what is the main idea of this passage

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Questions

1. What is the main idea of this passage?

A. Studying a foreign language will help graduating students find jobs after high school.
B. Studying a foreign language should be a mandatory requirement for high school graduation.
C. Studying a foreign language helps students gain an understanding of other cultures.
D. Studying a foreign language is essential if a student hopes to get into college.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that studying a foreign language should be a compulsory requirement for high school graduation. This is emphasized due to its increasing importance for the global economy, college acceptance rates, and job market competitiveness. The passage argues for states to amend their requirements to reflect this necessity, highlighting the benefits of studying a foreign language. Choice A is incorrect because while the passage mentions job market competitiveness, the main focus is on the requirement for high school graduation. Choice C is incorrect as while understanding other cultures is a benefit of studying a foreign language, it is not the primary message of the passage. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not solely focus on the necessity of studying a foreign language for college acceptance; rather, it advocates for its inclusion as a high school graduation requirement.

2. Which option best exemplifies an author's use of alliteration and personification?

A. Her mood hung about her like a weary cape, very dull from wear.
B. It shuddered, swayed, shook, and screamed its way into dust under hot flames.
C. The house was a starch sentry, warning visitors away.
D. At its shoreline, visitors swore they heard the siren call of the cliffs above.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B best exemplifies an author's use of alliteration and personification. The sentence 'It shuddered, swayed, shook, and screamed its way into dust under hot flames' personifies an inanimate object (it) by attributing human actions to it, combining alliteration with the repeated 's' sounds. Choices A, C, and D do not contain both alliteration and personification. Choice A mainly focuses on simile and lacks alliteration. Choice C features personification but lacks alliteration. Choice D includes personification but lacks alliteration as well.

3. What is the main argument of this essay?

A. iPads and Kindles are easier to read than books
B. The printing press was a great invention
C. The Internet is how people receive information
D. Technology will soon replace printed material

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main argument of the essay is that technology will soon replace printed material, specifically printed books. The passage discusses how the rise of the Internet and electronic devices like the iPad and Kindle are making printed books unnecessary. It presents a progression from oral tradition to printed books and now to digital and electronic options. The essay highlights how the convenience and multi-functionality of devices like the iPad and Kindle will lead to the eventual demise of printed books. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while they are mentioned in the essay, they are not the central argument. The essay focuses on the transition from printed material to digital and electronic options, making choice D the correct answer.

4. Which of the following pairs of examples from the passage best demonstrates why the use of plastics is a divisive topic?

A. Plastic has advantages. Plastic is difficult to recycle efficiently.
B. Plastic is consumed by birds. Plastic is entering our food.
C. Plastic is popular. Plastic is used for packaging.
D. Plastic is in landfills. Plastic is in the ocean.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The examples of plastic's advantages and difficulties in recycling show why the topic is divisive. The passage mentions that plastic has advantages, but it is difficult to recycle efficiently, indicating a conflict between the benefits and environmental impact of plastics. This conflict contributes to the divisive nature of discussions surrounding the use of plastics. Choices B, C, and D do not provide contrasting examples that highlight the divisive nature of the topic.

5. Sarah also wants to offer her vegan guests a slightly more filling option such as a light soup with some biscuits. Which two chapters of the cookbook should she consult?

A. Chapter II and Chapter III
B. Chapter I and Chapter III
C. Chapter II and Chapter IV
D. Chapter V and Chapter VI

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sarah wants to offer her vegan guests a slightly more filling option such as a light soup with some biscuits. Chapter II of the cookbook covers light soups, making it a suitable choice for soup ideas. Chapter IV focuses on baking and bread recipes, including biscuits. By consulting Chapter II for soup recipes and Chapter IV for biscuit recipes, Sarah can find appropriate dishes for her vegan guests. Choice A (Chapter II and Chapter III) is incorrect because Chapter III does not cover biscuits. Choice B (Chapter I and Chapter III) is incorrect as biscuits are not part of Chapter I. Choice D (Chapter V and Chapter VI) is incorrect because these chapters do not contain relevant recipes for a light soup with biscuits.