for evaluating the credibility of a source when doing research which of these is true

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Test Reading

1. When evaluating the credibility of a source during research, which statement is true?

A. The author's reputation is more important than whether they cite sources.
B. The source should always be as recent as possible, considering the subject.
C. The author's point of view and/or purpose is crucial for credibility.
D. The kinds of sources various audiences value influence credibility for them.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The kind of sources different audiences value can indeed influence the credibility of a source for them. Different audiences may place varying levels of trust in different types of sources, such as peer-reviewed journals, government reports, or mainstream media outlets. Understanding the preferences of the target audience is essential for establishing credibility when presenting information. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. The author's reputation is important but not more critical than citing sources, as proper citations contribute to transparency and reliability. The recency of a source is essential but not always the most crucial factor; relevance to the subject matter is also significant. The author's point of view and purpose are indeed relevant to assessing credibility; understanding their biases and intentions is vital in evaluating the reliability of a source.

2. The final sentence of the passage states that Julia set a course for home. Which of the following is the most accurate interpretation of this sentence?

A. Julia cannot go directly home.
B. Julia is planning to go home.
C. Julia wants to go home but will return to work.
D. Julia is worried the fire at her office will spread to her home.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The final sentence of the passage mentioning that Julia set a course for home indicates that Julia is making a deliberate decision to head towards her residence. This implies that she is planning to go home, suggesting that option B is the most accurate interpretation. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the context provided. Option A is incorrect as there is no indication that Julia cannot go directly home. Option C is incorrect as there is no mention of Julia returning to work. Option D is incorrect as there is no evidence in the passage to suggest that Julia is worried about the fire at her office spreading to her home.

3. What is the central idea conveyed in the passage?

A. David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest is the holy grail of modern literature.
B. Infinite Jest is a page-turner.
C. David Foster Wallace wrote Infinite Jest.
D. Infinite Jest is a modern classic for good reason and everybody should read it.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage describes Infinite Jest as a modern classic that holds significant value, indicating that it is highly recommended for everyone to read it. Choice A focuses solely on the praise of the book without emphasizing the recommendation to read it. Choice B, mentioning it as a page-turner, does not capture the essence of it being a modern classic that everyone should read. Choice C is a factual statement about the authorship but does not encompass the main point that the book is a modern classic that deserves to be read by all.

4. Which of the following best captures the authorâ€™s purpose?

A. to advocate for specific ideals and beliefs
B. to discuss the role of skin coloration and markings in snakes
C. to explain the influence of idealism on American social and political discourse
D. to examine the impact of snake behavior on the ecosystem

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The author's main purpose in the passage is to explain the influence of idealism on American social and political discourse. The passage discusses how idealistic viewpoints shape the discourse in America, advocating for specific ideals and beliefs (A) rather than explaining the beliefs of an idealist (B) or examining the impact of snake behavior on the ecosystem (D).

5. Which of the following is not an example of something that the author of Passage 1 states might be found in a fairy tale?

A. Trolls
B. Witches
C. Talking animals
D. Giants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The author of Passage 1 mentions trolls, elves, giants, and talking animals as examples of imaginary creatures found in fairy tales. However, witches are not specifically mentioned. Therefore, witches are not an example of something the author states might be found in a fairy tale in Passage 1. Choice B is the correct answer. Choice A, trolls, Choice C, talking animals, and Choice D, giants, are all examples provided by the author in the passage, making them incorrect answers.