which best describes the plot in fiction

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. What best describes the plot in fiction?

A. The main sequence of events or the storyline
B. Character development
C. The time and place of the story
D. The events in the story that are true

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The main sequence of events or the storyline.' The plot of a fiction story refers to the series of events that make up the storyline, including the rising action, climax, and resolution. It focuses on what happens in the story rather than the development of characters (choice B), the time and place setting (choice C), or events that are factually true (choice D), which are elements distinct from the plot.

2. 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.

3. Which of the following stories' messages is significantly distorted through the use of an irrelevant detail?

A. A soft profile about a local politician's part-time rock band that mentions his political differences with his bandmates
B. A feature story of a local business owner running for political office in which she admits to having employed illegal laborers
C. A profile of several local Jewish and Arab business leaders that mentions ongoing hostilities in the Middle East
D. A news report about a local citizen protesting property tax rates that includes details about an immigration violation he committed twenty years previously

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In the news report about a local citizen protesting property tax rates that includes details about an immigration violation he committed twenty years previously, the irrelevant detail about the immigration violation distracts from the main message of the protest against property tax rates. The inclusion of this detail shifts the focus away from the citizen's current concerns and the reasons for his protest, thus distorting the story's message. Choices A, B, and C do not include irrelevant details that significantly distort the main messages of the stories. Choice A mentions political differences with bandmates but still focuses on the politician's part-time rock band. Choice B discusses the employment of illegal laborers but remains centered on the business owner's political aspirations. Choice C talks about ongoing hostilities in the Middle East but does not veer away from the main focus on the local Jewish and Arab business leaders.

4. Based on Gemma's preferences and limited time, which of the following travel guides will be best for her?

A. Exploring the Hawaiian Islands: The Best Waterfalls on the Big Island and Maui
B. Na Pali: The Two-Day Hike That Changes Everything
C. Pineapples, Taro, and Roasted Pigs: A Dining Guide to Hawaii
D. The Top Ten: Beaches, Restaurants, and Sightseeing in Honolulu and on Oahu

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Given Gemma's goal of seeing as much as possible in a short time while enjoying outdoor activities and nature, the best travel guide for her would be 'Exploring the Hawaiian Islands: The Best Waterfalls on the Big Island and Maui.' This guide aligns with her interest in outdoor activities and waterfalls, making it the ideal choice to enhance her trip experience. Choice B, 'Na Pali: The Two-Day Hike That Changes Everything,' focuses on a specific hike and may not cover a broad range of attractions Gemma wants to explore. Choice C, 'Pineapples, Taro, and Roasted Pigs: A Dining Guide to Hawaii,' is more food-oriented and doesn't cater to Gemma's interest in outdoor activities. Choice D, 'The Top Ten: Beaches, Restaurants, and Sightseeing in Honolulu and on Oahu,' while offering a variety of attractions, doesn't specifically target Gemma's interest in exploring waterfalls and the natural beauty of Hawaii as she desires.

5. What can the reader infer from this passage? I would sometimes lie down, and let five or six of them dance on my hand; and at last the boys and girls would venture to come and play at hide-and-seek in my hair.

A. The children tortured Gulliver.
B. Gulliver traveled to meet new people.
C. Gulliver is considerably larger than the children playing around him.
D. Gulliver has a genuine love and enthusiasm for people of all sizes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The reader can infer from the passage that Gulliver is considerably larger than the children playing around him. This is evident from the fact that the children dance on his hand and play hide-and-seek in his hair, indicating a significant size difference between Gulliver and the children. Choice A is incorrect because there is no mention or implication of the children torturing Gulliver in the passage. Choice B is incorrect because Gulliver's reason for traveling is not mentioned in the provided excerpt. Choice D is incorrect as there is no explicit indication of Gulliver having a genuine love and enthusiasm for people of all sizes; the passage primarily focuses on the interaction between Gulliver and the children in terms of size and playfulness.