which statement best details the central idea in this passage

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS Reading Practice Test

1. Which statement best details the central idea in this passage?

A. It discusses insects that transition from water to air during their life cycle.
B. It explores the field of entomology, particularly focusing on gills.
C. It explains the mechanism of insects' respiration.
D. It encourages readers to contribute to insect conservation efforts.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the passage primarily discusses certain insects that spend time in water during their early stages and then transition to an aerial life when they reach adulthood. It highlights how these insects, such as Stoneflies, May-flies, and Dragon-flies, live in water initially and then in the air during their adult stage. This central idea is best captured by choice A. <br> Choice B is incorrect because while the passage mentions gills as a part of the respiratory system of aquatic insects, it does not delve into entomology as a field. Choice C is incorrect as it does not solely focus on defining insect respiration but rather on the transition of certain insects between aquatic and aerial environments. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not explicitly invite readers to participate in insect preservation efforts; it mainly focuses on describing the life cycle of specific insects.

2. Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the passage?

A. Julia will find a job closer to her home.
B. Julia will lose her job.
C. Julia will feel guilty and return to work.
D. Julia will drive home and go to sleep.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Based on the passage provided, there is no indication that Julia will find a job closer to her home, lose her job, or feel guilty and return to work. The passage simply states that Julia is tired and ready to go home, indicating that she will likely drive home and go to sleep. Throughout the passage, Julia faces a series of frustrating events that culminate in her decision to leave work and head home. There is no mention of job hunting, job loss, or feelings of guilt, making these options unsupported by the text.

3. Raoul has an upcoming school project, and his own computer is not working. He needs to use the library computer, and he has estimated that he will need to be on the computer for approximately an hour and a half. How much of a fee can Raoul expect to pay for his computer use at the library?

A. $6
B. $9
C. $12
D. $15

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Raoul needs to use the computer for 90 minutes. The first 30 minutes are free, so he would pay for the remaining 60 minutes, which is 4 intervals of 15 minutes each. Each 15-minute period incurs a $3 charge, so for 60 minutes, Raoul would pay 4 x $3 = $12. Therefore, Raoul can expect to pay $12 for his computer use at the library. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct calculation based on the provided information.

4. 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.

5. When evaluating the credibility of a source during research, which statement is true?

A. The author's reputation is more important than whether they cite sources.
B. The source should always be as recent as possible, considering the subject.
C. The author's point of view and/or purpose is crucial for credibility.
D. The kinds of sources various audiences value influence credibility for them.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The kind of sources different audiences value can indeed influence the credibility of a source for them. Different audiences may place varying levels of trust in different types of sources, such as peer-reviewed journals, government reports, or mainstream media outlets. Understanding the preferences of the target audience is essential for establishing credibility when presenting information. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. The author's reputation is important but not more critical than citing sources, as proper citations contribute to transparency and reliability. The recency of a source is essential but not always the most crucial factor; relevance to the subject matter is also significant. The author's point of view and purpose are indeed relevant to assessing credibility; understanding their biases and intentions is vital in evaluating the reliability of a source.