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. A recycling company collects sorted materials from its clients. The materials are weighed and then processed for re-use. The chart shows the weights of various classes of materials that were collected by the company during a representative month. Which of the following statements is NOT supported by the data in the chart?

A. Paper products, including cardboard, make up a majority of the collected materials.
B. One quarter of the materials collected are made of glass.
C. More plastic is collected than cardboard.
D. Plastic and cardboard together represent a larger portion of the collected materials than glass bottles.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The chart data does not support the statement that more plastic is collected than cardboard. Looking at the chart data, we can see that paper products, including cardboard, make up the majority of the collected materials. Glass accounts for one quarter of the materials collected. When we compare plastic and cardboard, we can see that cardboard weighs more than plastic. Therefore, the statement that more plastic is collected than cardboard is not supported by the data. Additionally, combining plastic and cardboard weights still does not exceed the weight of glass bottles according to the chart.

3. Which of the following would be a useful source of information to determine the validity of the argument presented in the passage?

A. A survey of high school students' preferences regarding foreign language requirements.
B. A comparison of the correlation between a second language introduced at home and subsequent college acceptance rates.
C. A survey asking parents to select the foreign language they would like their children to study in high school.
D. A comparison of the correlation between high school students' study of a foreign language and subsequent college acceptance rates.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage emphasizes the importance of studying a foreign language in high school for future success, including college acceptance rates and job market demand. To evaluate the argument's validity, it is crucial to examine the direct impact of studying a foreign language on college acceptance rates. Choice D is the correct answer because it directly addresses this aspect by comparing the correlation between high school students' study of a foreign language and subsequent college acceptance rates. This comparison would provide concrete evidence supporting or refuting the argument presented in the passage. Choices A, B, and C, though related to language education, do not directly assess the specific relationship between studying a foreign language in high school and college acceptance rates, making them less relevant for evaluating the argument's validity.

4. What is the purpose of the italics used for several of the words identified in the sentence above?

A. to indicate a full-length published book
B. to indicate a work of classic literature
C. to indicate recommended summer reading
D. to indicate books that Angela completed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The purpose of the italics used for several words in the sentence is to indicate books that Angela completed during the summer. The italics are used for titles of books or literary works, showing emphasis or highlighting specific titles. In the provided extract, titles like 'The Great Gatsby,' 'Brave New World,' and 'A Passage to India' are italicized, indicating completed readings. Choice A is incorrect as it does not accurately reflect the purpose of italics in this context. Choice B is incorrect because the use of italics does not specifically indicate classic literature. Choice C is also incorrect as the italics are not related to recommendations but rather completion of reading.

5. 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.