Reading Comprehension Hortatory Exposition Text
Choose the best answer!
Which sentence best represents a thesis statement in a hortatory exposition text?
A. Therefore, students should sleep earlier every night
B. Many students complain about school schedules
C. School start times should be reconsidered due to students’ health and performance
D. As a result, schools must take action immediately
E. In conclusion, this issue affects many students
The main difference between an argument paragraph and a recommendation paragraph is that …
A. arguments contain facts, while recommendations contain opinions
B. arguments are optional, while recommendations are compulsory
C. arguments justify the stance, while recommendations urge action
D. arguments use future tense, while recommendations use past tense
E. arguments are shorter than recommendations
Which of the following is NOT a common language feature of hortatory exposition texts?
A. Evaluative adjectives
B. Logical conjunctions
C. Direct speech
D. Modal verbs of obligation
E. Simple present tense
Which sentence shows a weak recommendation compared to the others?
A. The government must impose strict penalties on polluters
B. Schools should educate students about waste management
C. Parents ought to monitor their children’s internet use
D. It might be better if people reduce plastic usage
E. Citizens are strongly advised to save energy
A hortatory exposition text that discusses cyberbullying would MOST likely aim to …
A. entertain readers with real-life stories
B. describe the characteristics of cyberbullies
C. explain the history of social media
D. encourage preventive actions against cyberbullying
E. compare online and offline bullying
Which connective best completes the sentence?
“Plastic waste threatens marine life; ___, people should reduce single-use plastics.”
A. however
B. meanwhile
C. therefore
D. similarly
E. otherwise
Which sentence would be least effective as part of an argument in a hortatory exposition text?
A. Excessive screen time affects students’ concentration
B. Studies show that lack of sleep reduces academic performance
C. Many teenagers enjoy scrolling social media every day
D. Air pollution increases the risk of respiratory diseases
E. Plastic waste causes long-term environmental damage
The tone of a hortatory exposition text is generally …
A. humorous and entertaining
B. neutral and objective
C. emotional and dramatic
D. persuasive and advisory
E. imaginative and creative
Which conclusion best fits a hortatory exposition text?
A. The issue remains controversial among experts
B. The problem has existed for decades
C. The data was collected from several sources
D. For these reasons, immediate action should be taken to address the problem
E. The story ends with a surprising twist
Which text type would MOST likely include a clear call to action at the end?
A. Report text
B. Narrative text
C. Descriptive text
D. Explanation text
E. Hortatory exposition text
Text
Students Should Limit Their Screen Time
In recent years, the use of smartphones and other digital devices among students has increased
significantly. Many students spend hours scrolling through social media, watching videos, or playing
online games. This habit has become a serious issue that should not be ignored.
Firstly, excessive screen time can negatively affect students’ health. Staring at screens for too long can
cause eye strain, headaches, and sleep disturbances. Moreover, students who spend too much time on
their devices tend to have less physical activity, which can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Secondly, too much screen time can reduce academic performance. Students often lose focus while
studying because they are easily distracted by notifications and online entertainment. As a result, they
may procrastinate, submit assignments late, and perform poorly in exams.
Therefore, students should limit their screen time and use digital devices wisely. Schools and parents
should also work together to educate students about the importance of balancing screen time with
studying and physical activities. By doing so, students can maintain both their health and academic
achievement.
What is the main topic of the text?
A. The benefits of smartphones
B. The popularity of social media
C. The negative effects of screen time on students
D. The development of digital technology
The writer’s main purpose in writing the text is to …
A. describe students’ daily activities
B. inform readers about new technology
C. persuade students to reduce screen time
D. entertain readers with a common issue
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an effect of excessive screen time?
A. Eye strain
B. Sleep problems
C. Obesity
D. Hearing loss
What does the word “they” in paragraph 3 refer to?
A. Parents
B. Teachers
C. Digital devices
D. Students
Why can excessive screen time affect academic performance?
A. Students prefer physical activities
B. Students become easily distracted
C. Students dislike studying
D. Students have too many assignments
The last paragraph mainly contains …
A. a summary of the problem
B. a personal experience
C. an explanation of causes
D. a recommendation to the readers
The recommendation in the text implies that students should …
A. avoid digital devices completely
B. use smartphones only at school
C. balance screen time with other activities
D. stop using social media
Which statement best reflects the writer’s opinion?
A. Digital devices are dangerous for everyone
B. Screen time has no benefits at all
C. Students need guidance in using digital devices
D. Schools should ban smartphones completely
The text is categorized as a hortatory exposition because it …
A. tells a past experience
B. explains how something happens
C. presents arguments followed by a recommendation
D. describes a particular object
What can be concluded from the text?
A. Technology should be avoided by students
B. Screen time is harmless for teenagers
C. Students must focus only on academics
D. Wise use of screen time is important for students
Schools Should Implement Project-Based Learning
Traditional learning methods that focus only on textbooks and exams are no longer effective in
preparing students for real-life challenges. In today’s world, students need more practical skills, such as
problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking.
One major benefit of project-based learning is that it encourages students to actively participate in the
learning process. Instead of memorizing information, students work on real projects that require them
to analyze problems and find solutions. This method helps students understand the material more
deeply.
In addition, project-based learning improves teamwork and communication skills. Students often work
in groups, where they must share ideas, divide tasks, and respect different opinions. These skills are
essential for their future careers.
Therefore, schools should implement project-based learning as part of their curriculum. By doing so,
students will be better prepared to face real-world situations and become more independent learners.
What is the main idea of the text?
A. Traditional learning is the best method
B. Students dislike exams
C. Project-based learning has many advantages
D. Schools should remove textbooks
The writer believes traditional learning is ineffective because it …
A. is too expensive
B. does not prepare students for real-life challenges
C. requires teamwork
D. focuses on collaboration
What skill is NOT mentioned as a benefit of project-based learning?
A. Problem-solving
B. Collaboration
C. Communication
D. Memorization
The word “This method” in paragraph 2 refers to …
A. memorizing information
B. taking exams
C. project-based learning
D. traditional teaching
The implication of the recommendation is that schools should …
A. eliminate all exams
B. train teachers to use new teaching methods
C. focus only on group work
D. reduce school hours
People Should Reduce the Use of Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are widely used because they are cheap and convenient. However, their excessive use has
caused serious environmental problems that affect both humans and wildlife.
Plastic waste takes hundreds of years to decompose. As a result, plastic bags often end up polluting
rivers and oceans. Many animals mistakenly consume plastic, which can lead to injury or death.
Furthermore, plastic pollution damages ecosystems and disrupts the balance of nature.
Although plastic bags are practical, their negative impacts are far greater than their benefits. Reusable
bags are more environmentally friendly and can be used repeatedly for a long time.
Therefore, people should reduce the use of plastic bags and switch to reusable alternatives.
Governments and stores should also support this effort by providing eco-friendly options and educating
the public about environmental protection.
What problem is mainly discussed in the text?
A. The high price of plastic bags
B. The convenience of plastic bags
C. Environmental damage caused by plastic bags
D. Lack of reusable bags
Why are plastic bags harmful to animals?
A. They are difficult to carry
B. Animals use them as shelters
C. Animals often mistake them for food
D. They dissolve in water
The phrase “negative impacts” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to …
A. advantages
B. bad effects
C. solutions
D. opportunities
Which sentence shows the recommendation of the writer?
A. Plastic bags are cheap and convenient.
B. Plastic waste takes hundreds of years to decompose.
C. Reusable bags are environmentally friendly.
D. People should reduce the use of plastic bags.
From the text, it can be inferred that …
A. plastic bags are completely unavoidable
B. environmental problems only affect animals
C. small daily actions can help protect the environment
D. reusable bags are more expensive
Vocational Students Should Take Internship Programs Seriously
Internship programs, commonly known as Prakerin or PKL, are an essential part of vocational education.
Unfortunately, some vocational students consider internships only as a formality and do not take them
seriously.
One important reason internships should be taken seriously is that they provide real working
experience. During internships, students learn how the workplace operates, including discipline,
responsibility, and teamwork. These experiences cannot be fully learned in classrooms.
Moreover, internships help students improve both technical and soft skills. Students can directly apply
the skills they learned at school while also developing communication skills and professional attitudes.
Employers tend to value students who already understand workplace culture.
Therefore, vocational students should take internship programs seriously and actively learn during the
process. Schools and industry partners should also guide students properly so that internships truly
prepare them for future careers.
What is the main issue discussed in the text?
A. The duration of internship programs
B. Students’ lack of interest in vocational schools
C. Students who do not take internships seriously
D. The difficulty of finding internship places
Why are internships important according to the text?
A. They replace school lessons
B. They provide real working experience
C. They are required by the government
D. They reduce study time
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of internships?
A. Discipline
B. Teamwork
C. Responsibility
D. Academic competition
The word “These experiences” in paragraph 2 refers to …
A. classroom activities
B. written exams
C. working experience in internships
D. school assignments
The implication of the recommendation is that students should …
A. only focus on technical skills
B. be passive during internships
C. show professional attitudes at workplaces
D. avoid making mistakes
Soft Skills Are as Important as Technical Skills for SMK Students
Many vocational students focus mainly on mastering technical skills related to their major. While
technical skills are important, soft skills are equally essential in the workplace.
Soft skills such as communication, time management, and adaptability help employees work effectively
with others. Even highly skilled workers may struggle if they cannot cooperate or communicate well with
their team. In many cases, employees with good soft skills are more likely to be promoted.
In addition, companies often look for workers who can solve problems and handle pressure
professionally. These abilities are usually developed through daily practice, group work, and real-life
experiences rather than exams.
Therefore, SMK students should start developing their soft skills alongside technical skills. Schools
should also provide activities that encourage teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving to better
prepare students for the industry.
What is the writer’s main argument?
A. Technical skills are unnecessary
B. Soft skills are more important than exams
C. Soft skills are as important as technical skills
D. SMK students should avoid teamwork
Why may technically skilled workers still fail at work?
A. They lack certificates
B. They are inexperienced
C. They cannot work well with others
D. They have too many tasks
The phrase “handle pressure” is closest in meaning to …
A. avoid responsibility
B. manage stressful situations
C. refuse difficult tasks
D. increase workload
Which statement best represents the recommendation?
A. SMK students should master only one skill
B. Companies should lower their standards
C. Students should develop soft skills from an early stage
D. Exams should be removed from schools
It can be inferred from the text that …
A. soft skills are learned only at school
B. promotions depend only on technical ability
C. soft skills influence career development
D. teamwork is not important in companies
SMK Students Should Be Prepared for Industry Standards
The industrial world has strict standards regarding discipline, productivity, and professionalism.
However, some SMK graduates are not fully prepared to meet these expectations.
Many companies expect workers to be punctual, follow safety procedures, and complete tasks
efficiently. Unfortunately, students who are not trained in these habits may struggle during internships
or early employment.
Therefore, SMK students should start preparing themselves by practicing discipline and responsibility
while still at school. Teachers and schools should simulate workplace conditions to help students adapt
more easily to the industry.
The main problem discussed is …
A. lack of job opportunities
B. unprepared SMK graduates
C. expensive industrial standards
D. strict school rules
The recommendation implies that schools should …
A. focus only on theory
B. reduce practical lessons
C. create workplace-like environments
D. shorten school hours