What should test takers avoid when answering CARS questions related to the passage?

• A. Using critical thinking skills
• B. Making assumptions based on prior knowledge
• C. Citing evidence from the text
• D. Analyzing the author's tone

Answer: (B)

Test takers should avoid making assumptions based on prior knowledge when answering CARS questions related to the passage. The CARS section assesses the ability to comprehend and analyze texts based solely on the information presented within them. Relying on pre-existing knowledge or assumptions can lead to misinterpretations and may result in selecting an answer that does not accurately reflect the author's intended meaning or the specific content of the passage.

Citing evidence from the text, analyzing the author's tone, and using critical thinking skills are all essential strategies in the CARS section. These skills help ensure that the responses are grounded in the text and allow for a more accurate understanding of complex ideas, arguments, and perspectives presented by the author. Thus, focusing on the text itself and avoiding assumptions will lead to more effective reading and comprehension in this section.