what is the main purpose of paragraph 1

ATI TEAS 7

Reading TEAS Practice Test

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 1?

A. to explain oral tradition
B. to explain the importance of the printing press
C. to explain the progressions of stories within society
D. to introduce the essay

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main purpose of paragraph 1 is to explain the progression of stories within society, from oral tradition to the impact of the printing press. It outlines how stories evolved over time, transitioning from oral storytelling to written material made widely available by the printing press. This paragraph serves as an introduction to the evolution of storytelling mediums throughout history, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion. Choices A and B are incorrect because the paragraph does not solely focus on explaining oral tradition or the importance of the printing press. Choice D is incorrect as the paragraph does not aim to introduce the essay but rather provide a historical context for the discussion on the evolution of storytelling.

2. With which of the following statements would the author of the passage most likely agree?

A. Malory and Tennyson shaped their approach to the Arthurian legends based on the defining qualities of their respective eras.
B. Because Le Morte d'Arthur is more of a translation than a literary creation, Idylls of the King is a superior work.
C. By undermining the moral qualities that Malory highlighted, Tennyson failed to appreciate the larger purpose of the stories in a medieval context.
D. Ultimately, Malory's influence on Tennyson was minimal because Tennyson took a different approach and infused his poems with the mood of his day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The author of the passage would most likely agree with the statement that Malory and Tennyson shaped their approach to the Arthurian legends based on the defining qualities of their respective eras. The passage discusses how Malory emphasized the moral elements in Medieval literature, while Tennyson, as a Victorian poet, focused more on romantic qualities and nature in his works. This difference in emphasis reflects the characteristics of their eras. Therefore, choice A aligns with the author's likely agreement. Choice B is incorrect because it incorrectly compares the two works based on translation and creation, which is not the main point of comparison discussed in the passage. Choice C is incorrect because Tennyson's different approach does not necessarily mean he failed to appreciate the stories' purpose, but rather highlights a shift in emphasis. Choice D is incorrect because the passage indicates that Tennyson was indeed heavily influenced by Malory, albeit with a different approach, making Malory's influence significant rather than minimal.

3. Which of the following menu items fulfills her dietary requirements?

A. Tofu-mushroom-spinach lasagna
B. Veggie burger on a whole-grain bun
C. Salmon with cream sauce
D. Stuffed baked potato with vegetable soup

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the tofu-mushroom-spinach lasagna. Mirella is an ovo-lacto vegetarian, meaning she eats eggs and dairy but avoids animal flesh. This dish meets her dietary requirements as it is a vegetarian option that contains tofu and cheese for protein. Additionally, since Mirella has a wheat allergy, she can choose a lasagna recipe with alternative noodles or omit noodles altogether. Choice B, the veggie burger, may contain wheat in the bun, which is not suitable for Mirella. Choice C, salmon with cream sauce, contains animal flesh and is not vegetarian. Choice D, stuffed baked potato with vegetable soup, may include wheat products in the soup, making it unsuitable for Mirella's wheat allergy.

4. Which statement from the passage best supports the conclusion that taking notes and recording audio during an interview is a good practice for journalists?

A. Journalists often use a recording device to capture the audio transcript of an interview with a subject.
B. Relying on a recording device is not without troubles, however.
C. As a result, a portion of an interview can be lost without any way to reclaim it.
D. This dual-note method means that most of the time, a wise journalist has two good resources to use as he or she writes the article draft.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The statement about the dual-note method best supports the conclusion that taking notes and recording audio is a good practice. It highlights the advantage of having two resources - notes and audio recordings - which provide comprehensive coverage of the interview. Choice A simply mentions the use of a recording device but does not emphasize the benefits of combining it with note-taking. Choices B and C focus on the limitations or potential issues with using recording devices, which do not promote the practice as positively as Choice D.

5. Which of the following would weaken the author's argument?

A. a report revealing that the cited study was funded by a company that provides discounted tutoring through schools
B. a study demonstrating differences in standardized test scores among students at schools in various neighborhoods
C. a statement signed by local teachers affirming that they do not give preferential treatment in the classroom or during grading
D. a study indicating that GPA has a weak correlation with success in college

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A weakens the author's argument by highlighting a potential conflict of interest. If the cited study was funded by a company offering discounted tutoring, it could introduce bias and question the credibility of the study's findings. This revelation could cast doubt on the objectivity and reliability of the research, ultimately undermining the argument based on the cited study. Choices B, C, and D do not directly impact the credibility or objectivity of the cited study, so they would not significantly weaken the author's argument.