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 stories' messages is significantly distorted through the use of an irrelevant detail?

A. A soft profile about a local politician's part-time rock band that mentions his political differences with his bandmates
B. A feature story of a local business owner running for political office in which she admits to having employed illegal laborers
C. A profile of several local Jewish and Arab business leaders that mentions ongoing hostilities in the Middle East
D. A news report about a local citizen protesting property tax rates that includes details about an immigration violation he committed twenty years previously

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In the news report about a local citizen protesting property tax rates that includes details about an immigration violation he committed twenty years previously, the irrelevant detail about the immigration violation distracts from the main message of the protest against property tax rates. The inclusion of this detail shifts the focus away from the citizen's current concerns and the reasons for his protest, thus distorting the story's message. Choices A, B, and C do not include irrelevant details that significantly distort the main messages of the stories. Choice A mentions political differences with bandmates but still focuses on the politician's part-time rock band. Choice B discusses the employment of illegal laborers but remains centered on the business owner's political aspirations. Choice C talks about ongoing hostilities in the Middle East but does not veer away from the main focus on the local Jewish and Arab business leaders.

3. 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.

4. What text feature does the author use to organize the passage?

A. headings and subheadings
B. superscripts
C. diagrams
D. labels and footnotes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Headings and subheadings are commonly used text features that help organize a passage by signaling different sections or topics. In this case, the passage is organized with clear headings such as 'Dairy: Beverage,' 'Dairy: Meals,' 'Dairy: Snack,' and 'Dairy: Dessert.' These headings provide a structured layout, making it easier for readers to identify specific information within each category. Superscripts, diagrams, and labels and footnotes are not used in this passage for organizing content, making them incorrect choices.

5. 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.