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 a logical conclusion that can be drawn from the information in the passage above?

A. Victor's long reign provided the opportunity for her to bring balance to England and right the wrongs that had occurred during the reigns of her uncles.
B. It was the death of Princess Charlotte Augusta that motivated the remaining princes to marry and start families.
C. The Duke of Kent had hoped for a son but was delighted with his good fortune in producing the surviving heir that his brothers had failed to produce.
D. King William IV was unreasonably suspicious of the Duchess of Kent's motivations, as she cared only for her daughter's well-being.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage mentions that after the death of Princess Charlotte Augusta, the remaining princes considered marrying and starting families since her death left the succession undetermined. Choice A is incorrect because the passage does not provide information about Victoria's reign bringing balance or righting any wrongs during her uncles' reigns. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of the Duke of Kent having a preference for a male heir or being disappointed with a female heir. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not give details about King William IV's suspicions towards the Duchess of Kent or her motivations.

3. What is the librarian's best course of action in this situation?

A. The librarian shows the student how to do an Internet search using Google
B. Since the assignment is to read a biography, the librarian directs the student to the biography section of the library rather than to the Internet. She helps the student select a biography at his reading level
C. The librarian directs the student to a database that will quickly provide a list of resources and articles pertaining to Thomas Jefferson
D. The librarian searches her computerized records, decides that none of the biographies in her school library are appropriate for this student, and initiates an inter-library loan. The borrowed biography will take about two weeks to arrive

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The librarian's best course of action in this situation is to direct the student to the biography section of the library because the assignment specifically requires the student to read a biography. By helping the student select a biography at his reading level, the librarian ensures that the student is staying on task and fulfilling the assignment requirements. This approach also encourages the student to engage with physical books rather than relying solely on the Internet for research. Choice A is incorrect because it deviates from the assignment's requirement of reading a biography. Choice C is not the best option as it overlooks the specificity of the assignment and may lead the student away from the required task. Choice D is not ideal as it involves a lengthy process of inter-library loan which may not be necessary if suitable biographies are available in the library.

4. Which of the following labels best describes the previous passage?

A. comparison essay
B. definition essay
C. cause and effect essay
D. persuasive essay

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage delves into the relationship between magnesium intake and health outcomes, highlighting how deficiencies in magnesium can lead to various health issues. It discusses how different factors, such as gastrointestinal disorders or dietary habits, can cause magnesium depletion and its subsequent effects on the body. This focus on exploring the cause-and-effect connections between magnesium levels and health conditions aligns with the characteristics of a cause and effect essay, making choice C the most appropriate. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the passage does not focus on comparing different concepts, providing definitions, or persuading the reader of a particular viewpoint.

5. Which of the following is not an example of something that the author of Passage 1 states might be found in a fairy tale?

A. Trolls
B. Witches
C. Talking animals
D. Giants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The author of Passage 1 mentions trolls, elves, giants, and talking animals as examples of imaginary creatures found in fairy tales. However, witches are not specifically mentioned. Therefore, witches are not an example of something the author states might be found in a fairy tale in Passage 1. Choice B is the correct answer. Choice A, trolls, Choice C, talking animals, and Choice D, giants, are all examples provided by the author in the passage, making them incorrect answers.