what is the main idea of the passage

ATI TEAS 7

Practice TEAS Test Reading

1. What is the main idea of the passage?

A. Manufacturers of dietary supplements must adhere to good manufacturing practices.
B. The FDA has a specialized program for regulating dietary supplements.
C. The federal government prosecutes individuals who deceive the public.
D. The FDA operates under the federal government.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that the FDA has a specialized program for regulating dietary supplements. The passage explains how the FDA regulates dietary supplements differently from drugs, focusing on the requirements for marketing, good manufacturing practices, monitoring safety, and taking action against unsafe products. Choice A is incorrect because while it mentions good manufacturing practices, it's not the central idea of the passage. Choice C is incorrect as there is no emphasis on prosecuting individuals in the passage. Choice D is incorrect because stating that the FDA is part of the federal government is not the main idea discussed in the passage.

2. Which of the following could be considered a theme of the passage?

A. Anyone can become royalty.
B. People should only marry for advantage.
C. Queen Victoria was a fair, but unlikely, queen.
D. Even the most unlikely events can happen.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The theme of the passage revolves around the idea that even the most unlikely events can happen. The passage describes the improbable events leading to Queen Victoria becoming the queen, emphasizing how unpredictable and unexpected her rise to the throne was. Choice A is not supported as Victoria was born into royalty, so not just anyone can become royalty as implied. While there are mentions of marriages for advantage in the passage, it is not the central theme but rather a detail in the historical context, making choice B incorrect. Although the passage discusses Queen Victoria being an unlikely queen, this statement is too specific to be a theme; a theme should be broader and universally applicable, making choice C incorrect.

3. 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.

4. When evaluating the credibility of research sources, which of the following is a valid consideration?

A. It is credible if published in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal.
B. It is never credible if it is a source published online.
C. It is not necessarily more credible based on author affiliations.
D. The number of times a source is cited does not affect its credibility.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. It is credible if published in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal because peer review ensures that the research has been evaluated by experts in the field for quality and accuracy before publication. This process enhances the credibility of the research source. Choice B is incorrect because not all online sources are unreliable; credibility depends on various factors beyond the publication medium. Choice C is incorrect because author affiliations can indeed impact credibility, but they are not the sole determinant. Choice D is incorrect as the frequency of citations can indicate the impact of a source but does not guarantee its credibility.

5. Which of the following sentences contains an opinion on the part of the author?

A. James was recognized as a practicing Catholic, and his commitment to Catholicism would prove to be his downfall.
B. James' son King Charles I proved to be less committed to the Protestant Church of England.
C. The movement was soundly defeated at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, and England and Scotland have remained ostensibly Protestant ever since.
D. Scholars in the 21st century are far too hasty in dismissing the role of religion in political disputes, but religion undoubtedly played a role in the problems that faced England and Scotland.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The sentence in answer choice D expresses the opinion of the author by suggesting that scholars in the 21st century are hasty in dismissing the role of religion in political disputes. This opinion is presented without factual evidence or support within the passage, making it an opinion rather than a statement based on information provided in the text. Choice A simply states facts about James being a practicing Catholic and how it affected him, without expressing any opinion. Choice B also presents a factual statement about King Charles I's commitment to the Protestant Church of England. Choice C provides historical information about the Battle of Culloden and the religious state of England and Scotland, without any opinion from the author.