what is the main idea of the second paragraph

ATI TEAS 7

Reading TEAS Practice Test

1. 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.

2. What is a secondary argument the author makes?

A. Devices such as the iPad or Kindle are better than books because they have multiple uses.
B. Books are still important to have while waiting for an appointment or taking a flight.
C. Printed encyclopedias are still used and more convenient than using the Internet.
D. With technology, there will soon be no need for stories.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The secondary argument made by the author is that devices such as the iPad and Kindle are superior to printed books because they offer multiple functions beyond just reading. The author mentions that these devices have qualities similar to a computer and can be used for much more than just reading, making them a more versatile option compared to traditional books. Choice B is incorrect because the author does not emphasize the importance of books for specific situations like waiting for appointments or flights. Choice C is incorrect as the author does not compare printed encyclopedias to the Internet. Choice D is incorrect as the author does not suggest that technology will eliminate the need for stories; instead, they focus on the transition from printed books to electronic devices for reading.

3. Which of the following statements would be LEAST relevant in a formal essay about artist Salvador Dalí?

A. Although his works are famed for their dream-like qualities, Dalí executed them with realism reminiscent of the Renaissance masters.
B. Salvador Dalí’s eccentricity extended beyond his artwork, affecting the strange public persona he created, which can be witnessed in his numerous television appearances.
C. I’ve always found Dalí’s painting The Persistence of Memory to be really disturbing for some reason.
D. Although Salvador Dalí is best known for his paintings, he also was active in cinema and collaborated with such filmmakers as Luis Bunuel and Alfred Hitchcock.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Option C is subjective and personal, making it less suitable for a formal essay about Salvador Dalí. In formal writing, it is important to maintain objectivity and focus on factual information rather than personal opinions. Choices A, B, and D provide relevant information about Dalí, his artwork, and his collaborations, which are more appropriate for inclusion in a formal essay.

4. What is the best summary of the instructor's motive in sending the email to the students?

A. Expressing concern about students' grades and emphasizing the importance of being worried.
B. Recognizing the low exam scores and the need to adjust the grading plan to help students improve.
C. Explaining the purpose of a group project and how it benefits students working together.
D. Stating the strict grading policy set at the beginning of the semester.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Answer choice B is the correct summary of the instructor's motive in sending the email to the students. The passage mentions that the instructor acknowledged the low exam scores, including a high failure rate and the need to reconsider the grading plan for the semester. This indicates that the instructor wants to adjust the grading plan to provide students with an opportunity to improve their scores. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on expressing concern rather than on adjusting the grading plan. Choice C is unrelated as it discusses the purpose of a group project. Choice D is also incorrect as it mentions the strict grading policy set at the beginning of the semester, which is not the main focus of the email sent by the instructor.

5. Which detail from the passage best supports the conclusion that the little girl is no older than three years old?

A. For lunch, she likes ham and cheese (torn into bites), yogurt, raisins, applesauce, peanut butter sandwiches in the fridge drawer, or any combo of these.
B. It’s fine if you want to go somewhere, just leave us a note of where you are.
C. As for nap, try after lunch. She may not sleep, but try anyway.
D. Turn on music in her room, leave her in her crib with a dry diaper and bottle to try to sleep.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The detail from choice D, 'Turn on music in her room, leave her in her crib with a dry diaper and bottle to try to sleep,' best supports the conclusion that the little girl is no older than three years old. This detail suggests that the child is still using a crib for sleeping, a common practice for infants and toddlers. Additionally, the mention of a bottle indicates that the child is likely young, as older children typically do not use bottles for sleep. Choices A, B, and C do not provide specific details related to the child's age like the mention of a crib and a bottle does in choice D.