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 would be a useful source of information to determine the validity of the argument presented in this passage?

A. A survey of high school students' foreign language preferences
B. A comparison of the correlation between learning a second language at home and subsequent job placement rates
C. A survey that asks parents about the foreign language they want their children to study in high school
D. A comparison of the correlation between high school students' study of a foreign language and subsequent college acceptance rates

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D is the correct answer as it can provide evidence to support the claim made in the passage that high school graduates who studied a foreign language are more likely to be accepted to college. This choice aligns with the argument presented in the passage, making it a useful source. Choices A and C focus on opinions rather than concrete evidence of the impact of studying a foreign language on future success. Choice B is not directly relevant as it talks about learning a second language at home, while the passage specifically discusses the importance of studying a foreign language in high school.

3. What is the new word?

A. REVEST
B. REVERT
C. REVIEW
D. REVERSE

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The new word can be formed by following the transformation steps: Remove the P, Replace the first A with the final E, Remove the I, Remove the C, and Remove the A from PREVARICATE, resulting in the word 'REVERT.' Choices A, C, and D do not match the rearrangement of letters provided in the instructions.

4. Archie says, 'Northerners eat bland food.' The most precise definition of this statement is

A. A stereotype
B. An inference
C. A bias
D. A generalization

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: a stereotype. Archie's statement about Northerners eating bland food reflects a stereotype, which is an oversimplified and generalized belief about a particular group of people. This statement is not an inference because it is not based on evidence or reasoning. It is also not a bias, which is a preference or inclination that inhibits impartial judgment. While the statement could be seen as a generalization, it more specifically fits the definition of a stereotype due to its oversimplified and exaggerated nature.

5. How does the concept of leading double lives contribute to the overall message of the play?

A. It shows the characters' true personalities and the superficial nature of their social roles.
B. It reveals the hypocrisy and superficiality of the characters.
C. It deepens the complexity of the characters and the societal norms they navigate.
D. It complicates the narrative by adding layers of deception and irony.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In Wilde's play, 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' the characters' practice of leading double lives serves to reveal their hypocrisy and superficiality. This aligns with the central theme of the play, which satirizes the absurdities and trivialities of the British aristocracy. By showcasing the characters' dual nature through their double lives, the play effectively critiques the shallow social roles they inhabit. Choice A is incorrect because the concept of leading double lives does not necessarily show the characters' true personalities but rather their deceptive and hypocritical behaviors. Choice C is incorrect as while leading double lives may deepen the complexity of the characters, the primary focus is on exposing their hypocrisy and shallowness. Choice D is also incorrect as the concept of double lives does add layers of deception, but the key message lies in revealing the characters' superficiality and hypocrisy.