Nursing Elites

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 purpose of the italics used for several of the works identified in the sentence above?

• A. to indicate a full-length published book
• B. to indicate a work of classic literature
• C. to indicate recommended summer reading
• D. to indicate books that Angela completed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The purpose of the italics used for several of the works identified in the sentence above is to indicate a full-length published book. In the provided extract, titles of books such as 'The Great Gatsby,' 'Brave New World,' 'A Passage to India,' and 'The Cask of Amontillado' are italicized to emphasize them as standalone works. This formatting convention is commonly used to highlight titles of books, magazines, movies, and other individual works in written text. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as the italics are not specifically indicating classic literature, recommended summer reading, or completion by Angela, but rather serving the general purpose of emphasizing standalone works.

3. Which of the following is a primary source?

• A. A critic's summary of a book on Abraham Lincoln.
• B. A peer-reviewed scientific journal's table of contents.
• C. A gene splicing study report with data.
• D. A news article quoting research into curing cancer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A gene splicing study report with data is a primary source because it provides original research findings. In contrast, choice A is a secondary source as it involves a critic's interpretation of a book. Choice B, the table of contents of a peer-reviewed scientific journal, is not a primary source but a tertiary source, providing a summary of articles. Choice D, a news article quoting research, is a secondary source that presents information based on primary sources rather than the original research itself.

4. Which of the following is true of hypotheses of the form 'All x and 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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. According to the passage, when encountering evidence that disproves a hypothesis of the form 'All x and y,' something that is x but not y can disprove the hypothesis. Using the example provided in the passage, a monkey (x) that has no hair (not y) would disprove the hypothesis 'All monkeys are hairy.' Choice A is incorrect because something that is neither x nor y is not specifically mentioned in the passage to disprove such hypotheses. Choice B is incorrect because the passage states that something that is both x and y confirms the hypothesis, not disproves it. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not discuss something that is y but not x disproving the hypothesis; it focuses on x but not y as evidence to disprove the hypothesis.

5. Which of the following statements offers a supporting argument for the passage's claim that many coastal islands are eroding?

• A. Recent hurricane seasons have been expensive.
• B. The Atlantic Basin is entering an active period.
• C. Louisiana has lost 2,000 square miles of coastal land.
• D. Barrier islands are the first line of defense against coastal storms.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Statement C directly provides evidence of coastal land erosion by stating that Louisiana has lost a significant amount of coastal land area. This supports the passage's claim that many coastal islands are eroding. Choice A is incorrect because the expense of recent hurricane seasons does not directly relate to coastal land erosion. Choice B is incorrect as the active period of the Atlantic Basin does not specifically address coastal land erosion. Choice D, while related to coastal storms, does not directly support the claim that many coastal islands are eroding.

Similar Questions