Practice TEAS Test Reading

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: encountering an automobile with eighteen wheels disproves the hypothesis 'All automobiles have only four wheels'. This is because the hypothesis states that all automobiles have only four wheels, but encountering an automobile with eighteen wheels contradicts this statement. Therefore, it directly falsifies the hypothesis, proving it to be incorrect. Explanation of other choices: A: It proves the hypothesis - This is incorrect because encountering an automobile with eighteen wheels disproves the hypothesis rather than proving it. B: It raises the hypothesis's probability - This is incorrect because encountering an automobile with eighteen wheels does not increase the likelihood of the hypothesis being true. D: It decreases the hypothesis's probability - This is incorrect because encountering an automobile with eighteen wheels directly disproves the hypothesis, rather than simply decreasing its probability.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The purpose of italics in the sentence is to identify full-length published books. Italics are typically used to differentiate titles of long works such as books, plays, and movies. In this case, the italicized works are likely to be complete books rather than excerpts or short stories. Other choices are incorrect because B does not capture the general category of all the works, C is too specific and unrelated to the content, and D does not make sense as italics are not used to indicate personal completion.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Wikipedia. Wikipedia is not a reliable resource for a research paper because it can be edited by anyone, leading to potential inaccuracies and bias. On the other hand, The New York Times, a personal interview with a politician, and a medical journal are more reliable sources as they undergo editorial review and fact-checking processes. The New York Times is a reputable news organization, a personal interview provides firsthand information, and a medical journal undergoes rigorous peer review. In summary, Wikipedia lacks the same level of credibility and reliability as the other options due to its open editing nature.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: headings and subheadings. Headings and subheadings are text features that help organize the passage by providing a clear structure and guiding the reader through different sections. They act as signposts, indicating the main ideas and subtopics within the text. This helps the reader to navigate the content easily and understand the flow of information. Choice B (superscripts) is typically used for references or citations and not for organizing the passage. Choice C (diagrams) is a visual aid and not a text feature for organizing written content. Choice D (labels and footnotes) are used to provide additional information or clarify specific points within the text, but they do not serve the primary purpose of organizing the passage like headings and subheadings do.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a hypothesis stating 'All x are y' is falsified if something that is y but not x is found. This is because the hypothesis claims that all instances of x are also instances of y, so if something is y but not x, it contradicts the hypothesis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly address the logical structure of the hypothesis in question, which specifically focuses on the relationship between x and y. Choice A talks about something that is neither x nor y, which is irrelevant. Choice B mentions something that is both x and y, which does not necessarily disprove the hypothesis. Choice C discusses something that is x but not y, which also does not directly contradict the hypothesis.