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. Which of the following pairs of examples from the passage best demonstrates why the use of plastics is a divisive topic?

A. Plastic has advantages. Plastic is difficult to recycle efficiently.
B. Plastic is consumed by birds. Plastic is entering our food.
C. Plastic is popular. Plastic is used for packaging.
D. Plastic is in landfills. Plastic is in the ocean.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The examples of plastic's advantages and difficulties in recycling show why the topic is divisive. The passage mentions that plastic has advantages, but it is difficult to recycle efficiently, indicating a conflict between the benefits and environmental impact of plastics. This conflict contributes to the divisive nature of discussions surrounding the use of plastics. Choices B, C, and D do not provide contrasting examples that highlight the divisive nature of the topic.

3. Follow the instructions below to transform the starting word into a different word. Start with the word ESOTERIC. Remove both instances of the letter E from the word. Remove the letter I from the word. Move the letter T from the middle of the word to the end of the word. Remove the letter C from the word. What word remains?

A. SECT
B. SORT
C. SORE
D. TORE

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The word ESOTERIC is transformed into SORT by following the instructions provided. Firstly, both instances of the letter E are removed, then the letter I is also removed. Next, the letter T, originally in the middle of the word, is moved to the end. Lastly, the letter C is removed. Among the options, only 'SORT' fits all the criteria given in the instructions. Choices A, C, and D do not accurately reflect the modifications made to the original word.

4. Which of the following sentences distracts the reader from the main focus of the passage?

A. Malory's work, which is believed to be largely a translation of older French stories, was written in prose style.
B. Instead of embracing the romance angle, however, Malory focused more on the moral elements within these stories.
C. In Tennyson's work, Arthur chooses to forgive Guinevere, and she chooses to spend the rest of her days doing good works in a convent.
D. Charles Dickens is remembered for doing the same thing in his novels about the abuses of lower-class children in Victorian England.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The focus of the passage is on Malory and Tennyson and their interpretations of the Arthurian legends. The mention of Charles Dickens in choice D is irrelevant and distracts the reader from the main discussion. While the other choices discuss Malory's prose style, his focus on moral elements, and Tennyson's approach to the Arthurian stories, choice D brings in a comparison to Charles Dickens and his novels about lower-class children in Victorian England. This mention of Dickens does not directly relate to the main theme of the passage, making it the correct answer as the distracting sentence.

5. Teddy has been assigned to write a history paper about the United States during the Cold War. What choice of three classes would likely be the most useful?

A. 100, 300, 700
B. 100, 300, 800
C. 100, 400, 900
D. 200, 300, 900

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Based on the Dewey Decimal System, which is a library classification system, the subjects related to Chomsky's work, which touches on philosophy, social sciences, and history, fall under classes 100, 400, and 900. Therefore, these classes would be the most useful for Teddy's history paper about the United States during the Cold War. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not include the specific classes related to the required subjects for Teddy's paper.