which option best exemplifies an authors use of alliteration and personification

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. Which option best exemplifies an author's use of alliteration and personification?

A. Her mood hung about her like a weary cape, very dull from wear.
B. It shuddered, swayed, shook, and screamed its way into dust under hot flames.
C. The house was a starch sentry, warning visitors away.
D. At its shoreline, visitors swore they heard the siren call of the cliffs above.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B best exemplifies an author's use of alliteration and personification. The sentence 'It shuddered, swayed, shook, and screamed its way into dust under hot flames' personifies an inanimate object (it) by attributing human actions to it, combining alliteration with the repeated 's' sounds. Choices A, C, and D do not contain both alliteration and personification. Choice A mainly focuses on simile and lacks alliteration. Choice C features personification but lacks alliteration. Choice D includes personification but lacks alliteration as well.

2. What is the author’s tone in the passage?

A. The author’s tone is optimistic.
B. The author’s tone is pessimistic.
C. The author’s tone is matter-of-fact.
D. The author’s tone is angry.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The author's tone in the passage is matter-of-fact. The text provides practical suggestions and advice in a straightforward manner, focusing on actions without expressing emotions or bias. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the author does not show signs of being optimistic, pessimistic, or angry; instead, the author presents information objectively and neutrally.

3. Which word is most closely synonymous with the word patronage as it appears in the following statement? . . . that I am sure he will need no charitable aid or condescending patronage

A. Auspices
B. Aberration
C. Acerbic
D. Adulation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context provided, the word 'patronage' implies supporting or helping someone in a condescending manner. 'Auspices' is the correct answer as it refers to support or sponsorship, especially from an influential or powerful source, without the negative connotations associated with patronage. 'Aberration' (choice B) means a departure from what is normal or expected and is not a synonym for patronage. 'Acerbic' (choice C) means sharp or bitter in tone, which is not related to patronage. 'Adulation' (choice D) means excessive admiration or praise, which is not synonymous with patronage.

4. What is the new word?

A. REVEST
B. REVERT
C. REVIEW
D. REVERSE

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The new word can be formed by following the transformation steps: Remove the P, Replace the first A with the final E, Remove the I, Remove the C, and Remove the A from PREVARICATE, resulting in the word 'REVERT.' Choices A, C, and D do not match the rearrangement of letters provided in the instructions.

5. Which of the following words could most logically replace the underlined word without altering the intent of the sentence?

A. Shouted
B. Expressed
C. Persuaded
D. Whispered

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the context provided, the word 'propagated' indicates that Xavier conveyed or expressed his belief to his friends. 'Expressed' is the most suitable synonym here as it aligns with the idea of communicating a belief clearly. The other options, 'shouted,' 'persuaded,' and 'whispered,' do not capture the essence of spreading or communicating an idea, making them incorrect choices.