which statement best details the central idea in this passage

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. Which statement best details the central idea in this passage?

A. It discusses insects that transition from water to air during their life cycle.
B. It explores the field of entomology, particularly focusing on gills.
C. It explains the mechanism of insects' respiration.
D. It encourages readers to contribute to insect conservation efforts.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the passage primarily discusses certain insects that spend time in water during their early stages and then transition to an aerial life when they reach adulthood. It highlights how these insects, such as Stoneflies, May-flies, and Dragon-flies, live in water initially and then in the air during their adult stage. This central idea is best captured by choice A. <br> Choice B is incorrect because while the passage mentions gills as a part of the respiratory system of aquatic insects, it does not delve into entomology as a field. Choice C is incorrect as it does not solely focus on defining insect respiration but rather on the transition of certain insects between aquatic and aerial environments. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not explicitly invite readers to participate in insect preservation efforts; it mainly focuses on describing the life cycle of specific insects.

2. What is the main point of the passage?

A. The narrator is gaining favor with the emperor and his court and experiencing cultural entertainment.
B. The emperor is hosting a dance competition to determine high-ranking officials.
C. The candidates for high offices are trained in rope-dancing to display their skills.
D. The emperor's court engages in various entertainments to showcase their talents.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main point of the passage is that the narrator, through his gentleness and good behavior, is gaining favor with the emperor and his court. He describes how he interacts with the natives and experiences the country's shows, such as the rope-dancers. The passage focuses on the narrator's progress in understanding the language and his experiences with the cultural entertainment of the emperor's court. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they focus on specific details mentioned in the passage rather than the overall main point.

3. What word best describes the organization of this passage?

A. Modeling
B. Hypothesizing
C. Explaining
D. Observing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Explaining.' The passage is structured in an explanatory manner, providing a detailed account of how a plunger works. It explains the process step by step, from the initial depression of the plunger to the increase in pressure inside the clogged pipe. 'Modeling' and 'Observing' are not suitable choices as the passage does not involve creating models or direct observations. 'Hypothesizing' is also incorrect as the passage focuses on describing the functioning of a plunger rather than proposing or discussing potential hypotheses.

4. Which of the following is true of hypotheses of the form 'All x are y'?

A. Something that is neither x nor y disproves the hypothesis.
B. Something that is both x and y disproves the hypothesis.
C. Something that is x but not y disproves the hypothesis.
D. Something that is y but not x disproves the hypothesis.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In hypotheses of the form 'All x are y,' the hypothesis is making a claim that all instances of x also fall under y. Therefore, if something is y but not x, it disproves the hypothesis because it contradicts the assertion that all x are y. Choice A is incorrect because something that is neither x nor y doesn't provide evidence against the hypothesis. Choice B is incorrect because if something is both x and y, it actually supports the hypothesis. Choice C is incorrect as something that is x but not y doesn't disprove the hypothesis, as it could still be consistent with the claim that all x are y.

5. Which of the following would be the best concluding statement for this passage?

A. States should consider how important foreign languages are in the global economy when making their policies regarding foreign language requirements for high school graduation.
B. Policies regarding a foreign language requirement for high school graduation should take into account the importance of foreign languages for the global economy and the correlation between foreign languages and increased college acceptance rates and employment opportunities.
C. High school graduation requirements should include a foreign language class because of the influence knowledge of a second language has on college acceptance rates.
D. Policies regarding a foreign language requirement for high school graduation should take into account how difficult it is to obtain a job in today's economy for those who do not have knowledge of more than one language.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B provides the most comprehensive and accurate summary of the claims made in the passage. It addresses the significance of foreign languages for the global economy, the impact on college acceptance rates and job opportunities, and the need for policies to consider these factors when determining foreign language requirements for high school graduation. The passage emphasizes the importance of foreign languages in the global economy and the advantages they bring in terms of college acceptance and employment. Option A is less specific and doesn't mention college acceptance rates or job opportunities, making it less comprehensive. Option C focuses only on college acceptance rates and does not touch upon the broader aspects highlighted in the passage. Option D, while mentioning job prospects, does not cover the full scope of the benefits of foreign language proficiency as discussed in the passage.