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 describes the structure of the above passage?

A. problem-solution
B. sequence
C. comparison-contrast
D. cause-effect

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'comparison-contrast.' Throughout the passage, the author compares and contrasts the Arthurian writings of Malory and Tennyson, highlighting the differences and similarities between their approaches to the Arthurian legends. The structure of the passage is focused on contrasting Malory's prose style and moral elements with Tennyson's poetic and romantic approach, making it a clear comparison-contrast. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The passage does not present a problem and its solution, follow a strict sequence of events, or outline cause-effect relationships; instead, it emphasizes the differences and similarities between the two authors' interpretations of the Arthurian stories.

3. Which one of the following statements might be accurately inferred based on the above passage?

A. The famous children's author produced a lesser-quality book under her pseudonym.
B. The famous children's author has expertise in Antebellum America.
C. The famous children's author did not receive adequate publicity for her historical novel.
D. Historical fiction novels are more popular than children's series.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage mentions that the author published a historical fiction novel under a pseudonym, which received critical acclaim but did not sell as well as her children's books. This indicates that the author did not receive adequate publicity for her historical novel, as it did not reach the same level of popularity as her children's books. Choices A and B are incorrect as there is no mention of the quality of the book produced under the pseudonym or the author's expertise in Antebellum America. Choice D is also incorrect as the passage does not compare the overall popularity of historical fiction novels to children's series.

4. What can one reasonably conclude from the final comment of this passage? "If he be Mr. Hyde," he had thought, "I should be Mr. Seek."

A. The speaker is considering a name change.
B. The speaker is experiencing an identity crisis.
C. The speaker has mistakenly been looking for the wrong person.
D. The speaker intends to continue to look for Hyde.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The speaker's final comment implies that if the person is indeed Mr. Hyde, then the speaker would assume the role of Mr. Seek, indicating a determination to continue searching for Hyde. This suggests that the speaker intends to persist in their search for Hyde rather than giving up or changing direction. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because there is no indication in the passage that the speaker is considering a name change, experiencing an identity crisis, or mistakenly looking for the wrong person. The focus is on the speaker's resolve to find Mr. Hyde.

5. What is the new word?

A. REVEST
B. REVERT
C. REVIEW
D. REVERSE

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The new word can be formed by following the transformation steps: Remove the P, Replace the first A with the final E, Remove the I, Remove the C, and Remove the A from PREVARICATE, resulting in the word 'REVERT.' Choices A, C, and D do not match the rearrangement of letters provided in the instructions.