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 sources would be the best to understand the suspense genre better?

A. A public library's digital catalog
B. The online reviews of the genre
C. A New York Times bestseller list
D. An encyclopedia entry about the suspense genre

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, an encyclopedia entry about the suspense genre. This choice would be the best source to understand the suspense genre better as it provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of the genre's history, characteristics, and key elements. Option A, a public library's digital catalog, may list suspense novels available but does not offer in-depth information about the genre itself. Option B, online reviews of the genre, are subjective opinions and may not provide a holistic view of the genre. Option C, a New York Times bestseller list, showcases popular titles but doesn't delve into the specifics of the suspense genre.

3. Which of the following sentences indicates the end of a sequence?

A. Our ultimate objective was to find a quality coat at an affordable price.
B. We chose this particular restaurant because of its outdoor seating.
C. Finally, we were able to settle in to enjoy the movie.
D. Initially, it seemed unlikely that we’d be able to keep the puppy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sentence 'Finally, we were able to settle in to enjoy the movie.' indicates the completion or conclusion of a sequence of events. The word 'finally' signals that something has been achieved or reached at the end of a series of actions or events. Choices A, B, and D do not indicate the end of a sequence but rather express different points within a series of events or actions.

4. The author would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?

A. Smokers should only quit cold turkey.
B. Other substances are more addictive than tobacco.
C. Smokers should quit for any reason that makes them stop.
D. People who want to smoke should advocate for reduced taxes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The author would likely agree that any reason to quit smoking is valid, based on their anti-smoking stance. The provided extract extensively discusses the harmful effects of smoking, the addictive nature of nicotine, and the negative consequences associated with tobacco products. The author emphasizes the health risks, financial burden, and social implications of smoking, promoting the idea that smokers should quit for any reason that helps them stop. Choice A, suggesting that smokers should only quit cold turkey, is too restrictive and doesn't consider individual differences in quitting methods. Choice B, stating that other substances are more addictive than tobacco, is not directly supported by the extract, which highlights the extreme addictiveness of nicotine. Choice D, proposing that people who want to smoke should advocate for reduced taxes, goes against the anti-smoking stance presented in the extract, which highlights the negative impact of smoking and high tobacco prices.

5. According to the essay, how were stories first communicated and passed down?

A. oral tradition
B. printed books
C. technology
D. handwriting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The essay clearly states that before the invention of the printing press, stories were passed down through oral tradition. The extract mentions, 'For centuries before the invention of the printing press, stories of the world were passed down to generations through oral tradition.' This shows that oral tradition was the primary method of communicating stories before the introduction of printed books. Therefore, the correct answer is 'oral tradition.' Printed books (choice B) were introduced later with the invention of the printing press, as mentioned in the extract. 'Handwriting' (choice D) is not the first way stories were communicated, and 'technology' (choice C) is a broad term that does not specifically refer to the initial method of story communication.