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 sentences from the passage includes a fact?

A. With a running time of 98 minutes, the pacing is quick and efficient.'
B. You can see the toll this stalking experience has had on her every twitch of her eye and clench of her jaw.'
C. The close-up shots feel claustrophobic like the perspective is skewed.'
D. This is a tense thrill ride that will not disappoint fans of Joy Taylor or this genre in general.'

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The sentence 'With a running time of 98 minutes, the pacing is quick and efficient' includes a fact, which is the running time of the movie. This statement provides a concrete, verifiable detail from the passage. Choice B describes a subjective observation about the character's behavior, not a fact. Choice C expresses an opinion about the visual effect of the close-up shots, not a factual detail. Choice D offers an opinion about the movie's appeal to fans of a specific genre, rather than presenting a fact from the passage.

3. Why do cicadas make a buzzing sound?

A. To orient via echolocation
B. To attract a mate
C. To locate a food source
D. To ward off predators

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cicadas make a buzzing sound primarily to attract a mate. This sound is a mating call produced by the males to attract females for reproduction. While echolocation is used by some animals like bats for navigation, cicadas do not use buzzing for orientation. Buzzing is not related to locating a food source or warding off predators in the case of cicadas.

4. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the passage?

A. to inform Mr. Morgan that he will likely not receive an offer for the job of Lead Technician due to the high number of applicants
B. to express gratitude to Mr. Morgan for applying for the position of Lead Technician
C. to offer Mr. Morgan the position of Lead Technician
D. to notify Mr. Morgan that the review of candidates will take longer than expected

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The purpose of the passage is to inform Mr. Morgan that he will likely not receive an offer for the job of Lead Technician due to the high number of applicants. The passage mentions the high volume of applications and the competitive nature of the selection process, indicating that Mr. Morgan may not be successful. Choice B is incorrect because the passage does not express gratitude to Mr. Morgan but rather informs him of the situation. Choice C is incorrect as there is no offer made in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not specifically state that the review will take longer than expected, but rather that it will take longer than previously stated.

5. To which section of the library should Jorgen go to learn more about the letters of the Greek alphabet and the meaning of the word 'beta'?

A. 200
B. 400
C. 700
D. 900

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Jorgen should go to section 400 in the library to learn more about the Greek alphabet and the meaning of the word 'beta'. Section 400 is dedicated to languages, which makes it the most appropriate place for this specific inquiry. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because section 200 is dedicated to religion, section 700 covers arts and recreation, and section 900 focuses on history, geography, and biography, none of which would provide information about the Greek alphabet or the word 'beta'.