which best describes the plot in fiction

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. What best describes the plot in fiction?

A. The main sequence of events or the storyline
B. Character development
C. The time and place of the story
D. The events in the story that are true

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The main sequence of events or the storyline.' The plot of a fiction story refers to the series of events that make up the storyline, including the rising action, climax, and resolution. It focuses on what happens in the story rather than the development of characters (choice B), the time and place setting (choice C), or events that are factually true (choice D), which are elements distinct from the plot.

2. What is the best definition of the underlined word in the selection below, taken from the third paragraph of the passage? 'You should try to be aware of your consumption of water and energy.'

A. Using the greatest amount
B. Illness of the lungs
C. Using the least amount
D. Depletion of goods

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this context, 'consumption' refers to the use or depletion of resources like water and energy. It is not about using the greatest amount (choice A) or the least amount (choice C) but about being mindful of how much you use to avoid depletion. 'Illness of the lungs' (choice B) is completely unrelated to the context of resource conservation discussed in the passage.

3. Which of the following stories' messages is significantly distorted through the use of an irrelevant detail?

A. A soft profile about a local politician's part-time rock band that mentions his political differences with his bandmates
B. A feature story of a local business owner running for political office in which she admits to having employed illegal laborers
C. A profile of several local Jewish and Arab business leaders that mentions ongoing hostilities in the Middle East
D. A news report about a local citizen protesting property tax rates that includes details about an immigration violation he committed twenty years previously

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In the news report about a local citizen protesting property tax rates that includes details about an immigration violation he committed twenty years previously, the irrelevant detail about the immigration violation distracts from the main message of the protest against property tax rates. The inclusion of this detail shifts the focus away from the citizen's current concerns and the reasons for his protest, thus distorting the story's message. Choices A, B, and C do not include irrelevant details that significantly distort the main messages of the stories. Choice A mentions political differences with bandmates but still focuses on the politician's part-time rock band. Choice B discusses the employment of illegal laborers but remains centered on the business owner's political aspirations. Choice C talks about ongoing hostilities in the Middle East but does not veer away from the main focus on the local Jewish and Arab business leaders.

4. Which of the following statements about the passage is true?

A. These cookies should be baked on a baking rack
B. These cookies cannot be cooked in a microwave oven
C. Folding in peanut butter must be done gently
D. Beating egg whites involves stirring them vigorously

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement about the passage is that beating egg whites involves stirring them vigorously. In the provided extract, it mentions 'Beat egg white until foamy. Stir in sugar, beat again until stiff peaks form.' This process of beating the egg whites until stiff peaks form requires vigorous stirring. Choice A is incorrect because the passage does not mention using a baking rack for cooking the cookies. Choice B is incorrect as the passage provides instructions for baking the cookies in an oven. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not emphasize the need for gentle folding when mixing in the peanut butter.

5. Which of the following should the writer consult for more detailed information about the Bermuda Triangle?

A. An encyclopedia entry about the Bermuda Triangle
B. Travel journal entries from a ship captain who sailed the area frequently
C. A brochure for a resort located in the Bermuda Triangle
D. A biography of someone who disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An encyclopedia would provide detailed and reliable information on the Bermuda Triangle, including its history and theories. This source is preferred over the other choices because it is likely to offer a comprehensive overview of the subject, covering various aspects such as geographical features, historical incidents, scientific explanations, and debunking myths. Travel journal entries may offer personal experiences but lack the breadth and depth of information provided in an encyclopedia entry. A brochure for a resort located in the Bermuda Triangle would focus on promoting the resort rather than providing factual information about the area. A biography of someone who disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle would be specific to that individual's story and not offer a general overview of the Bermuda Triangle.