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. Based on the context of the passage, the reader can infer that this information is likely to appear in which of the following types of works?

A. a scholarly paper
B. a mystery
C. a fictional story
D. a biography

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The information provided in the passage about the skeleton's structure and divisions, along with specific details like the number of bones and their functions, is characteristic of content found in a biography or a reference work focusing on anatomy. Biographies often include detailed factual information about historical figures, their lives, and aspects related to them, such as physical characteristics. A scholarly paper would delve deeper into analysis and research, rather than presenting basic factual information. The content in the passage is purely informative and factual, ruling out the possibility of it being part of a mystery or fictional story, which require narrative and plot elements rather than straightforward facts.

3. The area known as the Bermuda Triangle has become such a part of popular culture that it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Which of the following describes this type of writing?

A. Narrative
B. Persuasive
C. Expository
D. Technical

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Expository writing is used to explain or inform, as seen in the factual account of the Bermuda Triangle. The passage provides information to explain the phenomenon of the Bermuda Triangle, presenting facts and details without attempting to persuade or tell a story (narrative) or focusing on technical details. While the Bermuda Triangle has inspired many stories and theories, the passage aims to inform rather than persuade or delve into technical aspects.

4. Which phrase best completes the definition of a memoir?

A. A historical account of a person's life written by one who has intimate knowledge of the person's life
B. A historical account of a person's life written by the person himself or herself
C. A fictional account about a famous person
D. A nonfictional account about a famous person without factual reference

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A memoir is a historical account of a person's life written by someone who has intimate knowledge of that person's life, not necessarily by the person themselves. This distinguishes it from an autobiography, which is written by the person themselves. Memoirs are nonfictional and based on factual references, making option A the most fitting completion of the definition. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a memoir is not necessarily written by the person about whom it is written, it is not fictional, and it should be based on factual references to be considered a memoir.

5. What would a mongoose likely eat according to the food chain diagram?

A. Shrub
B. Aardvark
C. Vulture
D. Mouse

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to the food chain diagram, mongooses are consumers that feed on smaller animals like mice, making choice D the correct answer. Shrub (choice A) is a plant and not a typical food for mongooses. Aardvark (choice B) is a large mammal that is not a primary food source for mongooses. Vulture (choice C) is a scavenger bird that typically feeds on carrion, not a preferred food for mongooses.