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 is not an example given by the author of an element of the Western paradigm?

A. Hero highly skilled at warfare
B. Evil villain in black hat
C. Everyone riding horses
D. Community made up of upstanding citizens

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The author did not mention everyone riding horses as an element of the Western paradigm in the provided passage. The passage discusses the virtuous hero in the white hat, the evil villain in the black hat, and the community made up of upstanding citizens as elements of the Western paradigm. The hero being highly skilled at warfare and the community having morally upstanding citizens were also mentioned. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they were all examples given by the author in the passage.

3. Which of the following is true of hypotheses of the form 'All x are y'?

A. Something that is neither x nor y disproves the hypothesis.
B. Something that is both x and y disproves the hypothesis.
C. Something that is x but not y disproves the hypothesis.
D. Something that is y but not x disproves the hypothesis.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In hypotheses of the form 'All x are y,' the hypothesis is making a claim that all instances of x also fall under y. Therefore, if something is y but not x, it disproves the hypothesis because it contradicts the assertion that all x are y. Choice A is incorrect because something that is neither x nor y doesn't provide evidence against the hypothesis. Choice B is incorrect because if something is both x and y, it actually supports the hypothesis. Choice C is incorrect as something that is x but not y doesn't disprove the hypothesis, as it could still be consistent with the claim that all x are y.

4. Based on the facts in the passage, what prediction could you make about the time immediately following the Louisiana Purchase?

A. Explorers were already on their way to the region.
B. The government aimed to increase its power.
C. Government officials would ensure explorers were dispatched to the region.
D. Explorers would expect compensation for their work.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The passage mentions that explorers like Lewis and Clark were sent to the newly acquired Louisiana Territory immediately after the Louisiana Purchase. This indicates that explorers were already on their way to the region following the purchase. Choice B is incorrect as there is no direct mention of the government wanting to increase its power right after the purchase. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not state that government officials would specifically ensure explorers were dispatched to the region. Choice D is incorrect because there is no information provided in the passage about explorers expecting payment for their work.

5. Which of the following statements best expresses the main idea of the passage?

A. Getting a job is easier now than it ever has been before.
B. Earning money is much less difficult than managing it properly.
C. Dr. Franklin advocated getting a job in a mill.
D. Spending money is the greatest temptation in the world.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that while making money may seem easy, managing it wisely is much more challenging. The author emphasizes the importance of spending less than what is earned to achieve financial stability. Choice A is incorrect as the passage focuses on the challenges of managing money, not on the ease of getting a job. Choice C is incorrect as Dr. Franklin is mentioned in the context of a quote about the simplicity of the road to wealth, not advocating getting a job in a mill. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not primarily discuss spending money as the greatest temptation, but rather highlights the difficulty in managing money effectively.