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. In the table above, how many Heather Gray T-shirts were ordered in a size small in the month of January?

A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four

Correct answer: A

Rationale: According to the table, one Heather Gray T-shirt in size small was ordered in January. The other choices are incorrect as they do not align with the information provided in the table, which clearly states that only one T-shirt of that description was ordered.

3. What is the main idea conveyed in the extract?

A. Shia hears strange noises in the dark hallway
B. Shia is working late at the office
C. Shia is preparing for a presentation
D. Shia encounters a terrifying situation in the CFO's office

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main idea conveyed in the extract is that Shia encounters a terrifying situation in the CFO's office. The passage describes Shia hearing strange noises, feeling fear, and encountering alarming events like crashes and howls. This builds tension and indicates a dangerous situation unfolding. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not capture the central theme of Shia facing a frightening encounter in the CFO's office.

4. Which of the following is not an example given by the author of an element of the Western paradigm?

A. Hero highly skilled at warfare
B. Evil villain in black hat
C. Everyone riding horses
D. Community made up of upstanding citizens

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The author did not mention everyone riding horses as an element of the Western paradigm in the provided passage. The passage discusses the virtuous hero in the white hat, the evil villain in the black hat, and the community made up of upstanding citizens as elements of the Western paradigm. The hero being highly skilled at warfare and the community having morally upstanding citizens were also mentioned. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they were all examples given by the author in the passage.

5. Based on the context of the passage, the reader can infer that this information is likely to appear in which of the following types of works?

A. A scholarly biography
B. A mystery novel
C. A fictional story
D. A biography

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage provides a detailed historical account of Queen Victoria's lineage, ascension to the throne, and reign, making it suitable for a biography. The passage focuses on presenting factual information about Queen Victoria's life rather than analyzing it, which aligns more with a biography than a scholarly paper. It does not contain elements of mystery or fiction, as it recounts historical events and real-life figures. Therefore, a biography is the most appropriate choice based on the content and style of the passage.