which option best defines a fable

ATI TEAS 7

Reading TEAS Practice Test

1. Which option best defines a fable?

A. A melancholic poem lamenting the subject's death
B. An oral tradition influenced by culture
C. A story with events that occur in threes and sevens
D. A short story with animals, fantastic creatures, or other forces within nature

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A fable is a short story that typically features animals, fantastic creatures, or other forces within nature as characters. These characters often possess human-like qualities and behavior, and the story is intended to convey a moral lesson or message to the reader. The use of animals or other natural elements is a common characteristic of fables, distinguishing them from other types of stories or literary works. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the defining characteristics of a fable.

2. What is the first thing you should do to help him?

A. Ask the student what his assignment is and what type of books he is looking for
B. Tell the student that books are shelved by the author's last name and guide him to locate the books he is looking for
C. Find an opportunity later on to ask his teacher about the assignment, so you can assist him better next time he visits the library
D. Invite another student from his class to help him, assuming they share the same assignment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The first thing you should do to help the student is to provide guidance on how books are arranged in the library, which is by the author's last name, as observed in the science book section. By explaining this system to the student, you empower him to locate the books independently. This approach fosters self-reliance and problem-solving skills. Choice A is incorrect as it delays addressing the immediate need, which is helping the student navigate the library. Choice C is also incorrect as it suggests postponing assistance to a later time. Choice D is not the best course of action as it doesn't directly help the confused student in the moment.

3. What is the librarian's best course of action in this situation?

A. The librarian shows the student how to do an Internet search using Google
B. Since the assignment is to read a biography, the librarian directs the student to the biography section of the library rather than to the Internet. She helps the student select a biography at his reading level
C. The librarian directs the student to a database that will quickly provide a list of resources and articles pertaining to Thomas Jefferson
D. The librarian searches her computerized records, decides that none of the biographies in her school library are appropriate for this student, and initiates an inter-library loan. The borrowed biography will take about two weeks to arrive

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The librarian's best course of action in this situation is to direct the student to the biography section of the library because the assignment specifically requires the student to read a biography. By helping the student select a biography at his reading level, the librarian ensures that the student is staying on task and fulfilling the assignment requirements. This approach also encourages the student to engage with physical books rather than relying solely on the Internet for research. Choice A is incorrect because it deviates from the assignment's requirement of reading a biography. Choice C is not the best option as it overlooks the specificity of the assignment and may lead the student away from the required task. Choice D is not ideal as it involves a lengthy process of inter-library loan which may not be necessary if suitable biographies are available in the library.

4. 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: Option B, 'It shuddered, swayed, shook, and screamed its way into dust under hot flames,' best exemplifies an author's use of alliteration and personification. The phrase uses alliteration by repeating the 's' sound and personification by attributing human actions like shuddering and screaming to an inanimate object. Options A, C, and D do not contain both alliteration and personification. Option A uses personification but lacks alliteration. Option C uses personification but lacks alliteration. Option D contains personification but lacks alliteration as well.

5. Which of the following words from the sentence above has a negative connotation?

A. Contained
B. Shocked
C. Complimentary
D. Reportedly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The word 'shocked' has a negative connotation as it implies a strong feeling of surprise or dismay. In the context of the provided extract, the word 'shocked' would be fitting to describe the reaction of individuals witnessing the sudden outbreak of violence during the skirmish at Lexington and Concord. The other choices do not carry a negative connotation in this context: 'Contained' is neutral, 'Complimentary' is positive, and 'Reportedly' is neutral.