which definition most closely relates to the usage of the word moult in the passage

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. Which definition most closely relates to the usage of the word 'moult' in the passage?

A. An adventure of sorts, especially underwater
B. Mating act between two insects
C. The act of shedding part or all of the outer shell
D. Death of an organism that ends in a revival of life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: 'Moult' refers to the act of shedding the outer shell, which is part of the insect's development. In the passage, it mentions insects that remain continually under water until they are ready to undergo their final moult and attain the winged state. This process of shedding the outer shell is crucial for insects transitioning from their aquatic larval stage to their aerial adult stage. Choices A, B, and D do not align with the specific context provided in the passage about the term 'moult.'

2. 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.

3. Which of the following statements least supports the argument that the American economy is healthy?

A. The United States' Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by two percent last year.
B. Unemployment is the lowest it has been in over a decade due to job creation.
C. Average household income just hit a historical high point.
D. The output of the United States' manufacturing sector decreased.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a decrease in the manufacturing sector is usually considered a negative indicator for the economy, as it may suggest a decline in production or demand for goods. Choices A, B, and C all provide positive signs for a healthy economy: an increase in GDP reflects economic growth, low unemployment rates indicate a strong job market, and rising household income signifies improved financial well-being for families.

4. What can one reasonably conclude from the final comment of this passage? "If he be Mr. Hyde," he had thought, "I should be Mr. Seek."

A. The speaker is considering a name change.
B. The speaker is experiencing an identity crisis.
C. The speaker has mistakenly been looking for the wrong person.
D. The speaker intends to continue to look for Hyde.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The speaker's final comment implies that if the person is indeed Mr. Hyde, then the speaker would assume the role of Mr. Seek, indicating a determination to continue searching for Hyde. This suggests that the speaker intends to persist in their search for Hyde rather than giving up or changing direction. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because there is no indication in the passage that the speaker is considering a name change, experiencing an identity crisis, or mistakenly looking for the wrong person. The focus is on the speaker's resolve to find Mr. Hyde.

5. According to the essay, how were stories first communicated and passed down?

A. oral tradition
B. printed books
C. technology
D. handwriting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The essay clearly states that before the invention of the printing press, stories were passed down through oral tradition. The extract mentions, 'For centuries before the invention of the printing press, stories of the world were passed down to generations through oral tradition.' This shows that oral tradition was the primary method of communicating stories before the introduction of printed books. Therefore, the correct answer is 'oral tradition.' Printed books (choice B) were introduced later with the invention of the printing press, as mentioned in the extract. 'Handwriting' (choice D) is not the first way stories were communicated, and 'technology' (choice C) is a broad term that does not specifically refer to the initial method of story communication.