 24-hour information line. Local radio stations also share ban news, but the Town's own channels are updated first.
Residents who have no driveway may park free of charge in the arena lot on Birch Street during a ban.
- The Town's own channels
- The arena front desk
- Local radio stations
- Neighbours on Birch Street
Show answer
Answer: A. The Town's own channels
The notice says radio stations also share ban news, "but the Town's own channels are updated first."
Question 4 of 18
Where will employees see their shifts after March 3?
Subject: New shift app starts Monday
Hi team,
Starting Monday, March 3, we will stop posting paper schedules in the lunchroom. Instead, you will see your shifts in the ShiftLink app on your phone or on the computer by the time clock.
Please download the app this week and log in with your employee number. If you have trouble, Dana in HR can help you on Thursday or Friday between 1 and 3 p.m.
Shift swaps will also move to the app. You will still need a supervisor to approve each swap, but you will no longer need to fill out the yellow form.
One thing is not changing: vacation requests still go to me by email at least two weeks ahead.
Thanks for your patience while we make the switch.
Marco Silva
Shipping Supervisor
- In the app or on the time-clock computer
- On a board outside the HR office
- On paper schedules posted in the lunchroom as before
- In an email from Marco each week
Show answer
Answer: A. In the app or on the time-clock computer
The email says shifts will be in the ShiftLink app or on the computer by the time clock. Paper schedules in the lunchroom are stopping.
Question 5 of 18
When can Dana in HR help employees with the app?
Subject: New shift app starts Monday
Hi team,
Starting Monday, March 3, we will stop posting paper schedules in the lunchroom. Instead, you will see your shifts in the ShiftLink app on your phone or on the computer by the time clock.
Please download the app this week and log in with your employee number. If you have trouble, Dana in HR can help you on Thursday or Friday between 1 and 3 p.m.
Shift swaps will also move to the app. You will still need a supervisor to approve each swap, but you will no longer need to fill out the yellow form.
One thing is not changing: vacation requests still go to me by email at least two weeks ahead.
Thanks for your patience while we make the switch.
Marco Silva
Shipping Supervisor
- Any weekday before 1 p.m.
- Monday, March 3, all day
- Thursday or Friday, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Thursday only, 1 to 3 p.m.
Show answer
Answer: C. Thursday or Friday, 1 to 3 p.m.
The email says Dana can help "on Thursday or Friday between 1 and 3 p.m." The last option leaves out Friday.
Question 6 of 18
According to the email, which process stays the same?
Subject: New shift app starts Monday
Hi team,
Starting Monday, March 3, we will stop posting paper schedules in the lunchroom. Instead, you will see your shifts in the ShiftLink app on your phone or on the computer by the time clock.
Please download the app this week and log in with your employee number. If you have trouble, Dana in HR can help you on Thursday or Friday between 1 and 3 p.m.
Shift swaps will also move to the app. You will still need a supervisor to approve each swap, but you will no longer need to fill out the yellow form.
One thing is not changing: vacation requests still go to me by email at least two weeks ahead.
Thanks for your patience while we make the switch.
Marco Silva
Shipping Supervisor
- Schedules are still posted in the lunchroom each week
- Vacation requests go to Marco by email
- Shift swaps use the yellow form
- Shift swaps need no approval
Show answer
Answer: B. Vacation requests go to Marco by email
The email says, "One thing is not changing: vacation requests still go to me by email at least two weeks ahead."
Question 7 of 18
According to Priya Nandal, why did the library start lending these items?
Library lends more than books
Harbourview Public Library has started lending items that most people need only once in a while. Since September, card holders have been able to borrow a sewing machine, a stud finder, a telescope or one of 40 other items for up to seven days.
"People told us they were buying things they used once and then stored for years," said branch manager Priya Nandal. "Sharing saves money and space, and it keeps items out of the landfill."
The program has been popular. In its first two months, items were borrowed 610 times, and there is now a waiting list for the pressure washer.
Not everyone is convinced. Hardware store owner Glen Byrne says the library is competing with local businesses. "We rent some of these tools too, and we pay taxes," he said.
Nandal says the library will add more items next spring, chosen through a survey of members. Items must be returned clean. There are no late fees, but borrowers who keep an item more than two weeks past its due date will have their account paused.
- The library had extra money left to spend
- Members asked for longer loans on their books
- Local stores asked the library to rent out tools
- People used things once and then stored them
Show answer
Answer: D. People used things once and then stored them
Nandal says people were "buying things they used once and then stored for years." Sharing saves money and space.
Question 8 of 18
How will the library choose new items next spring?
Library lends more than books
Harbourview Public Library has started lending items that most people need only once in a while. Since September, card holders have been able to borrow a sewing machine, a stud finder, a telescope or one of 40 other items for up to seven days.
"People told us they were buying things they used once and then stored for years," said branch manager Priya Nandal. "Sharing saves money and space, and it keeps items out of the landfill."
The program has been popular. In its first two months, items were borrowed 610 times, and there is now a waiting list for the pressure washer.
Not everyone is convinced. Hardware store owner Glen Byrne says the library is competing with local businesses. "We rent some of these tools too, and we pay taxes," he said.
Nandal says the library will add more items next spring, chosen through a survey of members. Items must be returned clean. There are no late fees, but borrowers who keep an item more than two weeks past its due date will have their account paused.
- Through a survey of members
- Local hardware stores will suggest them
- The branch manager will pick them
- By copying libraries in other cities
Show answer
Answer: A. Through a survey of members
The last paragraph says new items will be "chosen through a survey of members."
Question 9 of 18
Which detail best supports the idea that the program is popular?
Library lends more than books
Harbourview Public Library has started lending items that most people need only once in a while. Since September, card holders have been able to borrow a sewing machine, a stud finder, a telescope or one of 40 other items for up to seven days.
"People told us they were buying things they used once and then stored for years," said branch manager Priya Nandal. "Sharing saves money and space, and it keeps items out of the landfill."
The program has been popular. In its first two months, items were borrowed 610 times, and there is now a waiting list for the pressure washer.
Not everyone is convinced. Hardware store owner Glen Byrne says the library is competing with local businesses. "We rent some of these tools too, and we pay taxes," he said.
Nandal says the library will add more items next spring, chosen through a survey of members. Items must be returned clean. There are no late fees, but borrowers who keep an item more than two weeks past its due date will have their account paused.
- More items will be added next spring
- A local hardware store also rents some of these tools
- There is a waiting list for the pressure washer
- Items must be returned clean
Show answer
Answer: C. There is a waiting list for the pressure washer
A waiting list shows that more people want the item than can borrow it. The other details are true but do not show popularity.
Question 10 of 18
What is the main idea of the article?
Library lends more than books
Harbourview Public Library has started lending items that most people need only once in a while. Since September, card holders have been able to borrow a sewing machine, a stud finder, a telescope or one of 40 other items for up to seven days.
"People told us they were buying things they used once and then stored for years," said branch manager Priya Nandal. "Sharing saves money and space, and it keeps items out of the landfill."
The program has been popular. In its first two months, items were borrowed 610 times, and there is now a waiting list for the pressure washer.
Not everyone is convinced. Hardware store owner Glen Byrne says the library is competing with local businesses. "We rent some of these tools too, and we pay taxes," he said.
Nandal says the library will add more items next spring, chosen through a survey of members. Items must be returned clean. There are no late fees, but borrowers who keep an item more than two weeks past its due date will have their account paused.
- The library has stopped lending books to save space
- A hardware store may close because of the library
- The library is raising late fees this spring
- A popular new lending program also has a critic
Show answer
Answer: D. A popular new lending program also has a critic
The article describes the new program, shows it is popular and gives one critic's view. The other options are not in the text or are only small parts of it.
Question 11 of 18
According to the notice, what should a worker do first after getting hurt?
Northline Foods – What to do if you are hurt at work
1. Get first aid right away, even for a small cut or strain. First aid kits are by every exit.
2. Tell your supervisor before the end of your shift. If your supervisor is not available, tell the shift lead.
3. Fill out an Incident Report form within 24 hours. Forms are in the binder at the safety board, or you can ask HR for one.
4. If you see a doctor, give HR a copy of any notes about work you cannot do. HR will work with you and your supervisor to find safe duties while you heal.
Why report small injuries? A minor sprain today can turn into a long-term problem. A report also helps us find hazards and fix them before someone else is hurt.
- Get first aid right away
- Ask HR for safe duties
- Go to see a doctor
- Fill out an Incident Report form
Show answer
Answer: A. Get first aid right away
Step 1 is to get first aid right away, even for a small cut or strain. The other actions come later.
Question 12 of 18
Where can workers find Incident Report forms?
Northline Foods – What to do if you are hurt at work
1. Get first aid right away, even for a small cut or strain. First aid kits are by every exit.
2. Tell your supervisor before the end of your shift. If your supervisor is not available, tell the shift lead.
3. Fill out an Incident Report form within 24 hours. Forms are in the binder at the safety board, or you can ask HR for one.
4. If you see a doctor, give HR a copy of any notes about work you cannot do. HR will work with you and your supervisor to find safe duties while you heal.
Why report small injuries? A minor sprain today can turn into a long-term problem. A report also helps us find hazards and fix them before someone else is hurt.
- On the back of the safety notice
- From the shift lead only
- In the first aid kits that are kept by every exit
- In the binder at the safety board, or from HR
Show answer
Answer: D. In the binder at the safety board, or from HR
Step 3 says forms are in the binder at the safety board, or you can ask HR. The kits by every exit are first aid kits.
Question 13 of 18
According to the writer, what helped his English the most at first?
When I arrived in Calgary at thirty-four, I could order a coffee in English and not much else. Words flew past me in meetings like birds I could not name. For the first year, I nodded a lot.
What changed things was not a class but a hockey game. My neighbour, Doug, invited me to watch his daughter play. I understood almost nothing he said, but he kept talking anyway, pointing and explaining, laughing at his own jokes. By the third period, I knew "offside," "penalty" and "What a save!"
I began to see that a language is not only learned at a desk. It grows in kitchens, rinks and bus shelters, wherever people are patient enough to keep talking.
Today I lead meetings in English. I still don't understand offside.
- Leading meetings at his job
- Watching hockey with a talkative neighbour
- Taking an evening English class
- Reading books on the bus
Show answer
Answer: B. Watching hockey with a talkative neighbour
He says, "What changed things was not a class but a hockey game," where his neighbour Doug kept talking and explaining.
Question 14 of 18
Which sentence best states the main idea of the essay?
When I arrived in Calgary at thirty-four, I could order a coffee in English and not much else. Words flew past me in meetings like birds I could not name. For the first year, I nodded a lot.
What changed things was not a class but a hockey game. My neighbour, Doug, invited me to watch his daughter play. I understood almost nothing he said, but he kept talking anyway, pointing and explaining, laughing at his own jokes. By the third period, I knew "offside," "penalty" and "What a save!"
I began to see that a language is not only learned at a desk. It grows in kitchens, rinks and bus shelters, wherever people are patient enough to keep talking.
Today I lead meetings in English. I still don't understand offside.
- Hockey is the only good way to learn English
- A language grows wherever patient people keep talking with you
- Meetings are the hardest place for any newcomer to speak English
- Adults cannot learn a new language quickly
Show answer
Answer: B. A language grows wherever patient people keep talking with you
The third paragraph states the main idea: language is not only learned at a desk; it grows wherever people are patient enough to keep talking.
Question 15 of 18
In Text B, why will new hires spend their first three months in the office?
Text A – From a worker's blog
Since my office let us work from home two days a week, I have more energy. I skip a 50-minute commute, so I sleep longer and start work fresh. I also get more done on quiet tasks, like writing reports. I do miss my co-workers, though. Our office days are now the days I save for meetings and problem-solving.
Text B – From a manager's newsletter
Our hybrid schedule has worked better than I expected. Reports arrive on time, and staff say they are less tired. Still, I have noticed that new employees learn more slowly when the team is apart. A quick question that took ten seconds at a desk can now take an hour by email. For that reason, new hires will spend their first three months fully in the office.
- The office has no space for others
- They learn more slowly when the team is apart
- They asked to work in the office
- Their reports have been arriving late
Show answer
Answer: B. They learn more slowly when the team is apart
The manager says new employees learn more slowly when the team is apart, "for that reason" new hires will work in the office.
Question 16 of 18
Which detail supports the writer's claim that the bus "had another surprise"?
Bus or car? One commuter's experiment
For one month, I drove to work. The next month, I took the bus. Here is what I found.
Driving was faster. My trip took about 20 minutes each way, compared with 35 minutes by bus. But the car cost more. Between gas and parking, I spent about $310 that month. My monthly bus pass was $112.
The bus had another surprise: I got my reading back. In 35 minutes, I could finish a chapter of a book or answer my emails. In the car, my hands and eyes were busy.
On the other hand, the bus did not always fit my life. On days when I had to pick up my son from hockey practice, the transfer added almost half an hour.
So which won? For me, a mix. I now take the bus three days a week and drive on hockey days.
- The drive took about 20 minutes
- He could read or answer emails on the way
- His monthly bus pass cost $112, much less than driving
- The transfer added almost half an hour
Show answer
Answer: B. He could read or answer emails on the way
The surprise was that he "got his reading back": in 35 minutes he could finish a chapter or answer emails.
Question 17 of 18
What evidence does the letter writer give that a bike lane can help stores?
Letter to the editor: Give Main Street a chance
Every spring, city council asks how to bring shoppers back downtown. Every spring, the answer is the same: more parking. I think it is time to try something different.
Last year, the town of Elm Falls replaced 30 parking spots on its main street with a protected bike lane and wider sidewalks. According to the town's own count, foot traffic rose by 18 per cent in the first summer. Store owners who had fought the plan now hold sidewalk sales every weekend.
Some people say that our winters are too long for cycling. But a bike lane is not only for bikes. In Elm Falls, the lane is cleared first after a snowfall, so it also gives people with strollers and wheelchairs a safe path.
Of course, change is hard. Nobody likes to circle the block looking for a spot. But are we really building a downtown for cars, or for people?
I urge council to try a one-year pilot. If it fails, the paint can be removed. If it works, we will wonder why we waited so long.
Andrea Kowalczyk, Main Street resident
- Foot traffic in Elm Falls rose by 18 per cent
- Every spring, council asks about parking
- Nobody likes to circle the block
- The paint can be removed if it fails
Show answer
Answer: A. Foot traffic in Elm Falls rose by 18 per cent
The Elm Falls count of an 18 per cent rise in foot traffic, and the new sidewalk sales, are her evidence. The other sentences do not show that stores were helped.
Question 18 of 18
Which is the best summary of the blog post?
Bus or car? One commuter's experiment
For one month, I drove to work. The next month, I took the bus. Here is what I found.
Driving was faster. My trip took about 20 minutes each way, compared with 35 minutes by bus. But the car cost more. Between gas and parking, I spent about $310 that month. My monthly bus pass was $112.
The bus had another surprise: I got my reading back. In 35 minutes, I could finish a chapter of a book or answer my emails. In the car, my hands and eyes were busy.
On the other hand, the bus did not always fit my life. On days when I had to pick up my son from hockey practice, the transfer added almost half an hour.
So which won? For me, a mix. I now take the bus three days a week and drive on hockey days.
- The writer argues that driving is cheaper than taking the bus
- The writer explains, step by step, how to buy a monthly bus pass
- Driving was faster but cost more, so he now uses both
- The writer sold his car because the bus was better in every way
Show answer
Answer: C. Driving was faster but cost more, so he now uses both
A good summary covers the whole text in a few words. The writer compared both ways for a month each and chose a mix.

Topic quiz 2: Content and context: stated information and main ideas

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