what is the central idea of this passage

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Reading

1. What is the central idea of this passage?

A. It introduces certain insects that transition from water to air.
B. It describes how insects adapt to their environment.
C. It discusses the significance of insects in ecosystems.
D. It highlights the duality of insect life.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The central idea of the passage is to highlight the significance of understanding insects in ecosystems, not just focusing on their adaptability or life transitions. Choice A is incorrect as the passage does not introduce specific insects transitioning from water to air. Choice B is incorrect as the main focus is not solely on how insects adapt to their environment, but on their broader role in ecosystems. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not discuss the duality of insect life, but rather their importance in the ecosystem.

2. Which of the following occurred first in Alexander Graham Bell's life?

A. Helped found the National Geographic Society.
B. Developed a metal detector.
C. Moved to Canada.
D. Invented the telephone.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Alexander Graham Bell moved to Canada early in his life, before inventing the telephone and developing other technologies. Choice A is incorrect because Bell did not help found the National Geographic Society; this happened years after his major inventions. Choice B is incorrect because Bell developed a metal detector after inventing the telephone. Choice D is incorrect because Bell invented the telephone after moving to Canada.

3. Which definition most closely relates to the usage of the word moult in the passage?

A. An adventure of sorts, especially underwater
B. Mating act between two insects
C. The act of shedding part or all of the outer shell
D. Death of an organism that ends in a revival of life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The definition that most closely relates to the usage of the word 'moult' in the passage is the act of shedding part or all of the outer shell. The passage mentions how some insects remain under water until they are ready to undergo their final moult and attain the winged state. This process involves shedding their old skin or exoskeleton to transition from the aquatic larval stage to the aerial adult stage. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the specific context provided in the passage. Choice A talks about an adventure underwater, which is unrelated to the biological process of moulting. Choice B refers to a mating act between insects, which is not the focus of the passage. Choice D discusses the death of an organism leading to a revival of life, which is not connected to the moulting process described in the passage.

4. What does Lady Bracknell's interrogation of Jack reveal about the nature of marriage in the society Wilde is critiquing?

A. It shows that marriage is based on love and personal choice.
B. It reveals that marriage is a serious, thoughtful decision.
C. It illustrates that marriage is more about social standing and wealth than love.
D. It suggests that marriage is an outdated institution.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Lady Bracknell's interrogation of Jack regarding his suitability as a husband for her daughter Gwendolen reveals that marriage in the society depicted in the play is more about wealth and social status than love. This is evident as Lady Bracknell places great emphasis on Jack's financial background, social connections, and suitability as a match based on these criteria. Choice A is incorrect because Lady Bracknell's focus is not on love or personal choice but on societal expectations and status. Choice B is incorrect as the interrogation highlights superficial considerations rather than portraying marriage as a serious, thoughtful decision. Choice D is also incorrect as the play does not suggest that marriage is outdated, but rather emphasizes its transactional and societal nature in the context of the aristocratic society being critiqued.

5. The guide words at the top of a dictionary page are considerable and conspicuous. Which of the following words is an entry on this page?

A. consonantal
B. consumption
C. conserve
D. conquistador

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is "C: conserve." In a dictionary page where the guide words are "considerable" and "conspicuous," the word "conserve" would be an entry as it falls alphabetically within those guide words. Choice A, "consonantal," starts with a different letter, so it would not be located between the guide words. Choice B, "consumption," also starts with a different letter and would not be between the guide words. Choice D, "conquistador," starts with a different letter and is also far from the guide words alphabetically, making it an incorrect entry on this particular page.