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. What is the central idea conveyed in the passage?

A. David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest is the holy grail of modern literature.
B. Infinite Jest is a page-turner.
C. David Foster Wallace wrote Infinite Jest.
D. Infinite Jest is a modern classic for good reason and everybody should read it.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage describes Infinite Jest as a modern classic that holds significant value, indicating that it is highly recommended for everyone to read it. Choice A focuses solely on the praise of the book without emphasizing the recommendation to read it. Choice B, mentioning it as a page-turner, does not capture the essence of it being a modern classic that everyone should read. Choice C is a factual statement about the authorship but does not encompass the main point that the book is a modern classic that deserves to be read by all.

3. How does the author generally present the information in the extract?

A. Chronological order
B. Comparison-contrast
C. Cause-effect
D. Conclusion-premises

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The author generally presents the information in a cause-effect format. The scientist talks about the increase in carbon dioxide emissions by countries like China, India, and Brazil leading to rising global temperatures. The politician, on the other hand, argues against a causal link between carbon emissions and temperature increase, suggesting a natural rise in temperatures. The information is structured around the cause of carbon emissions and its effect on global temperatures. Choice A, chronological order, is incorrect as the information is not presented in a time sequence but rather based on cause and effect. Choice B, comparison-contrast, is not the best description as the focus is more on cause and effect rather than comparing or contrasting different elements. Choice D, conclusion-premises, is also incorrect as the information does not follow the pattern of drawing conclusions based on premises but rather discusses the relationship between carbon emissions and temperature increase.

4. What would this author's attitude likely be towards a person unable to find employment?

A. Descriptive
B. Conciliatory
C. Ingenuous
D. Incredulous

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The author's likely attitude towards a person unable to find employment would be incredulous. The passage emphasizes the abundance of job opportunities in the United States and suggests that finding employment should not be difficult for those willing to work. The author believes that with the numerous avenues of success and available vocations, anyone who is willing to engage in a respectable occupation should be able to find lucrative employment. Therefore, the author would find it hard to believe or be skeptical towards someone who claims they cannot find a job. Choice A, 'Descriptive,' is incorrect as the author's attitude is more judgmental than just describing a situation. Choice B, 'Conciliatory,' is incorrect as the author does not show any intention to reconcile or make peace with the situation of unemployment. Choice C, 'Ingenuous,' is incorrect as this term means innocent or naive, which does not align with the author's likely attitude of disbelief towards unemployment.

5. Which of the following can the reader infer about the author's point of view when they state: 'the work Lamarr and Antheil did creating this frequency-hopping system led to many technologies that are often taken for granted today?'

A. The author believes that we have underestimated the value of the contributions of lesser-known inventors
B. The author believes that the frequency-hopping system has damaged the potential of modern electronics
C. The author believes that the work of Lamarr and Antheil was instrumental to victory in World War II
D. The author believes we spend too much time using technologies derived from...

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The author highlights the significance of the contributions made by lesser-known inventors like Lamarr and Antheil.