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. What is the main purpose of paragraph 1?

A. to explain oral tradition
B. to explain the importance of the printing press
C. to explain the progressions of stories within society
D. to introduce the essay

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main purpose of paragraph 1 is to explain the progression of stories within society, from oral tradition to the impact of the printing press. It outlines how stories evolved over time, transitioning from oral storytelling to written material made widely available by the printing press. This paragraph serves as an introduction to the evolution of storytelling mediums throughout history, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion. Choices A and B are incorrect because the paragraph does not solely focus on explaining oral tradition or the importance of the printing press. Choice D is incorrect as the paragraph does not aim to introduce the essay but rather provide a historical context for the discussion on the evolution of storytelling.

3. What is the topic excerpt?

A. An interesting birthday party
B. A disappointing buffet menu
C. Dr. Creekstone's eccentricities
D. The lack of adequate lighting at the estate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'An interesting birthday party.' The passage describes Dr. Oliver Creekstone's remarkable 90th birthday party at his countryside estate, featuring unusual elements like zebras, monster trucks, and a bagpipe player. The guests were surprised by the buffet of boiled asparagus and pickled carrots, and the evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display. Choice B, 'A disappointing buffet menu,' is incorrect as the buffet is just one aspect of the overall event. Choice C, 'Dr. Creekstone's eccentricities,' while partially relevant, does not capture the main focus of the passage. Choice D, 'The lack of adequate lighting at the estate,' is unrelated to the topic of the excerpt.

4. What does the 'nature of the fairy tale genre' refer to in Passage 2?

A. The representation of basic human experience
B. Good characters being pure good and bad characters being pure evil
C. Different cultures coming up with similar versions of the same story
D. Commoners becoming royalty

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The 'nature of the fairy tale genre' in Passage 2 refers to how fairy tales capture basic, fundamental human desires and fears, representing the most essential form of fictionalized human experience. This includes the portrayal of characters as purely good or purely evil, the celebration of themes such as romance and commoners becoming royalty, which all contribute to portraying basic human experiences in a symbolic and imaginative manner. The other choices are incorrect because while they may be elements present in fairy tales, they do not encompass the overarching concept of capturing basic human experiences as referred to in Passage 2.

5. What is the author's point of view?

A. First person
B. Third person limited
C. Third person omniscient
D. Objective

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Third person omniscient.' The passage is written from a third person omniscient perspective, where the narrator knows the thoughts of multiple characters. This is evident as the narrator describes the thoughts and actions of various characters, such as the emperor, the treasurer, and the principal secretary. The narrator's knowledge extends beyond the main character, Gulliver, providing insights into the perspectives of others. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A, 'First person,' would imply that the narrator is a character within the story, which is not the case here. Choice B, 'Third person limited,' would restrict the narrator's knowledge to only one character's thoughts and feelings, which is not the situation in this passage. Choice D, 'Objective,' would indicate a neutral and unbiased narration without delving into characters' thoughts, which is not the perspective used in this excerpt.