the primary purpose of this passage is to

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Test Reading

1. What is the primary purpose of the passage?

A. Analyze an interesting feature of American cinema.
B. Refute the Western paradigm.
C. Suggest a way to improve war movies.
D. Suggest that viewers think critically about underlying assumptions in the movies we watch.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary purpose of the passage is to suggest that viewers think critically about the underlying assumptions in the movies they watch. It discusses how American war movies often conform to a Western paradigm and urges readers to analyze these portrayals and question the messages being conveyed. Choice A is incorrect because the passage does not focus on analyzing an interesting feature of American cinema but rather on prompting critical thinking. Choice B is incorrect as the passage does not aim to refute the Western paradigm but rather to highlight its influence on American war movies. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not suggest a way to improve war movies but rather encourages viewers to be more mindful and aware of the underlying assumptions in the movies they consume.

2. Anna is planning a trip to Bretagne, or Brittany, in the northwestern part of France. Since she knows very little about it, she is hoping to find information about hiking trails, beaches, restaurants, and accommodations. Which of the following guides will be the best for her to review?

A. The Top Ten Places to Visit in Brittany, published by a non-profit organization in Bretagne aiming to attract tourism to the region
B. Getting to Know Nantes: Eating, Staying, and Sightseeing in Brittany's Largest City, published by the French Ministry of Tourism
C. Hiking Through Bretagne: The Best Trails for Discovering Northwestern France, published by a company specializing in travel for those wanting to experience the outdoors
D. The Complete Guide to Brittany, published by a travel book company that provides guides for travel throughout Europe

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best guide for Anna to review would be 'Hiking Through Bretagne: The Best Trails for Discovering Northwestern France,' published by a company specializing in travel for those wanting to experience the outdoors. Since Anna is interested in hiking and outdoor activities, a guide that focuses on outdoor trails in Northwestern France would be the most suitable choice. Choice A, 'The Top Ten Places to Visit in Brittany,' may not provide detailed information about hiking trails. Choice B, 'Getting to Know Nantes,' focuses on a specific city and may not cover the broader region of Bretagne. Choice D, 'The Complete Guide to Brittany,' although comprehensive, may not emphasize hiking trails and outdoor experiences as much as choice C.

3. What is an actuary?

A. A doctor who works in a hospital.
B. The same as a hospitalist.
C. An insurance agent who works in a hospital.
D. A person who assesses insurance risks and premiums.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An actuary is a person who assesses insurance risks and premiums. This is the primary role of an actuary, involving the analysis of financial consequences of risk. Choice A is incorrect as actuaries are not medical professionals. Choice B is incorrect as a hospitalist is a physician who works in a hospital, not related to actuarial work. Choice C is incorrect as actuaries are not insurance agents; they focus on risk assessment and not sales.

4. Which of the following sentences uses the word 'smart' with a negative connotation, rather than a positive connotation or simply the word's denotation?

A. Eliot's teacher said he was not quite gifted, but too smart for a general class.
B. Eliot was smart to have studied the day before the test; he got a good grade.
C. Eliot was identified by his teacher as one of the smart students in her classes.
D. Eliot got into trouble when he gave a smart answer to his teacher's question.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In sentence D, the word 'smart' is used with a negative connotation as it describes Eliot getting into trouble for giving a smart answer to his teacher's question. This implies that being smart in this context led to a negative consequence. Choices A, B, and C use 'smart' in a positive or neutral light, highlighting intelligence or wise decisions without any negative implications.

5. Which of the following pairs of examples from the passage best demonstrates why the use of plastics is a divisive topic?

A. Plastic has advantages. Plastic is difficult to recycle efficiently.
B. Plastic is consumed by birds. Plastic is entering our food.
C. Plastic is popular. Plastic is used for packaging.
D. Plastic is in landfills. Plastic is in the ocean.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The examples of plastic's advantages and difficulties in recycling show why the topic is divisive. The passage mentions that plastic has advantages, but it is difficult to recycle efficiently, indicating a conflict between the benefits and environmental impact of plastics. This conflict contributes to the divisive nature of discussions surrounding the use of plastics. Choices B, C, and D do not provide contrasting examples that highlight the divisive nature of the topic.