what is the central idea of this passage

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Reading

1. What is the central idea of this passage?

A. It introduces certain insects that transition from water to air.
B. It describes how insects adapt to their environment.
C. It discusses the significance of insects in ecosystems.
D. It highlights the duality of insect life.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The central idea of the passage is to highlight the significance of understanding insects in ecosystems, not just focusing on their adaptability or life transitions. Choice A is incorrect as the passage does not introduce specific insects transitioning from water to air. Choice B is incorrect as the main focus is not solely on how insects adapt to their environment, but on their broader role in ecosystems. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not discuss the duality of insect life, but rather their importance in the ecosystem.

2. What is the main idea of the second paragraph?

A. One hairy monkey proves the hypothesis 'All monkeys are hairy.'
B. The same piece of evidence can both confirm and disconfirm a hypothesis.
C. Confirming and disconfirming evidence affect hypotheses differently.
D. The scientific method is not a failsafe method for arriving at objective truth.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main idea of the second paragraph is that confirming and disconfirming evidence can affect hypotheses differently, as stated in the passage - 'Single pieces of evidence then, seem to affect a given hypothesis in radically different ways.' Choice A is incorrect because the paragraph discusses how single pieces of evidence affect hypotheses, not that one hairy monkey proves a hypothesis. Choice B is incorrect as the paragraph focuses on the different effects of evidence on hypotheses, rather than its ability to confirm and disconfirm simultaneously. Choice D is incorrect as the paragraph does not primarily discuss the scientific method's failings but rather the impact of evidence on hypotheses.

3. Why do some insects have a life cycle divided between water and air?

A. To highlight the adaptability of these insects.
B. To illustrate the different environmental challenges they face.
C. To describe the process of metamorphosis in these insects.
D. To show the evolutionary advantages of such a life cycle.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the life cycle of insects is divided between water and air to demonstrate the evolutionary advantages of this adaptation. Insects have evolved to inhabit both aquatic and aerial environments, allowing them to thrive in diverse conditions. Choice A is incorrect because the division between water and air in the life cycle does not solely highlight adaptability but also evolutionary strategies. Choice B is incorrect because the question focuses on the reason for the specific division in the life cycle, not on environmental challenges. Choice C is incorrect because while metamorphosis is part of the life cycle, it does not directly explain why it is divided between water and air.

4. How does Wilde portray the institution of marriage in The Importance of Being Earnest?

A. As a romantic union between two individuals.
B. As a social contract designed for economic and social gain.
C. As a trivial and superficial agreement.
D. As a necessary evil in a structured society.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In The Importance of Being Earnest, Wilde portrays marriage as a social contract rather than a romantic union. The play satirizes the transactional nature of marriage in the society Wilde critiques. Characters like Lady Bracknell's interrogation of Jack highlight how marriage is viewed as a means for economic and social gain rather than genuine affection, emphasizing the societal norms of the time. Choice A is incorrect because Wilde's portrayal goes beyond a simple romantic view of marriage. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies Wilde's critique of marriage and societal norms. Choice D is incorrect as it doesn't capture the nuanced satire Wilde employs in dissecting the institution of marriage.

5. Which of the following best provides detailed support for the claim that 'seatbelts save lives'?

A. A government website containing driving accident information
B. A blog developed by one of the largest car companies in the world
C. An encyclopedia entry on the seatbelt and its development
D. A social media post from a famous race car driver

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Government websites usually contain reliable and detailed statistics supporting the effectiveness of seatbelts. Choice B, a blog from a car company, may have biased information to promote their products. Choice C, an encyclopedia entry, may not necessarily have the most up-to-date or detailed information on the topic. Choice D, a social media post from a race car driver, lacks the credibility and detailed information that a government website can provide.