what is the purpose of this passage

ATI TEAS 7

Reading TEAS Practice Test

1. What is the purpose of this passage?

A. To describe the sun-fish's reproductive habits.
B. To explain the ecosystem of the sun-fish.
C. To persuade readers to protect aquatic ecosystems.
D. To discuss the mating habits of sun-fish.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The passage describes the reproductive habits of the sun-fish, focusing on how the mother sun-fish provides and guards her spawn until they are ready to take care of themselves. Choice B is incorrect as the passage does not delve into the broader ecosystem of the sun-fish. Choice C is incorrect as there is no persuasive element in the passage about protecting aquatic ecosystems. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not discuss the mating habits of sun-fish but rather the care provided by the mother sun-fish.

2. Which of the following sources would be the best to understand the suspense genre better?

A. A public library's digital catalog
B. The online reviews of the genre
C. A New York Times bestseller list
D. An encyclopedia entry about the suspense genre

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, an encyclopedia entry about the suspense genre. This choice would be the best source to understand the suspense genre better as it provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of the genre's history, characteristics, and key elements. Option A, a public library's digital catalog, may list suspense novels available but does not offer in-depth information about the genre itself. Option B, online reviews of the genre, are subjective opinions and may not provide a holistic view of the genre. Option C, a New York Times bestseller list, showcases popular titles but doesn't delve into the specifics of the suspense genre.

3. This passage is mainly about

A. slaves in the Civil War.
B. how slaves escaped along the Underground Railroad.
C. Harriet Tubman's role as an abolitionist leader.
D. Harriet Tubman's life as a slave.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage is mainly about Harriet Tubman's role as an abolitionist leader. It discusses her efforts to help slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad and highlights her significant impact on the abolitionist movement. The focus is on Tubman's leadership and involvement in the fight against slavery, rather than just her life as a slave or the general experience of slaves during the Civil War. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while the passage mentions slavery, the Civil War, and Tubman's life as a slave, the primary emphasis is on her leadership and activism in the abolitionist movement.

4. Which of the following, if true, would most seriously undermine the explanation proposed by the author in Passage I, third paragraph?

A. An instance of lethal force in self-defense is not absolutely absolved from blame. The law takes into account the necessary use of force at the time it is committed.
B. An individual who uses necessary defense under lethal force is in direct compliance with the law under most circumstances.
C. Lethal force in self-defense should not be forgiven in all cases for the peace of mind of the primary victim.
D. The use of lethal force is not evaluated based on the intent of the user, but rather the severity of the primary attack that warranted self-defense.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the author in Passage I discusses the concept of lethal force in self-defense being justified and absolved from blame when used as a last resort to prevent severe harm or death. Choice A undermines this by stating that an instance of lethal force in self-defense is not absolutely absolved from blame and highlights that the law considers the necessary use of force at the time it is committed. This challenges the absolute justification of such actions and would seriously undermine the author's argument. Choice B is incorrect because compliance with the law does not necessarily address the justification and absolution of lethal force. Choice C is incorrect as forgiving lethal force in all cases is not the focus of the author's argument. Choice D is incorrect because the intent of the user is a crucial factor in evaluating the use of lethal force, contrary to what is stated.

5. What word best describes the author's attitude toward those who believe they understand money?

A. Supportive
B. Incriminating
C. Excessive
D. Patronizing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The author's tone towards those who think they understand money is patronizing, as seen in the statement 'Many of my hearers may say, 'we understand this; this is economy, and we know economy is wealth; we know we can't eat our cake and keep it also.' Yet I beg to say that perhaps more cases of failure arise from mistakes on this point than almost any other.' This conveys a sense of superiority and belittlement, making 'Patronizing' the best word to describe the author's attitude. - Choice A, 'Supportive,' is incorrect as the author is not expressing support but rather a critical view. - Choice B, 'Incriminating,' is incorrect as the author is not accusing or blaming those who believe they understand money. - Choice C, 'Excessive,' is incorrect as it does not capture the author's attitude of looking down on others' understanding of money.