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. Why does the author repeat the phrase 'I had a dream' throughout the text?

A. To emphasize the speaker's excitement
B. To persuade the audience
C. To demonstrate the speaker's authority
D. To create a rhythmic effect

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The repetition of 'I had a dream' in the text serves to emphasize the speaker's excitement and vision. By repeating this phrase, the author highlights the importance and impact of the dream, reinforcing the central theme of hope and aspiration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the primary purpose of the repetition is not persuasion, demonstration of authority, or creating a rhythmic effect, but rather to underscore the speaker's emotions and aspirations.

3. What is the central idea conveyed in the passage?

A. David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest is the holy grail of modern literature.
B. Infinite Jest is a page-turner.
C. David Foster Wallace wrote Infinite Jest.
D. Infinite Jest is a modern classic for good reason and everybody should read it.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage describes Infinite Jest as a modern classic that holds significant value, indicating that it is highly recommended for everyone to read it. Choice A focuses solely on the praise of the book without emphasizing the recommendation to read it. Choice B, mentioning it as a page-turner, does not capture the essence of it being a modern classic that everyone should read. Choice C is a factual statement about the authorship but does not encompass the main point that the book is a modern classic that deserves to be read by all.

4. Which of the following is an opinion, rather than a historical fact, expressed by the author?

A. Leif Erikson was definitely the son of Erik the Red.
B. Leif Erikson's crew called the land Vinland.
C. Leif Erikson deserves more credit for his accomplishments.
D. Leif Erikson explored the Americas nearly five hundred years before Columbus.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The statement 'Leif Erikson deserves more credit for his accomplishments' is an opinion rather than a historical fact. Historical facts can be verified through evidence and documentation, while opinions are subjective viewpoints. Choices A, B, and D provide historical facts about Leif Erikson's lineage, the name given to the land he discovered, and his exploration, respectively, which can be supported by historical records and research.

5. What would a mongoose likely eat according to the food chain diagram?

A. Shrub
B. Aardvark
C. Vulture
D. Mouse

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to the food chain diagram, mongooses are consumers that feed on smaller animals like mice, making choice D the correct answer. Shrub (choice A) is a plant and not a typical food for mongooses. Aardvark (choice B) is a large mammal that is not a primary food source for mongooses. Vulture (choice C) is a scavenger bird that typically feeds on carrion, not a preferred food for mongooses.