what is the main idea of this passage

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Questions

1. What is the main idea of this passage?

A. Studying a foreign language will help graduating students find jobs after high school.
B. Studying a foreign language should be a mandatory requirement for high school graduation.
C. Studying a foreign language helps students gain an understanding of other cultures.
D. Studying a foreign language is essential if a student hopes to get into college.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that studying a foreign language should be a compulsory requirement for high school graduation. This is emphasized due to its increasing importance for the global economy, college acceptance rates, and job market competitiveness. The passage argues for states to amend their requirements to reflect this necessity, highlighting the benefits of studying a foreign language. Choice A is incorrect because while the passage mentions job market competitiveness, the main focus is on the requirement for high school graduation. Choice C is incorrect as while understanding other cultures is a benefit of studying a foreign language, it is not the primary message of the passage. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not solely focus on the necessity of studying a foreign language for college acceptance; rather, it advocates for its inclusion as a high school graduation requirement.

2. The phrase labyrinths of lamplighted city contains an example of what?

A. Hyperbole
B. Simile
C. Metaphor
D. Alliteration

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Alliteration. Alliteration is used with the repeating 'l' sound in 'labyrinths of lamplighted city.' This phrase emphasizes the visual and auditory imagery through the repetition of the 'l' sound. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Hyperbole would be an exaggeration not present in the phrase, simile would involve a comparison using 'like' or 'as,' and a metaphor would imply a direct comparison without the use of 'like' or 'as,' which is not found in the given phrase.

3. What was the author's purpose in writing this passage about George Washington?

A. To inform readers about Washington's advice and its relevance to modern times.
B. To introduce George Washington as a historical figure.
C. To emphasize that George Washington had a multifaceted role beyond being a military hero.
D. To persuade readers that George Washington is a hero of liberty.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To inform readers about Washington's advice and its relevance to modern times.' The passage focuses on Washington's advice, leadership, and legacy, particularly his farewell address, highlighting its significance in current times. This choice accurately reflects the primary purpose of the passage. Choice B is incorrect because the passage goes beyond mere introduction, delving into Washington's actions and beliefs. Choice C is incorrect as while the passage does mention Washington's multifaceted role, the primary focus is on his advice and legacy. Choice D is incorrect because the passage does not aim to persuade readers of Washington's heroism but rather inform them about his advice and principles.

4. Which of the following choices introduces a specific claim and distinguishes it from counterclaims?

A. Is texting while driving really a critical safety issue? Are all kinds of distracted driving created equal? What can be said about the nature of distracted driving among teenagers?
B. It's true that distracted driving is dangerous. There may be nothing more dangerous than texting while driving. Texting while driving has resulted in more than 15,000 deaths and over 200,000 injuries. The majority of texting drivers are teens, although other age groups have been implicated.
C. Texting while driving is one of the key issues facing young people today: it's a fact that texting drivers have killed over 16,000 people between 2002 and
D. While some argue that texting while driving is just one form of distracted driving, it stands out as particularly hazardous due to the level of focus it diverts from the road. Studies show that drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident compared to other forms of distracted driving.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B introduces a specific claim that texting while driving is extremely dangerous by stating that 'there may be nothing more dangerous than texting while driving' and supports this claim with statistics on the number of deaths and injuries caused by texting while driving. It further emphasizes the impact by mentioning that the majority of texting drivers are teens. This approach of providing specific evidence helps to distinguish the claim from counterclaims and strengthens the argument. Choices A, C, and D do not introduce a specific claim supported by factual evidence and fail to distinguish it from potential counterclaims, making them less effective in presenting a strong argument.

5. Which of the following shows the correct chronological order of events from the passage?

A. Princess Charlotte Augusta died, Princess Alexandrina Victoria was born, King George IV married Maria Fitzherbert, King George IV married Caroline of Brunswick
B. Princess Alexandrina Victoria was born, King George IV married Maria Fitzherbert, King George IV married Caroline of Brunswick, Princess Charlotte Augusta died
C. King George IV married Maria Fitzherbert, King George IV married Caroline of Brunswick, Princess Charlotte Augusta died, Princess Alexandrina Victoria was born
D. King George IV married Caroline of Brunswick, Princess Charlotte Augusta died, King George IV married Maria Fitzherbert, Princess Alexandrina Victoria was born

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage provides a timeline of events related to King George IV, Princess Charlotte Augusta, and Princess Alexandrina Victoria. King George IV secretly married Maria Fitzherbert in 1783 and later married Caroline of Brunswick in 1795. Princess Charlotte Augusta, the daughter of King George IV and Caroline, died in 1817. Princess Alexandrina Victoria, who later became Queen Victoria, was born in 1819. Therefore, the correct chronological order of events is: King George IV married Maria Fitzherbert, King George IV married Caroline of Brunswick, Princess Charlotte Augusta died, and Princess Alexandrina Victoria was born (Choice C). Choices A, B, and D do not follow the correct chronological order as depicted in the passage.