what is the best summary of this passage

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Test Reading Questions

1. What is the best summary of this passage?

A. Humans can use coloration and markings on snakes to determine whether they’re venomous.
B. Animals use coloration to hide from predators.
C. The scarlet kingsnake and the coral snake have nearly identical markings.
D. Venomous snakes often have bright markings, although nonvenomous snakes can also mimic those colors.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best summary of the passage is that humans can use coloration and markings on snakes to determine whether they're venomous. The passage discusses how snake markings serve the purpose of warning predators and helping humans identify venomous snakes by their bright coloration. Choice B is incorrect because the passage focuses on how coloration helps snakes evade predators rather than hide from them. Choice C is incorrect as it only mentions two specific snakes with similar markings, which is a minor detail compared to the main point of identifying venomous snakes. Choice D is incorrect because it only partially reflects the passage, focusing solely on the relationship between markings and venom in snakes, missing the crucial aspect of human ability to discern venomous snakes based on their coloration.

2. The passage describes recent hurricane seasons as the most expensive on record. Which of the following statements gives the implied reason for this increased expense?

A. Hurricane Katrina was an extremely violent storm.
B. Valuable buildings were destroyed in New Orleans.
C. The Atlantic Basin is entering an active period.
D. Destruction of barrier islands and coastal wetlands has left the mainland exposed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The destruction of barrier islands and coastal wetlands has left the mainland exposed, leading to increased damage and expenses from hurricanes. This implies a direct reason for the increased cost of recent hurricane seasons. The other choices do not directly address the reason for the increased expenses. Choice A talks about the intensity of Hurricane Katrina but does not explain the overall trend of increased expenses. Choice B mentions buildings being destroyed, which is a consequence rather than a reason for increased expenses. Choice C discusses an active period in the Atlantic Basin but does not connect it to the increased costs of hurricane seasons.

3. While some people claim that any kind of distracted driving is dangerous, texting beats them all by keeping attention away from the road.

A. Driving and texting have gone hand in hand ever since the irst teen decided that he needed to let his friends know what he was thinking right then and there. Government ofices have kept tabs on distracted drivers, and the numbers are staggering. The years of the study were from 2002 to
B. Texting while driving has been linked to a dramatic increase in road accidents, with government data showing that drivers are 23 times more likely to crash when texting than when performing other tasks.
C. While it’s true that distracted driving is dangerous, texting is particularly hazardous as it requires drivers to divert their attention from the road for an extended period. This prolonged distraction increases the risk of accidents.
D. Many forms of distracted driving, such as eating or adjusting the radio, are common, but texting stands out due to the high number of accidents and fatalities it causes annually.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: This choice provides a detailed explanation relating to the topic of distracted driving and specifically mentions the issue of texting while driving. It highlights the prevalence of distracted driving due to texting and mentions the efforts of government offices to address this problem. The explanation is relevant and directly supports the idea that texting is the most dangerous form of distraction while driving.

4. Based on the context of the passage, the reader can infer that this information is likely to appear in which of the following types of works?

A. A scholarly biography
B. A mystery novel
C. A fictional story
D. A biography

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage provides a detailed historical account of Queen Victoria's lineage, ascension to the throne, and reign, making it suitable for a biography. The passage focuses on presenting factual information about Queen Victoria's life rather than analyzing it, which aligns more with a biography than a scholarly paper. It does not contain elements of mystery or fiction, as it recounts historical events and real-life figures. Therefore, a biography is the most appropriate choice based on the content and style of the passage.

5. What does the word 'wise' in this passage most closely mean?

A. Manner
B. Knowledge
C. Shrewd
D. Ignorance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context of the passage, the word 'wise' refers to the 'manner' in which the sun-fish builds its hatchery. It describes the careful and skillful way in which the mother sun-fish constructs and provides for her offspring. Choice B, 'Knowledge,' is incorrect as the word 'wise' does not specifically imply knowledge in this passage. Choice C, 'Shrewd,' is incorrect as it suggests cleverness or astuteness, which is not the intended meaning here. Choice D, 'Ignorance,' is the opposite of 'wise' and does not align with the context of the passage.