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 key idea is conveyed in Frost's poem?

A. Exploration of love and loss.
B. Illustration of challenging life decisions.
C. Reflection on life's journey and choices.
D. Emphasis on the significance of choosing uncommon paths.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Frost's poem emphasizes that opting for less conventional paths in life adds depth and meaning. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the poem specifically focuses on the importance of selecting uncommon routes rather than love, loss, general life decisions, or life's journey.

3. What is the author’s tone in the passage?

A. The author’s tone is optimistic.
B. The author’s tone is pessimistic.
C. The author’s tone is matter-of-fact.
D. The author’s tone is angry.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The author's tone in the passage is matter-of-fact. The text provides practical suggestions and advice in a straightforward manner, focusing on actions without expressing emotions or bias. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the author does not show signs of being optimistic, pessimistic, or angry; instead, the author presents information objectively and neutrally.

4. According to the extract, which of the following statements most closely correlates with the definition of the term 'working man'?

A. A working man is someone who is well versed in the workings of the soul.
B. A working man is probably not involved in social activities due to the high physical demand of work.
C. A working man is someone who earns wages in a traditional sense, often associated with the middle class.
D. The working man historically transitions from the field to the factory and now to the screen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to the extract, the term 'working man' refers to individuals who are actively employed and earn wages in a traditional sense. Charles Dickens emphasizes the importance of the working man having a share in the management of institutions designed for their benefit. This aligns with choice C, making it the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect as the extract does not mention anything about being well versed in the workings of the soul. Choice B is incorrect because the extract does not suggest that working men are not involved in social activities due to the physical demands of their work. Choice D is also incorrect as the extract does not focus on the historical transitions of the working man.

5. Which literary device is most prominent in Wilde's play?

A. Irony
B. Symbolism
C. Metaphor
D. Allusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Irony.' Irony is the most prominent literary device in Wilde's play, 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' as it pervades his critique of the upper class. Throughout the play, Wilde uses irony to highlight the absurdities and trivialities of the British aristocracy. The characters engage in witty and humorous dialogue filled with situational irony, verbal irony, and dramatic irony, exposing the superficiality and hypocrisy of the upper classes. Symbolism, metaphor, and allusion are present in the play but to a lesser extent compared to irony. While symbolism and metaphor are used to enhance the themes and characterizations, allusion is sparingly employed. However, it is the pervasive use of irony that sets the tone and drives Wilde's satire of the societal norms and values of the time.