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. What is the purpose of the use of repetition in the following passage?

A. It serves as a demonstration of Mr. Lanyon's mental state.
B. It is reminiscent of the church bells mentioned in the story.
C. It mimics Mr. Utterson's ambivalence.
D. It emphasizes Mr. Utterson's anguish in failing to identify Hyde's whereabouts.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The repetition in the passage, especially the reiteration of Mr. Utterson's struggle and the continuous digging at the problem, serves to emphasize Mr. Utterson's internal turmoil and anguish. It highlights his failure to identify Hyde's whereabouts and his increasing obsession with the mystery. Choice A is incorrect because the repetition does not primarily reflect Mr. Lanyon's mental state but focuses on Mr. Utterson's dilemma. Choice B is incorrect as the repetition does not directly relate to the church bells but to Mr. Utterson's persistent contemplation. Choice C is incorrect as the repetition does not specifically mirror Mr. Utterson's ambivalence but rather his distress and preoccupation with the problem.

3. What was the author's intent in the passage?

A. To persuade
B. To entertain
C. To express feeling
D. To inform

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The author's primary intent in the passage is to inform the reader about historical events related to the succession of monarchs in England and Scotland. The passage presents factual information about the reigns of King James I, King Charles I, King Charles II, King James II, and the attempted recapture of the throne by Bonnie Prince Charlie. It details how religious differences and political conflicts shaped the history of England and Scotland. The other choices are incorrect because the author's focus is on providing historical facts rather than persuading, entertaining, or expressing personal feelings.

4. Which of the following battles occurred first?

A. Cold Harbor
B. Chancellorsville
C. Atlanta
D. Shiloh

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Shiloh occurred earlier than the other battles listed. Shiloh took place in April 1862 during the American Civil War, making it the earliest battle among the options provided. Cold Harbor occurred in June 1864, Chancellorsville in May 1863, and Atlanta in July-September 1864. Therefore, Shiloh is the correct answer. Choice A (Cold Harbor) is incorrect because it happened after Shiloh. Choice B (Chancellorsville) is incorrect because it occurred after Shiloh. Choice C (Atlanta) is also incorrect as it took place after Shiloh.

5. In the statement above, several items are italicized, while only one is placed in quotation marks. According to the rules of punctuation, the following should be placed in quotation marks: article titles, book chapters, short stories, and episodes of television shows. Considering the list of works that Angela read, into which category does 'The Cask of Amontillado' most likely fit?

A. newspaper article
B. book chapter
C. short story
D. television show episode

Correct answer: C

Rationale: 'The Cask of Amontillado' is a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe. Short stories are considered literary works that should be placed in quotation marks according to the rules of punctuation. Therefore, 'The Cask of Amontillado' would fall under the category of works that should be placed in quotation marks.