which option best defines a fable

ATI TEAS 7

Reading TEAS Practice Test

1. Which option best defines a fable?

A. A melancholic poem lamenting the subject's death
B. An oral tradition influenced by culture
C. A story with events that occur in threes and sevens
D. A short story with animals, fantastic creatures, or other forces within nature

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A fable is a short story that typically features animals, fantastic creatures, or other forces within nature as characters. These characters often possess human-like qualities and behavior, and the story is intended to convey a moral lesson or message to the reader. The use of animals or other natural elements is a common characteristic of fables, distinguishing them from other types of stories or literary works. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the defining characteristics of a fable.

2. Which of the following lists Julia’s actions in the correct sequence?

A. Julia woke up early and found she didn’t have any regular coffee. When she got to work, her boss had a lot for her to do. When the fire alarm went off, she decided to go home.
B. Julia got to work and decided she was too tired to do the work her boss asked for, so she went home to get a cup of coffee.
C. Julia woke up when the fire alarm went off and couldn’t get back to sleep. She then got stuck in traffic and arrived at work thirty minutes late.
D. Julia was woken up early by a lawnmower and then got stuck in traffic on the way to her office. Once there, she found that the office was out of coffee and she had a lot of work to do. When the fire alarm went off, she decided to go home.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Option D provides a sequence of events that align with the extract provided. Julia was woken up early by a lawnmower, couldn't go back to sleep, discovered she was out of regular coffee, got stuck in traffic on the way to work, found the office was out of coffee, had a lot of work to do, and decided to go home when the fire alarm went off. This sequence accurately reflects the chronological order of Julia's actions throughout the day. Choices A, B, and C do not follow a logical sequence of events based on the extract, making them incorrect.

3. What does the word 'wise' in this passage most closely mean?

A. Manner
B. Knowledge
C. Shrewd
D. Ignorance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context of the passage, the word 'wise' refers to the 'manner' in which the sun-fish builds its hatchery. It describes the careful and skillful way in which the mother sun-fish constructs and provides for her offspring. Choice B, 'Knowledge,' is incorrect as the word 'wise' does not specifically imply knowledge in this passage. Choice C, 'Shrewd,' is incorrect as it suggests cleverness or astuteness, which is not the intended meaning here. Choice D, 'Ignorance,' is the opposite of 'wise' and does not align with the context of the passage.

4. 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.'

5. Which of the answer choices gives the best definition of the underlined word in the following sentence? 'Finlay flatly refused to take part in the piano recital, so his parents had to cajole him with the promise of a trip to his favorite toy store.'

A. Prevent
B. Threaten
C. Insist
D. Coax

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this context, 'cajole' means to persuade someone by using flattery or promises, which is best represented by 'coax.' 'Prevent' (choice A) means to stop something from happening, 'threaten' (choice B) means to communicate an intention to harm, and 'insist' (choice C) means to demand something forcefully, so these choices do not fit the context of persuading with flattery or promises.