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 best summary of the instructor's motive in sending the email to the students?

A. Expressing concern about students' grades and emphasizing the importance of being worried.
B. Recognizing the low exam scores and the need to adjust the grading plan to help students improve.
C. Explaining the purpose of a group project and how it benefits students working together.
D. Stating the strict grading policy set at the beginning of the semester.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Answer choice B is the correct summary of the instructor's motive in sending the email to the students. The passage mentions that the instructor acknowledged the low exam scores, including a high failure rate and the need to reconsider the grading plan for the semester. This indicates that the instructor wants to adjust the grading plan to provide students with an opportunity to improve their scores. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on expressing concern rather than on adjusting the grading plan. Choice C is unrelated as it discusses the purpose of a group project. Choice D is also incorrect as it mentions the strict grading policy set at the beginning of the semester, which is not the main focus of the email sent by the instructor.

3. To whom is this passage probably being written?

A. a mother
B. a father
C. a babysitter
D. a nurse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage provides detailed instructions on how to take care of a little girl, indicating that the intended audience is someone other than the child's parents. A babysitter is the most likely recipient of these instructions, as they are typically hired to care for children when the parents are away. The specific guidance on feeding, naptime routine, and other care tasks align with what a babysitter would need to know to care for a child in place of the parents. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the passage does not address the child's parents directly. It focuses on providing guidance to someone temporarily responsible for the child's care, such as a babysitter.

4. 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.

5. According to the table above, how many more shirts were ordered in size medium than size small in the month of January?

A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The corrected question asks how many more shirts were ordered in size medium than in size small in January. The table shows that two more shirts were ordered in size medium than in size small. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Two.' Choice A, 'One,' is incorrect as the comparison is between medium and small, not medium and large. Choices C and D, 'Three' and 'Four,' are incorrect as the actual difference is two as per the data provided in the table.