TEAS Reading Practice Test

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The purpose of the subtitle 'A Trivial Comedy for Serious People' in the play is to highlight the trivial nature of the characters' concerns and lives. This is evident as the play explores societal conventions and trivialities of the upper class in a comedic manner. The juxtaposition of "trivial comedy" and "serious people" suggests that the characters are preoccupied with superficial matters despite their serious social standing. This choice is correct as it aligns with the satirical nature of the play in mocking the triviality of the characters' lives. Summary: A: Incorrect. The subtitle does not emphasize the seriousness of the social critique. B: Incorrect. The subtitle does not downplay the seriousness but rather highlights the triviality. D: Incorrect. The subtitle does not focus on the absurdity of taking serious matters lightly, but on the trivial nature of the characters' concerns.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the passage describes the narrator gaining favor with the emperor and experiencing cultural entertainment. This is evident from the narrator's interactions with the emperor and court, as well as their participation in cultural activities. The passage focuses on the narrator's experiences and impressions, making it clear that the main point is their growing favor and exposure to cultural entertainment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the central theme of the narrator's personal experiences and interactions with the emperor and court. Choice B introduces a specific event of a dance competition, which is not the main focus of the passage. Choice C refers to candidates for high offices being trained in rope-dancing, which is not mentioned in the passage. Choice D mentions various entertainments of the emperor's court but does not capture the essence of the narrator's personal journey and cultural experiences described in the passage.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because discussing aquatic insects in relation to those that spend their entire lives in the air helps emphasize the adaptability and complexity of insect life cycles. By showcasing the different environments in which insects thrive, the author underscores the diverse ways insects have evolved to survive and reproduce. Choice B is incorrect because the purpose is not to compare the two types of insects but rather to highlight their unique characteristics. Choice C is incorrect as the focus is not on the shared features but on the differences between the two environments. Choice D is incorrect because the purpose is not to question the validity of studying insects in one environment but to showcase the diversity and complexity of insect life cycles.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Literary analysis of fictional texts. When students study character development, setting, and plot, they are engaging in analyzing elements of literature to understand the deeper meaning and themes of the text. This involves examining how characters evolve, the environment in which the story takes place, and the sequence of events that drive the narrative forward. Word analysis (A) focuses on vocabulary and language structure, points of view (B) refer to the perspective from which the story is told, and fluency (D) pertains to reading smoothly and accurately. These options are not directly related to the in-depth examination of literary elements present in fictional texts.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The purpose of the repetition in the passage is to emphasize Mr. Utterson's anguish in failing to identify Hyde's whereabouts. The phrase "toiling mind" and "toiling in mere darkness" convey a sense of struggle and mental torment. By repeating the word "toiling," the author intensifies the feeling of inner turmoil and frustration Mr. Utterson is experiencing. This repetition underscores the difficulty and complexity of his task, highlighting his emotional state of anguish and confusion. A: Incorrect. The repetition does not specifically demonstrate Mr. Lanyon's mental state. B: Incorrect. The repetition does not highlight church bells, but rather Mr. Utterson's mental state. C: Incorrect. The repetition does not reflect Mr. Utterson's ambivalence, but rather his anguish.