which of the following would weaken the authors argument

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Test Reading Questions

1. Which of the following would weaken the author's argument?

A. a report revealing that the cited study was funded by a company that provides discounted tutoring through schools
B. a study demonstrating differences in standardized test scores among students at schools in various neighborhoods
C. a statement signed by local teachers affirming that they do not give preferential treatment in the classroom or during grading
D. a study indicating that GPA has a weak correlation with success in college

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A weakens the author's argument by highlighting a potential conflict of interest. If the cited study was funded by a company offering discounted tutoring, it could introduce bias and question the credibility of the study's findings. This revelation could cast doubt on the objectivity and reliability of the research, ultimately undermining the argument based on the cited study. Choices B, C, and D do not directly impact the credibility or objectivity of the cited study, so they would not significantly weaken the author's argument.

2. What does the following sentence most nearly mean? 'The preparatory instars of such insects are aquatic; the adult instar is aerial.'

A. The volume of water is necessary for preparing the insect for transition rather than the volume of the air.
B. The insect's body is shaped like a star in both water and air.
C. The stage of preparation between molting occurs in water, while the final stage happens in the air.
D. These insects first breathe in water through gills and then continue to use the same organs to breathe in the air.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sentence indicates that the insects undergo different stages of development, with the preparatory instars being aquatic and the adult instar being aerial. This highlights the adaptability of these insects to different environments. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on the volume of water and air rather than the stages of development in different environments. Choice B is unrelated to the content of the sentence and does not capture the meaning accurately. Choice D is incorrect as it specifically mentions breathing through gills, which is not explicitly stated in the sentence. Therefore, choice C is the best interpretation of the sentence.

3. Follow these instructions in chronological order to transform the word into something new. What new word has been spelled?

A. TON
B. THIN
C. TIN
D. TAN

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To transform the word LOATHING into something new, we need to follow the instructions in chronological order, which is to remove letters. Starting with L-O-A-T-H-I-N-G, if we remove the letters in the order given, we are left with T-I-N, which spells the word 'TIN.' This makes choice C the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D do not follow the specific sequence of removing letters from the original word LOATHING, so they are incorrect.

4. Which of the following best captures the author’s purpose?

A. to advocate for specific ideals and beliefs
B. to discuss the role of skin coloration and markings in snakes
C. to explain the influence of idealism on American social and political discourse
D. to examine the impact of snake behavior on the ecosystem

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The author's main purpose in the passage is to explain the influence of idealism on American social and political discourse. The passage discusses how idealistic viewpoints shape the discourse in America, advocating for specific ideals and beliefs (A) rather than explaining the beliefs of an idealist (B) or examining the impact of snake behavior on the ecosystem (D).

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.