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 best describes the final two sentences of the announcement?

A. a friendly reminder to all faculty members to bring a badge when entering the canteen
B. a word of caution to faculty members about trying to enter the canteen at the wrong time
C. an implied suggestion that faculty members should consider getting lunch elsewhere
D. an indication of university sanctions for faculty members who enter the canteen outside the schedule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The final two sentences in the announcement serve as a word of caution to faculty members about trying to enter the canteen at the wrong time. It emphasizes the importance of respecting the given schedule and displaying a department badge before entering for lunch. The tone indicates a warning rather than simply a friendly reminder or a suggestion to eat elsewhere. Choice A is incorrect as the tone is more cautionary than friendly. Choice C is incorrect as there is no implied suggestion to get lunch elsewhere; instead, the focus is on following the recommended schedule. Choice D is incorrect as there is no mention of university sanctions, but rather a request to display a department badge and respect the designated lunch schedules.

3. In which of the following materials would the author be most likely to include this passage?

A. A history textbook
B. An obituary
C. A fictional story
D. A newspaper editorial

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A history textbook is the most appropriate place for the passage about George Washington because it provides historical context, factual information, and analysis of significant events related to his life and contributions. The passage discusses Washington's role in the American Revolution, his leadership during the Revolutionary War, his decision to step down after the war, his farewell address, and his views on governance and foreign affairs. This type of detailed historical content is commonly found in history textbooks. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because an obituary focuses on a person's death and life achievements in a brief manner, a fictional story is based on imagination and creativity, and a newspaper editorial typically presents opinions on current events or issues rather than historical accounts.

4. Which of the following statements offers a supporting argument for the passage's claim that many coastal islands are eroding?

A. Recent hurricane seasons have been expensive.
B. The Atlantic Basin is entering an active period.
C. Louisiana has lost 2,000 square miles of coastal land.
D. Barrier islands are the first line of defense against coastal storms.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Statement C directly provides evidence of coastal land erosion by stating that Louisiana has lost a significant amount of coastal land area. This supports the passage's claim that many coastal islands are eroding. Choice A is incorrect because the expense of recent hurricane seasons does not directly relate to coastal land erosion. Choice B is incorrect as the active period of the Atlantic Basin does not specifically address coastal land erosion. Choice D, while related to coastal storms, does not directly support the claim that many coastal islands are eroding.

5. In which of the following battles were there more Confederate casualties than Union casualties?

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Shiloh had more Confederate casualties than Union casualties. In the Battle of Shiloh, fought in April 1862, the Confederates suffered around 10,700 casualties, while the Union forces had approximately 13,000 casualties. Therefore, Shiloh is the correct answer. Choice A, Cold Harbor, is incorrect because in that battle, the Confederate casualties were fewer than the Union casualties. Choices B and C, Chancellorsville and Atlanta respectively, also had more Union casualties than Confederate casualties, making them incorrect answers.