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. Which of the following most accurately describes how the argument proceeds?

A. The argument proceeds by stating a conclusion, then providing supporting evidence.
B. The argument proceeds by stating several facts and drawing a conclusion.
C. The argument proceeds by offering a premise, then refuting it.
D. The argument proceeds by making a comparison between two subjects.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The argument in the text proceeds by stating a conclusion ('Dwight is the best employee') and then providing supporting evidence ('The top salesman is always the best employee'). This aligns with choice A, where the argument is structured by stating a conclusion first and then offering supporting evidence. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the argument in the text does not simply present facts and draw a conclusion, offer a premise and then refute it, or make a comparison between two subjects.

3. Which event is out of sequence in the story?

A. Installing the dog run in the backyard.
B. Enrolling the dog in obedience classes.
C. The physical exam confirming the dog's health.
D. The dog's next obedience class.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the story describes the sequence of events after adopting the dog. After bringing Robin home, the sequence includes confirming her health with a physical exam, buying supplies, installing a dog run, and then taking her to the vet. Enrolling her in obedience classes is mentioned to start the following week, making it the next logical step. Therefore, the detail about the dog's next obedience class is not out of sequence. Choices A, B, and C are all in the correct sequence according to the events described in the story.

4. 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.

5. Jenson also discovers that the meaning behind many of the plays was closely related to the polytheistic beliefs that were practiced in ancient Greece. What section of the library should he check for more information about Greek polytheism?

A. 100
B. 200
C. 300
D. 900

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Jenson should check section 200 of the library for more information about Greek polytheism. In the Dewey Decimal Classification system used in libraries, section 200 covers topics related to religion. Since Greek polytheism is a religious belief system, relevant resources and information about it are most likely found in the 200s section of the library. Choice A (100) covers Philosophy and Psychology, which is not directly related to religion like Greek polytheism. Choice C (300) covers Social Sciences, which is not the most appropriate section for information on religious beliefs. Choice D (900) covers History, Geography, and Biography, which are also unrelated to the specific topic of Greek polytheism.