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 would this author's attitude likely be towards a person unable to find employment?

A. Descriptive
B. Conciliatory
C. Ingenuous
D. Incredulous

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The author's likely attitude towards a person unable to find employment would be incredulous. The passage emphasizes the abundance of job opportunities in the United States and suggests that finding employment should not be difficult for those willing to work. The author believes that with the numerous avenues of success and available vocations, anyone who is willing to engage in a respectable occupation should be able to find lucrative employment. Therefore, the author would find it hard to believe or be skeptical towards someone who claims they cannot find a job. Choice A, 'Descriptive,' is incorrect as the author's attitude is more judgmental than just describing a situation. Choice B, 'Conciliatory,' is incorrect as the author does not show any intention to reconcile or make peace with the situation of unemployment. Choice C, 'Ingenuous,' is incorrect as this term means innocent or naive, which does not align with the author's likely attitude of disbelief towards unemployment.

3. How is this passage structured?

A. cause and effect
B. problem and solution
C. chronological order
D. compare and contrast

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage is structured in chronological order as it presents events in the order in which they occurred. It starts with Harriet Tubman's background as a slave, then progresses through her marriage, escape, and subsequent actions to help other slaves. Each event is presented in a time sequence, making it clear that the passage follows a timeline of events. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the passage does not focus on demonstrating cause and effect relationships, outlining problems and solutions, or comparing and contrasting different elements. Instead, it provides a historical account of Harriet Tubman's life in a sequential manner.

4. What is the purpose of the subtitle 'A Trivial Comedy for Serious People' in the context of the play?

A. To emphasize the seriousness of the social critique in the play.
B. To downplay the seriousness of the play and present it as light-hearted.
C. To reflect the trivial nature of the characters' concerns and lives.
D. To highlight the absurdity of taking serious matters lightly.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The subtitle 'A Trivial Comedy for Serious People' in Oscar Wilde's play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' serves to reflect the trivial concerns of the characters and the superficiality of their lives. Wilde uses this subtitle to highlight the irony in portraying seemingly serious people who are preoccupied with trivial matters and appearances. Choice A is incorrect because the subtitle does not aim to emphasize the seriousness of the social critique but rather the triviality of the characters' lives. Choice B is incorrect as the subtitle doesn't downplay the seriousness of the play; instead, it juxtaposes the trivial with the serious. Choice D is incorrect because the subtitle does not aim to highlight the absurdity of taking serious matters lightly, but rather to underscore the triviality of the characters' concerns and behaviors.

5. What is the author's point of view?

A. First person
B. Third person limited
C. Third person omniscient
D. Objective

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Third person omniscient.' The passage is written from a third person omniscient perspective, where the narrator knows the thoughts of multiple characters. This is evident as the narrator describes the thoughts and actions of various characters, such as the emperor, the treasurer, and the principal secretary. The narrator's knowledge extends beyond the main character, Gulliver, providing insights into the perspectives of others. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A, 'First person,' would imply that the narrator is a character within the story, which is not the case here. Choice B, 'Third person limited,' would restrict the narrator's knowledge to only one character's thoughts and feelings, which is not the situation in this passage. Choice D, 'Objective,' would indicate a neutral and unbiased narration without delving into characters' thoughts, which is not the perspective used in this excerpt.