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 battles occurred first?

A. Cold Harbor
B. Chancellorsville
C. Atlanta
D. Shiloh

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Shiloh occurred earlier than the other battles listed. Shiloh took place in April 1862 during the American Civil War, making it the earliest battle among the options provided. Cold Harbor occurred in June 1864, Chancellorsville in May 1863, and Atlanta in July-September 1864. Therefore, Shiloh is the correct answer. Choice A (Cold Harbor) is incorrect because it happened after Shiloh. Choice B (Chancellorsville) is incorrect because it occurred after Shiloh. Choice C (Atlanta) is also incorrect as it took place after Shiloh.

3. What is the main idea of the second paragraph?

A. One hairy monkey proves the hypothesis 'All monkeys are hairy.'
B. The same piece of evidence can both confirm and disconfirm a hypothesis.
C. Confirming and disconfirming evidence affect hypotheses differently.
D. The scientific method is not a failsafe method for arriving at objective truth.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main idea of the second paragraph is that confirming and disconfirming evidence can affect hypotheses differently, as stated in the passage - 'Single pieces of evidence then, seem to affect a given hypothesis in radically different ways.' Choice A is incorrect because the paragraph discusses how single pieces of evidence affect hypotheses, not that one hairy monkey proves a hypothesis. Choice B is incorrect as the paragraph focuses on the different effects of evidence on hypotheses, rather than its ability to confirm and disconfirm simultaneously. Choice D is incorrect as the paragraph does not primarily discuss the scientific method's failings but rather the impact of evidence on hypotheses.

4. Which of the following is not identified as a difference between the two authors?

A. Malory wrote prose, while Tennyson wrote poetry.
B. Malory wrote during the medieval era, while Tennyson wrote during the Victorian era.
C. Malory was more focused on heroism and morality, while Tennyson was more focused on nature and elegy.
D. Malory wrote stories about Gareth, Tristan, and Isolde, while Tennyson focused only on Arthur, Lancelot, and Guinevere.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage explicitly mentions that Malory included chapters on knights such as Lancelot and Gareth, and he discussed the relationships between Tristan and Isolde, and Lancelot and Guinevere. This shows that Malory did focus on a wider range of characters beyond just Arthur, Lancelot, and Guinevere. Therefore, the difference mentioned in option D is not accurate as it is identified in the passage that Malory did write stories about Gareth, Tristan, and Isolde. Choices A, B, and C are all correctly identified as differences between the two authors based on the passage provided.

5. Which of the following would be an effective primary source to support Vivian Harris' argument?

A. A study showing that fewer students are bullied at schools that require uniforms
B. An article describing the negative effects of uniforms in American schools
C. An interview with a local principal who regrets implementing uniform requirements
D. A persuasive essay written by Vivian that includes statistics and quotes from psychological studies and other students that support her position

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A persuasive essay written by Vivian directly supports her argument with relevant statistics and quotes, aligning with her stance against uniforms. Choices A, B, and C do not provide direct support for Vivian's argument. Choice A discusses the positive aspect of uniforms in reducing bullying, which contradicts Vivian's viewpoint. Choice B describes negative effects of uniforms, but it does not directly support Vivian's argument against uniforms. Choice C, an interview with a principal regretting uniform requirements, does not offer direct backing for Vivian's stance either.