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 represents an opinion statement on the part of the author?

A. The problem with having a larger Bermuda Triangle is that it increases the odds of accidents.
B. The area known as the Bermuda Triangle has become such a part of popular culture that it can be difficult to sort through the myth and locate the truth.
C. The increase in ships from East Asia no doubt contributes to an increase in accidents.
D. Most consider the Triangle to stretch from Miami to Puerto Rico and include the island of Bermuda.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C, 'The increase in ships from East Asia no doubt contributes to an increase in accidents,' represents an opinion statement made by the author. This statement reflects the author's belief or judgment about the impact of increased ships from East Asia on the occurrence of accidents in the Bermuda Triangle. The other choices, A, B, and D, provide factual information or general statements without expressing a personal opinion. Choice A discusses a potential consequence of a larger Bermuda Triangle, choice B highlights the cultural significance and difficulty in discerning truth about the Bermuda Triangle, and choice D describes the commonly accepted geographical boundaries of the Bermuda Triangle. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer as it represents an opinion statement on the part of the author.

3. What can the reader infer from this passage? I would sometimes lie down, and let five or six of them dance on my hand; and at last the boys and girls would venture to come and play at hide-and-seek in my hair.

A. The children tortured Gulliver.
B. Gulliver traveled to meet new people.
C. Gulliver is considerably larger than the children playing around him.
D. Gulliver has a genuine love and enthusiasm for people of all sizes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The reader can infer from the passage that Gulliver is considerably larger than the children playing around him. This is evident from the fact that the children dance on his hand and play hide-and-seek in his hair, indicating a significant size difference between Gulliver and the children. Choice A is incorrect because there is no mention or implication of the children torturing Gulliver in the passage. Choice B is incorrect because Gulliver's reason for traveling is not mentioned in the provided excerpt. Choice D is incorrect as there is no explicit indication of Gulliver having a genuine love and enthusiasm for people of all sizes; the passage primarily focuses on the interaction between Gulliver and the children in terms of size and playfulness.

4. Which of the following best describes the author's intent in the passage?

A. to persuade
B. to entertain
C. to express feelings
D. to inform

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The author's intent in the passage is to inform the reader about the historical events surrounding King James II, his family, and the succession of the English throne. The passage provides a detailed account of the lineage, religious affiliations, and the political implications of James II and his descendants. It does not aim to persuade, entertain, or express feelings, but rather presents a factual narrative of historical events. Therefore, choice D, 'to inform,' is the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the passage is focused on presenting historical information rather than persuading, entertaining, or expressing emotions.

5. What source would be most useful in determining the reliability of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions over a number of years?

A. A memoir from a former president of the Groundhog Club
B. A record of weather patterns over the past decade
C. An article on groundhog behavior in the northeast U.S
D. A historical account of Groundhog Day traditions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A record of weather patterns over the past decade would be the most useful source in determining the reliability of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions. By comparing Phil's forecasts with the actual weather outcomes, one can analyze the accuracy of his predictions. Choices A, C, and D do not directly provide the necessary data on weather patterns to evaluate Phil's reliability.