which phrase best describes the purpose of nonfiction writing

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Reading

1. Which phrase best describes the purpose of nonfiction writing?

A. To inform, entertain, or persuade readers
B. To entertain, then to inform
C. To convince readers they're wrong about the author's subject
D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To inform, entertain, or persuade readers.' Nonfiction writing aims to provide factual information (inform), engage the audience (entertain), or influence their opinions (persuade). Choice B is incorrect because informing usually takes precedence over entertaining in nonfiction. Choice C is incorrect as the primary goal is not to convince readers they're wrong but rather to present information or arguments. Choice D is incorrect as there are clear purposes for nonfiction writing.

2. What is the definition of the word 'fry' as it appears in the passage?

A. Fry eggs that have been fertilized.
B. Young fish capable of feeding themselves.
C. A place where larvae are kept safe from predators.
D. Fish prepared to be fried in oil.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Young fish capable of feeding themselves.' In the provided extract, 'fry' refers to the young fish that are hatched out and are old enough to take charge of themselves. Choice A is incorrect as it refers to a different context of 'fry.' Choice C is incorrect as it describes a location rather than the meaning of 'fry.' Choice D is also incorrect as it provides a definition of 'fry' related to cooking, which is not the intended meaning in the passage.

3. How did Araminta Ross come to be known as Harriet Tubman?

A. She changed her name to her husband's last name and her first name to her mother's name.
B. She was named after the plantation owner's wife.
C. She changed her name because she was wanted as an Underground Railroad runner.
D. She changed her name to remain anonymous as a Civil War spy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Araminta Ross came to be known as Harriet Tubman after marrying a free black man named John Tubman. She took her husband's last name 'Tubman' and changed her first name to 'Harriet,' which was her mother's name. This change of name was a personal choice after her marriage and not because she was named after the plantation owner's wife (B), wanted as an Underground Railroad runner (C), or to remain anonymous as a Civil War spy (D). Therefore, the correct answer is A.

4. Which of the answer choices best describes the appropriateness of Mara's data sample?

A. The sample is biased because it only includes teachers who are immersed in the technology field.
B. The sample is biased because the sample size is too small.
C. The sample is biased because the sample size is too large.
D. The sample is not biased and is appropriate for the study.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Mara's data sample is biased because it only includes teachers who are immersed in the technology field, specifically those teaching a computer software course. This limits the perspectives gathered, leading to skewed results. Choice B is incorrect because the issue lies in the sample composition, not its size. Choice C is incorrect as a large sample size does not necessarily indicate bias. Choice D is incorrect as the sample's bias compromises the study's validity.

5. The author would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?

A. Smokers should only quit cold turkey.
B. Other substances are more addictive than tobacco.
C. Smokers should quit for any reason that makes them stop.
D. People who want to smoke should advocate for reduced taxes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The author would likely agree that any reason to quit smoking is valid, based on their anti-smoking stance. The provided extract extensively discusses the harmful effects of smoking, the addictive nature of nicotine, and the negative consequences associated with tobacco products. The author emphasizes the health risks, financial burden, and social implications of smoking, promoting the idea that smokers should quit for any reason that helps them stop. Choice A, suggesting that smokers should only quit cold turkey, is too restrictive and doesn't consider individual differences in quitting methods. Choice B, stating that other substances are more addictive than tobacco, is not directly supported by the extract, which highlights the extreme addictiveness of nicotine. Choice D, proposing that people who want to smoke should advocate for reduced taxes, goes against the anti-smoking stance presented in the extract, which highlights the negative impact of smoking and high tobacco prices.