what is the main idea of the second paragraph

ATI TEAS 7

Reading TEAS Practice Test

1. 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.

2. Which of the following words does the author use to express a derogatory tone?

A. Predictable
B. Noisy
C. Delicate
D. Roar

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Predictable' because the author uses it in a negative context to imply something as uninspired or lacking creativity. In the passage, the author mentions that following rules can make writing difficult, contrasting writers who adhere to rules with those who break them to succeed. 'Predictable' reflects a derogatory tone as it suggests monotony or lack of originality. Choices B, C, and D do not convey a derogatory tone in the context of the passage. 'Noisy,' 'Delicate,' and 'Roar' are neutral or descriptive words that do not carry a negative connotation.

3. Given the style of writing for the passage, which of the following magazines would be the best fit for this article?

A. Scientific Spelunking
B. Family Fun Days
C. Adventures for Men
D. Mud Magazine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The article's style is light-hearted and aimed at families looking for outdoor adventures. It suggests activities suitable for families with children, making Family Fun Days the best fit among the given magazine options. 'Scientific Spelunking' may focus more on the scientific aspects rather than family-friendly fun. 'Adventures for Men' may cater to a male audience rather than families. 'Mud Magazine' seems more focused on mud-related content, which doesn't align with the family-friendly, outdoor adventure theme of the article.

4. Which statement from the passage best supports the conclusion that taking notes and recording audio during an interview is a good practice for journalists?

A. Journalists often use a recording device to capture the audio transcript of an interview with a subject.
B. Relying on a recording device is not without troubles, however.
C. As a result, a portion of an interview can be lost without any way to reclaim it.
D. This dual-note method means that most of the time, a wise journalist has two good resources to use as he or she writes the article draft.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The statement about the dual-note method best supports the conclusion that taking notes and recording audio is a good practice. It highlights the advantage of having two resources - notes and audio recordings - which provide comprehensive coverage of the interview. Choice A simply mentions the use of a recording device but does not emphasize the benefits of combining it with note-taking. Choices B and C focus on the limitations or potential issues with using recording devices, which do not promote the practice as positively as Choice D.

5. To whom is this passage probably being written?

A. a mother
B. a father
C. a babysitter
D. a nurse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage provides detailed instructions on how to take care of a little girl, indicating that the intended audience is someone other than the child's parents. A babysitter is the most likely recipient of these instructions, as they are typically hired to care for children when the parents are away. The specific guidance on feeding, naptime routine, and other care tasks align with what a babysitter would need to know to care for a child in place of the parents. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the passage does not address the child's parents directly. It focuses on providing guidance to someone temporarily responsible for the child's care, such as a babysitter.