TEAS Workbook Reading Exam 3

2.

Please read the text below and answer the question. Desserts are known as the “forbidden food” in most diets. But dark chocolate is a sweet that people can enjoy because of its undeniable health benefits. Categorized as an “antioxidant,” dark chocolate is known to fight free radicals, the unbalanced compounds created by cellular processes that can harm the body. This amazing sweet treat is also known to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce heart disease risk in people. Studies have shown that dark chocolate can even improve people’s brain function. There is considerable evidence that dark chocolate can provide powerful benefits, but it is still loaded with calories, so consuming too much is not recommended. People can reap the benefits of dark chocolate by eating it in moderation. Question: The topic of this paragraph is:

Foods that battle heart disease.
Healthy dessert recipes.
Cooking with dark chocolate.
Benefits of dark chocolate.

Correct Answer

A. Benefits of dark chocolate.

Explanation

D. The topic of this paragraph the benefits of dark chocolate. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.

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3.

When we discuss the ____________ of a text, we are talking about how it is organized.

Genre
Purpose
Structure
Description

Correct Answer

A. Structure

Explanation

C. A genre is a category of a text, and the purpose it what it is meant to do. The structure is how it is organized. See Lesson: Types of Passages, Text Structures, Genre and Theme.

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4.

Narrative writing:

Tells a story.
Explains an idea.
Describes a process.
Makes an argument.

Correct Answer

A. Tells a story.

Explanation

A. Narrative writing may be fiction or nonfiction as long as it tells a story. See Lesson: Types of Passages, Text Structures, Genre and Theme.

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5.

Which sources are usually considered most trustworthy?

Primary sources
Secondary sources
Tertiary sources
Quaternary sources

Correct Answer

A. Primary sources

Explanation

A. The authors of primary sources witnessed the original creation or discovery of the information they present. For this reason, they are considered the most trustworthy. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources, Making Inferences, and Drawing Conclusions.

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6.

Read the following text and answer the question. Our survey revealed some eye-opening results about young people and the role technology plays in their lives: technology is the primary focus of young people today. In our survey, 85% of those questioned said they spend their free time using technology in some way. Only 5% claim that they read actual books, 7% hang out with friends, and only 3% do some sort of physical activity. Whether it’s looking through social media sites, playing video games, texting friends, or surfing the web, our youth spends an inordinate amount of time on screens. The days of hanging with friends, being outside in nature, and reading a good book for fun seem to be long gone. Natalie Greenburg, clinical psychologist from the Perkins Institute, claims that, “Studies have shown a direct correlation between too much screen time and rising depression rates among teens.” Greenburg explains screen time has an impact on how individuals view themselves. This is based on the amount of likes someone gets on social media sites or the number of texts someone receives from his or her peers. “The feedback kids get from technology becomes the barometer for their self-worth, which could lead to depression.” Cyber bullying is also a big issue with technology. “Kids are able to freely say anything they want behind a screen,” Greenburg states, “Since they are bullying from a keyboard, kids are no longer exposed to social cues like facial expressions and body language, which may stop the behavior. As a result, cyber bullying has become rampant, which has led to more depression.” Technology is here to stay and it is only going to become more entrenched in our society. It will continue to impact our youth in ways we can’t even fathom. Question: With which statement would the author of the passage most likely agree with?

Technology is having a negative impact on our youth.
Technology will become eventually become obsolete.
Technology will change for the better in the near future.
Technology provides our youth with endless possibilities.

Correct Answer

A. Technology is having a negative impact on our youth.

Explanation

A. The author of the passage is likely concerned with the negative impact technology is having on our youth since he/she only presents the cons of technology. See Lesson: Understanding Author’s Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.

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7.

Read the following passage and answer the question. Working mothers are required to perform a balancing act between their work and home lives every day or else everything will fall apart. Not only do they have mounds of work responsibilities, but also are expected to be the primary caregiver as well as the cook, cleaner, and organizer at home. Even though times have changed and more fathers are involved in parenting and home duties, the onus ultimately still falls on the working mother. Working mothers are shortchanged because they rarely get the chance to sit back and allow someone else to assume their responsibilities. Question: What is the primary argument in the passage?

Working mothers have it hard.
More mothers have entered the work force.
Fathers today are more willing to pitch in at home.
Working mothers cannot survive without the help of fathers.

Correct Answer

A. Working mothers have it hard.

Explanation

A. This passage argues that working mothers have it hard. See Lesson: Facts, Opinions, and Evaluating an Argument

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8.

Notes about source materials within a text are called:

Citations.
Research.
Revisions.
Mind maps.

Correct Answer

A. Citations.

Explanation

A. Citations are notes within a text about where the author got information. They are a vital part of research writing. See Lesson: The Writing Process.

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9.

What is the most likely purpose of a science fiction book about genetic mutants waging war against human beings?

To decide
To inform
To persuade
To entertain

Correct Answer

A. To entertain

Explanation

D. Narrative works like science fiction novels are usually meant to entertain. See Lesson: Understanding the Author’s Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.

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10.

Read the following text and then answer the question. In the late morning, Cynthia met Max at the state park where he had been waiting. They went on a hike. They followed a path that first led them through the deep, lush woods. The path then took them past a beautiful, serene lake. They were beginning to get thirsty, so they stopped to sit on a large rock to drink some water. Next, they continued hiking and came upon a clearing, Cynthia was astonished to see a picnic blanket all set up with plates and a picnic basket. “Max!” she exclaimed. Max had set up the picnic to surprise Cynthia. Question: Which of the following words from the passage is not a sequence word?

First
Then
Next
Beginning

Correct Answer

A. Beginning

Explanation

D. Even though the word “beginning” seems like a sequence word indicating something that comes first, in the context of the passage it means they “started to” get thirsty. The other words are sequence words, which indicate the order of events. See Lesson: Summarizing Text and Using Text Features

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11.

Study the infographic below and answer the question. Resource: The Food and Drug Administration Question: Which of the following is a sign that the infographic is credible?

The information is presented in an organized way
The information comes from a government agency
The information is colorful and engaging
The information has the word “FACTS” written at the top

Correct Answer

A. The information comes from a government agency

Explanation

B. The information comes from a government agency called the FDA, and government sources are credible. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources, Making Inferences, and Drawing Conclusions.

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12.

Study the infographic below and answer the question. Resource: The Food and Drug Administration Question: What could a skeptical reader do to verify the facts on the infographic?

Interview one chef from a local restaurant about safe food handling.
Contact the agencies whose phone numbers are listed at the bottom of the page.
Check a tertiary source like Wikipedia to verify the information.
Compare the info graphic’s information about safe food handling to a cook’s blog.

Correct Answer

A. Contact the agencies whose phone numbers are listed at the bottom of the page.

Explanation

B. One way to verify facts is to call all the numbers of the government agencies listed at the bottom of the page for more information. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources, Making Inferences, and Drawing Conclusions.

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13.

Consider the following chart and answer the question. Question: At 2.5 months, Candice is 63.5 centimeters long. Which statement about her length is correct?

It is about average for babies her age.
It is between the 95th and 97th percentile for babies her age.
It is above the 97th percentile for babies her age.
It is incorrect; babies her age cannot be longer than about 62.75 centimeters.

Correct Answer

A. It is above the 97th percentile for babies her age.

Explanation

C. Candice is unusually tall for her age, so that her length falls outside the values included in the chart. It is not impossible for her to be this tall; her height is above the 97th percentile. See Lesson: Evaluating and Integrating Data.

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14.

What do footnotes do?

Show the reader how ideas are organized
Illustrate ideas that cannot clearly be stated in words
Provide source information and peripheral information
Provide nutrition facts about the contents of a package

Correct Answer

A. Provide source information and peripheral information

Explanation

C. Footnotes may provide information about source materials or give the reader interesting information that is not essential to the main point. See Lesson: Evaluating and Integrating Data.

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15.

What is the best definition of the word argument in the context of reading and writing?

An eloquent summary
An angry conversation
A persuasive point in a text
An object or direct object phrase

Correct Answer

A. A persuasive point in a text

Explanation

C. In the context of reading and writing, an argument is a statement meant to prove a point, not a heated disagreement. See Lesson: Facts, Opinions, and Evaluating an Argument.

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16.

Read the following paragraph and answer the question. Faith sighed as the old lady cooed at the baby and blabbed about her own children’s early days. Four kids! They all walked and talked early! They were little geniuses! Blah blah blah! Faith spent twenty-four hours a day caring for a drooling, incontinent little person, and as a reward she had to hear constant stories about other drooling, incontinent little people. Maybe she should take a tip from the baby and erupt into a random fit of screaming. Question: Which sentence best expresses the main idea of the paragraph?

Faith regrets that she ever became a mother and wishes she could give her baby up for adoption.
Faith dislikes cleaning up drool and changing diapers, and she thinks the old lady is a liar or a fool.
Faith feels frustrated when people bother her with nostalgic reminiscences about caring for small children.
Faith is an unpleasant person with no empathy for lonely old ladies who desperately need to talk to someone.

Correct Answer

A. Faith feels frustrated when people bother her with nostalgic reminiscences about caring for small children.

Explanation

C. The best statement of an implied main idea stays true to the words and ideas the author actually shares. In this case, the central idea is Faith’s frustration with other people’s reminiscences. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.

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17.

Read the following draft essay and answer the question. Last week I saw a bad television commercial. (1) It said that women need more “self-confidence,” and that breast augmentation surgery can give it to them. (2) I do not think plastic surgery leads to self-confidence. (3) True self-confidence comes from the belief in our accomplishments, not from the belief that we look good. (4) Our society sends the message that women need to look like fashion models, but fashion models’ body types aren’t normal. (5) Many suffer from anorexia, and some have undergone plastic surgery to conform to a false ideal of beauty. (6) And what is the point of aiming for that unattainable ideal? (7) It takes time and energy that could be focused on more important matters. (8) Women are told they need to look perfect, but nobody actually looks perfect. (9) Even the pictures in magazines are airbrushed and augmented. (10) They are not real. (11) And the women in those pictures are unusually pretty, plus they have professional help to keep their bodies looking as close to our false ideal of beauty as possible. (12) Ordinary women who have to spend time working every day and caring for their families have no chance of attaining anything close to that level of beauty. (13) If you’re like me, you may feel a pressure to measure up to society’s false ideal of beauty. (14) But you shouldn’t. (15) As women, we need to focus on making the world better, not on making our faces prettier. (16) Question: Which thesis statement should replace Sentence 4 to align more clearly with the points the author makes in the body of the essay?

The media’s ideal of beauty cannot be achieved.
Fashion models are often victims of eating disorders.
More women need to get involved in business and politics
Television commercials about breast augmentation should be banned.

Correct Answer

A. The media’s ideal of beauty cannot be achieved.

Explanation

A. The author does not actually defend the point that women should base their self-esteem on their accomplishments. Rather, the body paragraphs focus on the idea that the media’s image of beauty is false. See Lesson: Essay Revision and Transitions.

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18.

Read the following draft essay and answer the question. Last week I saw a bad television commercial. (1) It said that women need more “self-confidence,” and that breast augmentation surgery can give it to them. (2) I do not think plastic surgery leads to self-confidence. (3) True self-confidence comes from the belief in our accomplishments, not from the belief that we look good. (4) Our society sends the message that women need to look like fashion models, but fashion models’ body types aren’t normal. (5) Many suffer from anorexia, and some have undergone plastic surgery to conform to a false ideal of beauty. (6) And what is the point of aiming for that unattainable ideal? (7) It takes time and energy that could be focused on more important matters. (8) Women are told they need to look perfect, but nobody actually looks perfect. (9) Even the pictures in magazines are airbrushed and augmented. (10) They are not real. (11) And the women in those pictures are unusually pretty, plus they have professional help to keep their bodies looking as close to our false ideal of beauty as possible. (12) Ordinary women who have to spend time working every day and caring for their families have no chance of attaining anything close to that level of beauty. (13) If you’re like me, you may feel a pressure to measure up to society’s false ideal of beauty. (14) But you shouldn’t. (15) As women, we need to focus on making the world better, not on making our faces prettier. (16) Question: Which revision to Sentence 5 would make the word choice more appropriately formal for an academic essay?

Delete the phrase body types.
Replace aren’t with are not.
Change women to human beings.
Eliminate the reference to models.

Correct Answer

A. Replace aren’t with are not.

Explanation

B. Academic essays should not use contractions. Note that this essay focuses specifically on pressures women face to look beautiful. In this case, the language does not need to be inclusive of both genders because that would change the meaning. See Lesson: Essay Revision and Transitions.

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19.

Readers can determine tone primarily by examining:

Setting.
Word choice.
Their feelings.
Connecting words.

Correct Answer

A. Word choice.

Explanation

B. Word choice, or diction, is the reader's most important tool in determining tone. See Lesson: Tone, Mood, and Transition Words.

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20.

Read the following passage and answer the question. Working mothers are required to perform a balancing act between their work and home lives every day or else everything will fall apart. Not only do they have mounds of work responsibilities, but also are expected to be the primary caregiver as well as the cook, cleaner, and organizer at home. Even though times have changed and more fathers are involved in parenting and home duties, the onus ultimately still falls on the working mother. Working mothers are shortchanged because they rarely get the chance to sit back and allow someone else to assume their responsibilities. Question: The above argument is invalid because the author:

Suggests that working mothers choose to have such hectic lives.
Uses derogatory and disrespectful language to describe fathers.
Describes working mothers in a negative way that makes it seem as though they only look out for themselves.
Professes an interest in all that working mothers do while simultaneously suggesting that fathers don’t do enough.

Correct Answer

A. Professes an interest in all that working mothers do while simultaneously suggesting that fathers don’t do enough.

Explanation

D. The author of the passage uses the phrase “the onus ultimately still falls on the working mother.” This implies that fathers do not do enough to help out. See Lesson: Facts, Opinions, and Evaluating an Argument

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21.

A(n) ____________ may contain emotional arguments and still be considered credible because its purpose is to present an argument.

Opinion article
Scientific study
Parenting guide
Health textbook

Correct Answer

A. Opinion article

Explanation

A. An opinion argument may include emotional language and still be credible as long as it is not manipulative. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources, Making Inferences, and Drawing Conclusions.

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22.

Which type of evidence would not be considered credible to back up arguments in a persuasive text?

Logic
Statistics
Scare tactics
Firsthand accounts

Correct Answer

A. Scare tactics

Explanation

C. Emotional arguments may reasonably appear in a persuasive text, but not if they use manipulative strategies like scare tactics. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources, Making Inferences, and Drawing Conclusions.

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23.

The tone of a text is:

A word or phrase that links ideas.
The reader’s emotional response.
A structural pattern in a series of words.
The author’s attitude toward the subject.

Correct Answer

A. The author’s attitude toward the subject.

Explanation

D. Tone is the author’s apparent attitude toward the subject of a text. It is distinguished from mood, which is the reader’s emotional response. See Lesson: Tone and Mood, Transition Words.

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24.

Revising is:

Fixing mechanical errors.
Making a plan for writing.
Getting the first draft down.
Improving content and structure.

Correct Answer

A. Improving content and structure.

Explanation

D. Revising is not just fixing mechanical errors; it involves making major changes to the content and structure of a draft. See Lesson: The Writing Process.

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25.

In literature, a genre is a:

Moral
Theme
Category
Narrative

Correct Answer

A. Category

Explanation

C. The word genre is a synonym of category. We use the word genre to discuss categories of literature. See Lesson: Types of Passages, Text Structures, Genre, and Theme.

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26.

Read the following draft essay and answer the question. Last week I saw a bad television commercial. (1) It said that women need more “self-confidence,” and that breast augmentation surgery can give it to them. (2) I do not think plastic surgery leads to self-confidence. (3) True self-confidence comes from the belief in our accomplishments, not from the belief that we look good. (4) Our society sends the message that women need to look like fashion models, but fashion models’ body types aren’t normal. (5) Many suffer from anorexia, and some have undergone plastic surgery to conform to a false ideal of beauty. (6) And what is the point of aiming for that unattainable ideal? (7) It takes time and energy that could be focused on more important matters. (8) Women are told they need to look perfect, but nobody actually looks perfect. (9) Even the pictures in magazines are airbrushed and augmented. (10) They are not real. (11) And the women in those pictures are unusually pretty, plus they have professional help to keep their bodies looking as close to our false ideal of beauty as possible. (12) Ordinary women who have to spend time working every day and caring for their families have no chance of attaining anything close to that level of beauty. (13) If you’re like me, you may feel a pressure to measure up to society’s false ideal of beauty. (14) But you shouldn’t. (15) As women, we need to focus on making the world better, not on making our faces prettier. (16) Question: Which revision of Sentence 1 leads the reader more precisely toward the author’s main idea?

Last week I saw a television commercial that left me outraged.
Last week I saw a television commercial that should be banned.
Last week I saw a commercial that was not aiming to sell anything.
Last week I saw a poorly acted and directed television commercial.

Correct Answer

A. Last week I saw a television commercial that left me outraged.

Explanation

A. The author’s point is not necessarily that the TV commercial she saw should be banned. Rather, she is trying to convince women to share her outrage about the way society pressures them to look. See Lesson: Essay Revision and Transitions.

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27.

Please read the text below and answer the question. Desserts are known as the “forbidden food” in most diets. But dark chocolate is a sweet that people can enjoy because of its undeniable health benefits. Categorized as an “antioxidant,” dark chocolate is known to fight free radicals, the unbalanced compounds created by cellular processes that can harm the body. This amazing sweet treat is also known to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce heart disease risk in people. Studies have shown that dark chocolate can even improve people’s brain function. There is considerable evidence that dark chocolate can provide powerful benefits, but it is still loaded with calories, so consuming too much is not recommended. People can reap the benefits of dark chocolate by eating it in moderation. Read the following description of the paragraph: The author fails to offer a holistic view of dark chocolate by only presenting its benefits and never exploring its downsides. Question: Why is this not a valid description of the main idea?

It is not accurate; the author of the paragraph is stating facts, not opinions.
It is not objective; the person summarizing the main idea is biased since he/she is in the medical field.
It is not accurate; the author of the paragraph does warn the reader to eat dark chocolate in moderation.
It is not objective; the person summarizing the main idea is obviously not a fan of dark chocolate.

Correct Answer

A. It is not accurate; the author of the paragraph does warn the reader to eat dark chocolate in moderation.

Explanation

C. The description of the paragraph is not valid because the author of the paragraph ends with a warning to readers about its high caloric content. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.

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28.

Which term refers to the feelings a text creates in the reader?

Tone
Irony
Mood
Theme

Correct Answer

A. Mood

Explanation

C. Mood is the feeling a text creates in a reader; tone is the author’s attitude toward the subject. See Lesson: Tone and Mood, Transition Words.

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29.

Read the following passage and answer the question. Working mothers are required to perform a balancing act between their work and home lives every day or else everything will fall apart. Not only do they have mounds of work responsibilities, but also are expected to be the primary caregiver as well as the cook, cleaner, and organizer at home. Even though times have changed and more fathers are involved in parenting and home duties, the onus ultimately still falls on the working mother. Working mothers are shortchanged because they rarely get the chance to sit back and allow someone else to assume their responsibilities. Question: What assumption in this passage reflects negative stereotypical thinking?

Fathers have jobs just like mothers do.
A lot of mothers today have full-time jobs.
Today’s fathers are more involved at home.
Mothers cook, clean, and care for the children.

Correct Answer

A. Mothers cook, clean, and care for the children.

Explanation

D. The writer of this passage makes the assumption that mothers cook, clean, and care for the children. See Lesson: Facts, Opinions, and Evaluating an Argument

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30.

Which strategy is recommended during the drafting phase?

List all ideas that come to mind without worrying whether they’re good or on-topic.
Don’t worry about noting where you got your information; save that step for the end.
Stop writing frequently to look up grammar rules and words you don’t know how to spell.
Get the ideas down on paper, even if some sentences sound awkward or contain errors.

Correct Answer

A. Get the ideas down on paper, even if some sentences sound awkward or contain errors.

Explanation

D. Drafting is about getting ideas down on paper. You can reread later to fix awkward sentences and errors. See Lesson: The Writing Process.

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31.

What is the most likely purpose of an article that claims some genetic research is immoral?

To decide
To inform
To persuade
To entertain

Correct Answer

A. To persuade

Explanation

C. An article that takes a moral position is meant to persuade. See Lesson: Understanding the Author’s Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.

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32.

A source is not credible if:

Its publisher is government funded.
Any of its sources are primary sources.
Any of its sources are secondary sources.
Its publisher is profiting from the information.

Correct Answer

A. Its publisher is profiting from the information.

Explanation

D. A text is highly unlikely to be credible if its publisher is an organization that stands to benefit if people believe the information it contains. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources, Making Inferences, and Drawing Conclusions.

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33.

Read the following draft essay and answer the question. Last week I saw a bad television commercial. (1) It said that women need more “self-confidence,” and that breast augmentation surgery can give it to them. (2) I do not think plastic surgery leads to self-confidence. (3) True self-confidence comes from the belief in our accomplishments, not from the belief that we look good. (4) Our society sends the message that women need to look like fashion models, but fashion models’ body types aren’t normal. (5) Many suffer from anorexia, and some have undergone plastic surgery to conform to a false ideal of beauty. (6) And what is the point of aiming for that unattainable ideal? (7) It takes time and energy that could be focused on more important matters. (8) Women are told they need to look perfect, but nobody actually looks perfect. (9) Even the pictures in magazines are airbrushed and augmented. (10) They are not real. (11) And the women in those pictures are unusually pretty, plus they have professional help to keep their bodies looking as close to our false ideal of beauty as possible. (12) Ordinary women who have to spend time working every day and caring for their families have no chance of attaining anything close to that level of beauty. (13) If you’re like me, you may feel a pressure to measure up to society’s false ideal of beauty. (14) But you shouldn’t. (15) As women, we need to focus on making the world better, not on making our faces prettier. (16) Question: The author of this essay wants to add a body paragraph claiming that most women spend too much time and money trying to look good. Which evidence would not help support this point?

Descriptions of expensive beauty products available at the local drug store
Quotations from women admitting they sacrifice sleep to spend time on make-up
Statistics about the amount of money women spend on clothes and beauty items
Examples of women who minimize their beauty routines to maximize efficiency at work

Correct Answer

A. Examples of women who minimize their beauty routines to maximize efficiency at work

Explanation

D. Examples of women who deliberately minimize the time they spend on looking good do not belong in a paragraph claiming that most women spend too much time and money on beauty. See Lesson: Essay Revision and Transitions.

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34.

Read the following draft essay and answer the question. Last week I saw a bad television commercial. (1) It said that women need more “self-confidence,” and that breast augmentation surgery can give it to them. (2) I do not think plastic surgery leads to self-confidence. (3) True self-confidence comes from the belief in our accomplishments, not from the belief that we look good. (4) Our society sends the message that women need to look like fashion models, but fashion models’ body types aren’t normal. (5) Many suffer from anorexia, and some have undergone plastic surgery to conform to a false ideal of beauty. (6) And what is the point of aiming for that unattainable ideal? (7) It takes time and energy that could be focused on more important matters. (8) Women are told they need to look perfect, but nobody actually looks perfect. (9) Even the pictures in magazines are airbrushed and augmented. (10) They are not real. (11) And the women in those pictures are unusually pretty, plus they have professional help to keep their bodies looking as close to our false ideal of beauty as possible. (12) Ordinary women who have to spend time working every day and caring for their families have no chance of attaining anything close to that level of beauty. (13) If you’re like me, you may feel a pressure to measure up to society’s false ideal of beauty. (14) But you shouldn’t. (15) As women, we need to focus on making the world better, not on making our faces prettier. (16) Re-read the topic sentences of the two body paragraphs: Our society sends the message that women need to look like fashion models, but fashion models’ body types aren’t normal. (Sentence 5) Women are told they need to look perfect, but nobody actually looks perfect. (Sentence 9) Question: In revision, the author needs to address the fact that these two sentences:

Contradict each other.
Make the same basic point.
Advocate for plastic surgery.
Stereotype the fashion industry.

Correct Answer

A. Make the same basic point.

Explanation

B. The two body paragraphs are not strongly differentiated from each other. See Lesson: Essay Revision and Transitions.

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35.

Read the following text and answer the question. Our survey revealed some eye-opening results about young people and the role technology plays in their lives: technology is the primary focus of young people today. In our survey, 85% of those questioned said they spend their free time using technology in some way. Only 5% claim that they read actual books, 7% hang out with friends, and only 3% do some sort of physical activity. Whether it’s looking through social media sites, playing video games, texting friends, or surfing the web, our youth spends an inordinate amount of time on screens. The days of hanging with friends, being outside in nature, and reading a good book for fun seem to be long gone. Natalie Greenburg, clinical psychologist from the Perkins Institute, claims that, “Studies have shown a direct correlation between too much screen time and rising depression rates among teens.” Greenburg explains screen time has an impact on how individuals view themselves. This is based on the amount of likes someone gets on social media sites or the number of texts someone receives from his or her peers. “The feedback kids get from technology becomes the barometer for their self-worth, which could lead to depression.” Cyber bullying is also a big issue with technology. “Kids are able to freely say anything they want behind a screen,” Greenburg states, “Since they are bullying from a keyboard, kids are no longer exposed to social cues like facial expressions and body language, which may stop the behavior. As a result, cyber bullying has become rampant, which has led to more depression.” Technology is here to stay and it is only going to become more entrenched in our society. It will continue to impact our youth in ways we can’t even fathom. Question: Which sentence would express an additional effective reason to support the main idea of this passage?

Every teacher feels technology is getting in the way of classroom learning.
A recent screen time study shows that technology use has risen since it is available in so many forms.
Everyone feels young people have no hope since they are too dependent on technology.
All young people know they are more technologically savvy than their parents will ever be.

Correct Answer

A. A recent screen time study shows that technology use has risen since it is available in so many forms.

Explanation

B. Rhetorical strategies are techniques an author uses to develop a main idea. An effective way to do this is to appeal to the readers’ reason by relying on factual information. The most effective reason is the one about a recent screen time study. It shows that technology use has risen since it’s available in so many forms. This is a fact that can be proven. See Lesson: Understanding Author’s Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.

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36.

Which of the following is a form of faulty reasoning?

An overgeneralization
A statement of opinion
A documented statistic
A verifiable piece of information

Correct Answer

A. An overgeneralization

Explanation

A. An overgeneralization is a broad claim based on too little evidence, so this would be an example of faulty reasoning. See Lesson: Facts, Opinions, and Evaluating an Argument

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37.

Please read the text below and answer the question. Desserts are known as the “forbidden food” in most diets. But dark chocolate is a sweet that people can enjoy because of its undeniable health benefits. Categorized as an “antioxidant,” dark chocolate is known to fight free radicals, the unbalanced compounds created by cellular processes that can harm the body. This amazing sweet treat is also known to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce heart disease risk in people. Studies have shown that dark chocolate can even improve people’s brain function. There is considerable evidence that dark chocolate can provide powerful benefits, but it is still loaded with calories, so consuming too much is not recommended. People can reap the benefits of dark chocolate by eating it in moderation. Question: The topic sentence of this paragraph is:

Desserts are known as the “forbidden food” in most diets.
But dark chocolate is a sweet that people can enjoy because of its undeniable health benefits.
This amazing sweet treat is also known to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce heart disease risk in people.
People can reap the benefits of dark chocolate by eating it in moderation.

Correct Answer

A. But dark chocolate is a sweet that people can enjoy because of its undeniable health benefits.

Explanation

B. The second sentence of this paragraph leads the reader toward the main idea, which is that dark chocolate has health benefits. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.

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38.

A source is considered credible if readers can __________ it.

Trust
Publish
Analyze
Decipher

Correct Answer

A. Trust

Explanation

A. The word credible means trustworthy. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources, Making Inferences, and Drawing Conclusions.

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39.

Please read the text below and answer the question. Desserts are known as the “forbidden food” in most diets. But dark chocolate is a sweet that people can enjoy because of its undeniable health benefits. Categorized as an “antioxidant,” dark chocolate is known to fight free radicals, the unbalanced compounds created by cellular processes that can harm the body. This amazing sweet treat is also known to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce heart disease risk in people. Studies have shown that dark chocolate can even improve people’s brain function. There is considerable evidence that dark chocolate can provide powerful benefits, but it is still loaded with calories, so consuming too much is not recommended. People can reap the benefits of dark chocolate by eating it in moderation. Question: Why isn’t a statistic about how much chocolate is consumed on a daily basis by the average American not suitable for this passage?

It does not directly support the main idea that dark chocolate is good for your health.
Readers might feel the author is passing judgment on how much chocolate Americans consume.
Statistics should never be used as supporting details in persuasive writing.
It would act as a second topic sentence and confuse readers about the main idea.

Correct Answer

A. It does not directly support the main idea that dark chocolate is good for your health.

Explanation

A. This statistic would be off-topic information in this paragraph because it is about all chocolate not the health benefits of dark chocolate. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.

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40.

Read the following text and then answer the question. In the late morning, Cynthia met Max at the state park where he had been waiting. They went on a hike. They followed a path that first led them through the deep, lush woods. The path then took them past a beautiful, serene lake. They were beginning to get thirsty, so they stopped to sit on a large rock to drink some water. Next, they continued hiking and came upon a clearing, Cynthia was astonished to see a picnic blanket all set up with plates and a picnic basket. “Max!” she exclaimed. Max had set up the picnic to surprise Cynthia. Question: Which word clues help you understand that this event happened first?

“had set up”
“first went”
“beginning to get”
“in the late morning”

Correct Answer

A. “had set up”

Explanation

A. The word clues “had set up” indicates that Max set up the picnic earlier so that it would be a surprise for Cynthia when they got to the clearing. See Lesson: Summarizing Text and Using Text Features

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41.

Read the following draft essay and answer the question. Last week I saw a bad television commercial. (1) It said that women need more “self-confidence,” and that breast augmentation surgery can give it to them. (2) I do not think plastic surgery leads to self-confidence. (3) True self-confidence comes from the belief in our accomplishments, not from the belief that we look good. (4) Our society sends the message that women need to look like fashion models, but fashion models’ body types aren’t normal. (5) Many suffer from anorexia, and some have undergone plastic surgery to conform to a false ideal of beauty. (6) And what is the point of aiming for that unattainable ideal? (7) It takes time and energy that could be focused on more important matters. (8) Women are told they need to look perfect, but nobody actually looks perfect. (9) Even the pictures in magazines are airbrushed and augmented. (10) They are not real. (11) And the women in those pictures are unusually pretty, plus they have professional help to keep their bodies looking as close to our false ideal of beauty as possible. (12) Ordinary women who have to spend time working every day and caring for their families have no chance of attaining anything close to that level of beauty. (13) f you’re like me, you may feel a pressure to measure up to society’s false ideal of beauty. (14) But you shouldn’t. (15) As women, we need to focus on making the world better, not on making our faces prettier. (16) Question: Which transition word best fits at the beginning of Sentence 3?

Moreover
Therefore
Personally
Inconsequentially

Correct Answer

A. Personally

Explanation

C. A transition word like personally at the beginning of Sentence 3 could signal that the writer is shifting from a description of a television commercial to her own opinion. See Lesson: Essay Revision and Transitions.

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42.

Read the following text and answer the question. Our survey revealed some eye-opening results about young people and the role technology plays in their lives: technology is the primary focus of young people today. In our survey, 85% of those questioned said they spend their free time using technology in some way. Only 5% claim that they read actual books, 7% hang out with friends, and only 3% do some sort of physical activity. Whether it’s looking through social media sites, playing video games, texting friends, or surfing the web, our youth spends an inordinate amount of time on screens. The days of hanging with friends, being outside in nature, and reading a good book for fun seem to be long gone. Natalie Greenburg, clinical psychologist from the Perkins Institute, claims that, “Studies have shown a direct correlation between too much screen time and rising depression rates among teens.” Greenburg explains screen time has an impact on how individuals view themselves. This is based on the amount of likes someone gets on social media sites or the number of texts someone receives from his or her peers. “The feedback kids get from technology becomes the barometer for their self-worth, which could lead to depression.” Cyber bullying is also a big issue with technology. “Kids are able to freely say anything they want behind a screen,” Greenburg states, “Since they are bullying from a keyboard, kids are no longer exposed to social cues like facial expressions and body language, which may stop the behavior. As a result, cyber bullying has become rampant, which has led to more depression.” Technology is here to stay and it is only going to become more entrenched in our society. It will continue to impact our youth in ways we can’t even fathom. Question: What is the primary purpose of the passage?

To inform
To caution
To persuade
To entertain

Correct Answer

A. To inform

Explanation

A. Although the author of this passage seems to lean toward the negative impact of technology and youth, the passage does not actually make a clear argument. It only relays the survey results and words from an expert. See Lesson: Understanding Author’s Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies

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43.

Read the paragraph below and answer the question. H.D.’s poem “Oread” creates a metaphorical connection between the sea and the land. In the opening lines of the poem, she writes, “Whirl up, sea—/ whirl your pointed pines.” The “pointed pines” in these lines are waves. Question: Which sentence most naturally completes the thought developed in this paragraph?

The poet is using apostrophe when she addresses the sea directly as she would a person.
The repetition of p sounds in this phrase is an example of a poetic technique called alliteration.
H.D. does not call the waves by their real name because she wants the reader to think she is describing a forest.
By comparing waves to trees, H.D. blurs the distinction between the wild ocean and the solid shore.

Correct Answer

A. By comparing waves to trees, H.D. blurs the distinction between the wild ocean and the solid shore.

Explanation

D. The sentence about comparing waves to trees shows how the metaphor works in the poem. This completes the point begun in the first three sentences of the paragraph? See Lesson: The Writing Process.

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44.

What type of source is an article about the latest Academy Award nominees by a Hollywood movie reviewer?

Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
None of the above

Correct Answer

A. Secondary

Explanation

B. An article that presents a review, or one person’s opinion, of a work of literature or movie is a secondary source. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources, Making Inferences, and Drawing Conclusions.

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45.

What is a mind map?

A linear arrangement of ideas
An associative arrangement of ideas
The step before editing in the writing process
The step after prewriting in the writing process

Correct Answer

A. An associative arrangement of ideas

Explanation

B. Mind mapping is a brainstorming and organizational tool to help arrange associated ideas into a hierarchy. See Lesson: The Writing Process.

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46.

Read the following draft essay and answer the question. Last week I saw a bad television commercial. (1) It said that women need more “self-confidence,” and that breast augmentation surgery can give it to them. (2) I do not think plastic surgery leads to self-confidence. (3) True self-confidence comes from the belief in our accomplishments, not from the belief that we look good. (4) Our society sends the message that women need to look like fashion models, but fashion models’ body types aren’t normal. (5) Many suffer from anorexia, and some have undergone plastic surgery to conform to a false ideal of beauty. (6) And what is the point of aiming for that unattainable ideal? (7) It takes time and energy that could be focused on more important matters. (8) Women are told they need to look perfect, but nobody actually looks perfect. (9) Even the pictures in magazines are airbrushed and augmented. (10) They are not real. (11) And the women in those pictures are unusually pretty, plus they have professional help to keep their bodies looking as close to our false ideal of beauty as possible. (12) Ordinary women who have to spend time working every day and caring for their families have no chance of attaining anything close to that level of beauty. (13) If you’re like me, you may feel a pressure to measure up to society’s false ideal of beauty. (14) But you shouldn’t. (15) As women, we need to focus on making the world better, not on making our faces prettier. (16) Question: The word bad in Sentence 1 is poor word choice because it is not:

Simple.
Precise.
Positive.
Inclusive.

Correct Answer

A. Precise.

Explanation

B. The author needs more precise word choice in Sentence 1. A “bad” commercial could have poor acting or be unconvincing; in this case, the author is implying that the commercial is harmful to society. See Lesson: Essay Revision and Transitions.

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47.

Read the following draft essay and answer the question. Last week I saw a bad television commercial. (1) It said that women need more “self-confidence,” and that breast augmentation surgery can give it to them. (2) I do not think plastic surgery leads to self-confidence. (3) True self-confidence comes from the belief in our accomplishments, not from the belief that we look good. (4) Our society sends the message that women need to look like fashion models, but fashion models’ body types aren’t normal. (5) Many suffer from anorexia, and some have undergone plastic surgery to conform to a false ideal of beauty. (6) And what is the point of aiming for that unattainable ideal? (7) It takes time and energy that could be focused on more important matters. (8) Women are told they need to look perfect, but nobody actually looks perfect. (9) Even the pictures in magazines are airbrushed and augmented. (10) They are not real. (11) And the women in those pictures are unusually pretty, plus they have professional help to keep their bodies looking as close to our false ideal of beauty as possible. (12) Ordinary women who have to spend time working every day and caring for their families have no chance of attaining anything close to that level of beauty. (13) If you’re like me, you may feel a pressure to measure up to society’s false ideal of beauty. (14) But you shouldn’t. (15) As women, we need to focus on making the world better, not on making our faces prettier. (16) Question: If Sentence 4 is the thesis statement, which statement accurately expresses a problem the writer should address in revision?

The thesis has nothing to do with television.
The thesis contains spelling and grammar errors.
The body paragraphs do not clearly defend the thesis.
The thesis directly contradicts the conclusion paragraph.

Correct Answer

A. The body paragraphs do not clearly defend the thesis.

Explanation

C. The thesis suggests that women should base their self-esteem on their accomplishments, but the body paragraphs mainly defend the point that the media presents unrealistic images of beauty. See Lesson: Essay Revision and Transitions.

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48.

Read the following text and then answer the question. In the late morning, Cynthia met Max at the state park where he had been waiting. They went on a hike. They followed a path that first led them through the deep, lush woods. The path then took them past a beautiful, serene lake. They were beginning to get thirsty, so they stopped to sit on a large rock to drink some water. Next, they continued hiking and came upon a clearing, Cynthia was astonished to see a picnic blanket all set up with plates and a picnic basket. “Max!” she exclaimed. Max had set up the picnic to surprise Cynthia. Question: According to the paragraph, which event happened first?

Cynthia met Max at a state park in the late morning
Max set up the picnic for him and Cynthia
Cynthia and Max walked past a lake
Cynthia and Max stopped to drink water on a rock

Correct Answer

A. Max set up the picnic for him and Cynthia

Explanation

B. Even though the detail about Max setting up the picnic came at the end, it was the event that happened first since he had to have set up before Cynthia came to the park because it was there before they arrived. See Lesson: Summarizing Text and Using Text Features

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49.

Read the paragraph below and answer the question. H.D.’s poem “Oread” creates a metaphorical connection between the sea and the land. In the opening lines of the poem, she writes, “Whirl up, sea—/ whirl your pointed pines.” The “pointed pines” in these lines are waves. Question: This paragraph would be improved if the author:

Stated a reason for choosing H.D.’s poetry as a topic.
Identified the source of the quotation in the second sentence.
Explained the connection between the point and the evidence.
Defined the word “metaphor” to prove an understanding of the term.

Correct Answer

A. Explained the connection between the point and the evidence.

Explanation

C. This paragraph does not fully explain the connection between the opening point and the evidence in the quotation. See Lesson: The Writing Process.

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TEAS Workbook Reading Exam 3

Consider the following chart and answer the question. Question: The value in the bottom right corner of this chart is 70.95545. This number represents:

Quiz Preview

When we discuss the ____________ of a text, we are talking about how it is organized.

Narrative writing:

Which sources are usually considered most trustworthy?

Notes about source materials within a text are called:

What is the most likely purpose of a science fiction book about genetic mutants waging war against human beings?

Study the infographic below and answer the question. Resource: The Food and Drug Administration Question: Which of the following is a sign that the infographic is credible?

Study the infographic below and answer the question. Resource: The Food and Drug Administration Question: What could a skeptical reader do to verify the facts on the infographic?

Consider the following chart and answer the question. Question: At 2.5 months, Candice is 63.5 centimeters long. Which statement about her length is correct?

What do footnotes do?

What is the best definition of the word argument in the context of reading and writing?

Readers can determine tone primarily by examining:

A(n) ____________ may contain emotional arguments and still be considered credible because its purpose is to present an argument.

Which type of evidence would not be considered credible to back up arguments in a persuasive text?

The tone of a text is:

Revising is:

In literature, a genre is a:

Which term refers to the feelings a text creates in the reader?

Which strategy is recommended during the drafting phase?

What is the most likely purpose of an article that claims some genetic research is immoral?

A source is not credible if:

Which of the following is a form of faulty reasoning?

A source is considered credible if readers can __________ it.

What type of source is an article about the latest Academy Award nominees by a Hollywood movie reviewer?

What is a mind map?