Topic questions on ATI TEAS can be one of two types: (1) differentiate between a topic, theme, main idea, and supporting details, (2) identify the topic sentence or summary sentence of a paragraph or passage.
The topic of a passage is the overall general subject the passage is addressing. The topic sentence can be located anywhere in the passage. Often this sentence is the first sentence, second sentence, or last sentence in the first paragraph of the passage.
Summary sentences are concluding sentences that reiterate the main idea of the passage. Summary sentences may also have a conclusion based on information given in the passage.
Example 1
CPR, also known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is the American Heart Association’s started for attempting to save someone’s life. It is a method used when a patient’s heart has stopped beating.
Most all approaches of CPR begin with resuscitation efforts via chest compressions. In order to perform chest compressions, the rescuer begins by placing both hands flat on the sternum of the patient’s chest and begins pushing down consistently and firmly at equal intervals. Compressions are counted with an unofficial recommendation of 100 chest compressions per minute.
Which of the following sentences is the topic sentence for paragraph two?
A. Most all approaches of CPR begin with resuscitation efforts via chest compressions.
B. Compressions are counted with an unofficial recommendation of 100 chest compressions per minute
C. In order to perform chest compressions, the rescuer begins by placing both hands flat on the sternum of the patient’s chest and begins pushing down consistently and firmly at equal intervals.
The correct answer is A. Paragraph two focuses on how to give chest compressions.
Choice B, C, and D reflect supporting details of the paragraph.
UNDERSTANDING MAIN IDEA
Main idea questions refer to the overall content of a passage. This is the general point of the passage or the “overall picture.” The main idea answer cannot be too broad or too specific.
Example 1
CPR, also known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is the American Heart Association’s started for attempting to save someone’s life. It is a method used when a patient’s heart has stopped beating.
Most all approaches of CPR begin with resuscitation efforts via chest compressions. In order to perform chest compressions, the rescuer begins by placing both hands flat on the sternum of the patient’s chest and begins pushing down consistently and firmly at equal intervals. Compressions are counted with an unofficial recommendation of 100 chest compressions per minute.
What is the passages main idea?
How to administer CPR techniques
Various ways that people learn about CPR
Present a review of how people can use CPR daily
Focuses on several ways to save people in danger
The correct answer is A. The passage mainly focuses on how to administer CPR.
UNDERSTANDING AND IDENTIFYING PURPOSE
Understanding and identifying purpose questions will test the user’s knowledge of purpose of a whole passage or part of a passage. The answer choices usually start with the word “to.” For example, the passage may ask, “Why did the author mention ______?” The answer choices would all give reasons for why that detail could have been mentioned.
Example 1
Adopting a dog is a fine thig to do, because many wonderful homeless dogs benefit, and because people benefit from their companionship, unconditional love, beauty, and entertainment value. However, if you have never cared for a dog before, there are some things to consider. If you are away at work all day, you should look into getting two puppies or dogs that get along well and will keep each other company. A pet should be compatible with you in personality and temperament. Do you want a “couch potato” dog or an energetic, playful pet? Puppies are a lot of fun, but their high energy levels and changing nutritional needs mean they require more attention, and puppy immunizations can be expensive. Adult dogs are a better choice if you want a calmer, more relaxed pet that has already learned the basics of self-care and socialization. You must be prepared for the serious commitment of time, attention, and money that goes along with caring for a pet as a family member for 10 to 20 years.
What is the author’s main purpose?
To compare and contrast the behaviors of different dogs
To argue in favor of adopting adult dogs instead of puppies
To give the reader advice to consider adopting dogs
To persuade more people that they should adopt homeless dogs
The correct answer is C. The author’s primary purpose in this passage is to give advice about things that readers should consider before adopting a dog (or dogs).
Choice A is incorrect because the author contrasts the energetic puppy vs the “couch potato” dog but is not the main purpose.
Choice B is incorrect because the author does not argue in favor of adopting either adult dogs or puppies but mentions a few pros and cons of each.
Choice D is incorrect because the author does suggest that adoption will benefit homeless dogs, but the primary purpose of the passage does not persuade more people to adopt dogs versus puppies.
UNDERSTANDING AND IDENTIFYING DETAILS
Understanding and identifying detail questions require understanding specific facts from the passage. These facts are smaller issues raised during passage rather than the “overall picture.” The often begin with a phrase such as “According to the author,” and typically ask “how” and “what” questions.
Important Note: detail questions are always given directly in the passage.
Example 1
CPR, also known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is the American Heart Association’s started for attempting to save someone’s life. It is a method used when a patient’s heart has stopped beating.
Most all approaches of CPR begin with resuscitation efforts via chest compressions. In order to perform chest compressions, the rescuer begins by placing both hands flat on the sternum of the patient’s chest and begins pushing down consistently and firmly at equal intervals. Compressions are counted with an unofficial recommendation of 100 chest compressions per minute. The goal of CPR is to help an unresponsive person start breathing again.
According to the passage, what is the goal of CPR?
To prevent a person who has lost consciousness from drowning
To help an unconscious person regain consciousness
To help an unresponsive person start breathing again
To help an unresponsive person become mobile again
The correct answer is C. The detail question asks you to identify the goal of CPR, according to the passage. The paragraph states that the goal of CPR is to help an unresponsive person start breathing on his or her own. The correct answer is stated directly in the passage.
ATI TEAS READING QUIZ REVIEW TWO
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Question 1 of 8
1. Question
Saltwater fish and freshwater fish are related, but their natural environments prove rather distinctive. In terms of being kept as pets, freshwater fish require less maintenance. They live in water that can be adapted from tap water, and they can be kept in many different types of containers in addition to aquariums. Saltwater fish, on the other hand, require a specific type of salt-infused water. Careful watch of the pH balance of the water must also be maintained.
Which of the following describes the phrase fresh versus saltwater fish as it relates to the passage?
Correct
The correct answer is B. Fresh versus saltwater fish is the general topic of this passage.
Incorrect
The correct answer is B. Fresh versus saltwater fish is the general topic of this passage.
Question 2 of 8
2. Question
Laurel Hill Botanic Gardens is pleased to announce the installation of the sculpture series by Laurel Hill artist-in-residence, Darryl C. Grant. The installation features mixed-media sculptures emphasizing the floral designs prominent in Mr. Grant’s paintings, many of which are also on exhibit in the Michael and Frieda Sachs Viewing Room.
The sculpture exhibit will open at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 5. The Botanic Gardens’ art curator, Jessalyn Jones, will present an overview of the sculptures and lead a guided tour of the installation. The opening ceremony will end with refreshments served in the Nature Observatory from 2:00–3:00 p.m.
This is a members-only event. All Botanic Gardens members and their guests are invited to attend. Tickets are $50.00 per person and can be purchased at the registration desk beginning Monday, May 5.
Is floral designs a topic, main idea, supporting detail, or theme of the above announcement?
Correct
The correct answer is C. Floral designs is a supporting detail of this announcement. The announcement mentions in the first paragraph that the installation features sculptures emphasizing the floral designs prominent in Mr. Grant’s paintings.
Incorrect
The correct answer is C. Floral designs is a supporting detail of this announcement. The announcement mentions in the first paragraph that the installation features sculptures emphasizing the floral designs prominent in Mr. Grant’s paintings.
Question 3 of 8
3. Question
The current tests for measuring IQ, or an individual’s intelligence quotient, were developed during the early and mid-twentieth century. Their use was popularized by Terman, who designed specific tests for use in the U.S. Army. Some psychologists today assert that the traditional system of measuring IQ should remain the sole method of assessing intelligence. Historically, the test has been constructed based on the assumption that there exists one general intelligence factor that impacts an individual’s intellectual capacity.
The validity of this assumption has been challenged by other psychologists. In particular, Howard Gardner has emphasized that a unified conception of intelligence based on a single factor remains highly limited and unnecessarily constraining. Gardner has postulated an alternative theory concerning the existence of multiple intelligences. He posits that individuals can possess intelligence in particular areas, including linguistic intelligence, spiritual intelligence, spatial intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, musical intelligence, mathematical intelligence, and kinesthetic intelligence, among others. Gardner asserts that individuals can be extremely intelligent and exhibit talent in one area, while failing to demonstrate the same level of prowess in another area. His theory has been discussed widely, although efforts to obtain empirical evidence to support his ideas remain in process.
Which of the following best states the main idea of the passage?
Correct
The correct answer is B. The passage describes Gardner’s theory and indicates that it focuses on the idea of multiple intelligences. Choice C is incorrect because the passage does not address this topic directly.
Incorrect
The correct answer is B. The passage describes Gardner’s theory and indicates that it focuses on the idea of multiple intelligences. Choice C is incorrect because the passage does not address this topic directly.
Question 4 of 8
4. Question
Historically, the study of creativity has concentrated on persons known for their innovation. Early creativity studies focused on creative “geniuses,” such as Einstein, Mozart, or Shakespeare. This type of creativity is known as “Big C” creativity. However, as research on creativity progressed, a corresponding interest in how people could be creative in smaller ways—on an everyday basis—emerged in the discipline. Scholars began to investigate how ordinary tasks, such as cleaning, driving particular familiar routes, and completing work and schoolwork, could be conducted in innovative ways. This focus of creativity research has been labeled “little c” creativity.
Which sentence best describes the main idea of this passage?
Correct
The correct answer is C. The main idea of the passage is that the study of creativity addresses both “Big C” and “little c” types of creativity. The passage focuses mainly on the study of creativity, not on defining what creativity is, so choice A can be eliminated. Choice B presents a supporting detail of the passage.
Incorrect
The correct answer is C. The main idea of the passage is that the study of creativity addresses both “Big C” and “little c” types of creativity. The passage focuses mainly on the study of creativity, not on defining what creativity is, so choice A can be eliminated. Choice B presents a supporting detail of the passage.
Question 5 of 8
5. Question
Christopher Columbus was particularly influenced by the maps of the ancient geographer Ptolemy. Ptolemy argued that the world was round, which went against the belief of the day that the world was flat. Columbus sided with Ptolemy on this question and set out to prove that it was so.
At the time it was widely held that sailing west from Europe would lead to certain death. Believing that the world was round, Columbus thought that one who sailed west would wind up in the east. Other scientists of the day rejected this idea, so Columbus wrote to a respected Italian scholar, Paolo Toscanelli, to ask for his opinion on the matter.
Toscanelli supported the idea of Columbus’s trip and sent word back to Columbus in 1474. After receiving Toscanelli’s encouragement, Columbus focused all of his thoughts and plans on traveling westward. To make the journey, he would require the help of a generous financial backer, so he went to seek the aid of the king of Portugal. Columbus asked the king for ships and sailors to make the journey. In return, he promised to bring back wealth and to help to convert natives living on the lands to the Church. Portugal refused, and Columbus approached Italy unsuccessfully as well. He went to Spain next.
Queen Isabella of Spain agreed to support the journey. It took some time for Columbus to convince her, but he did succeed, and she paid for the trip. Part of what led the queen to believe in Columbus was the way that he focused on his goal for such a long time with great intent. He spent the best years of his life working toward his dream, remaining persistent and determined. Legend has it that even during his first voyage, members of his crew became frightened and uncertain, wanting to return home, but Columbus pressed on. The eventual discovery of the Americas was the reward for his commitment.
More than 500 years later, the geography of the world is often taken for granted, but Columbus was an early visionary whose results proved at least some of his theories correct.
What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?
Correct
The correct answer is D. Ptolemy is only briefly mentioned in the passage’s first paragraph and is not contrasted theory-wise with Columbus; hence, choice A is incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because nowhere does the author suggest that Columbus did not discover the Americas. Finally, this passage does not concern the regrets of Columbus, but rather his discovery of the Americas, indicating that choice C is incorrect.
Incorrect
The correct answer is D. Ptolemy is only briefly mentioned in the passage’s first paragraph and is not contrasted theory-wise with Columbus; hence, choice A is incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because nowhere does the author suggest that Columbus did not discover the Americas. Finally, this passage does not concern the regrets of Columbus, but rather his discovery of the Americas, indicating that choice C is incorrect.
Question 6 of 8
6. Question
The Beatles influenced the genre of rock and roll just as Beethoven expanded the genre of the symphony. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr expanded the public’s understanding of their musical genre and reclassified it as an anthem for rebellion. Their music transformed into the hippies’ theme songs of the sixties. Beethoven similarly altered the public’s understanding of the symphony. His addition of a chorus in the last movement of the Ninth Symphony attests to this feat.
Which of the following reflects the primary purpose of the passage?
Correct
The correct answer is C. The passage explains how the Beatles’ compositional style challenged and expanded the genre of rock and roll. The passage uses Beethoven as an example of a musician who accomplished a similar feat in his genre.
Incorrect
The correct answer is C. The passage explains how the Beatles’ compositional style challenged and expanded the genre of rock and roll. The passage uses Beethoven as an example of a musician who accomplished a similar feat in his genre.
Question 7 of 8
7. Question
Christopher Columbus was particularly influenced by the maps of the ancient geographer Ptolemy. Ptolemy argued that the world was round, which went against the belief of the day that the world was flat. Columbus sided with Ptolemy on this question and set out to prove that it was so.
At the time it was widely held that sailing west from Europe would lead to certain death. Believing that the world was round, Columbus thought that one who sailed west would wind up in the east. Other scientists of the day rejected this idea, so Columbus wrote to a respected Italian scholar, Paolo Toscanelli, to ask for his opinion on the matter.
Toscanelli supported the idea of Columbus’s trip and sent word back to Columbus in 1474. After receiving Toscanelli’s encouragement, Columbus focused all of his thoughts and plans on traveling westward. To make the journey, he would require the help of a generous financial backer, so he went to seek the aid of the king of Portugal. Columbus asked the king for ships and sailors to make the journey. In return, he promised to bring back wealth and to help to convert natives living on the lands to the Church. Portugal refused, and Columbus approached Italy unsuccessfully as well. He went to Spain next.
Queen Isabella of Spain agreed to support the journey. It took some time for Columbus to convince her, but he did succeed, and she paid for the trip. Part of what led the queen to believe in Columbus was the way that he focused on his goal for such a long time with great intent. He spent the best years of his life working toward his dream, remaining persistent and determined. Legend has it that even during his first voyage, members of his crew became frightened and uncertain, wanting to return home, but Columbus pressed on. The eventual discovery of the Americas was the reward for his commitment.
More than 500 years later, the geography of the world is often taken for granted, but Columbus was an early visionary whose results proved at least some of his theories correct.
Which country was responsible for funding Columbus’s voyage to the Americas?
Correct
The correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect because while Italy is the first county mentioned in the passage, and an Italian man named Toscanelli supported Columbus’ travel idea, the passage never mentions Italy’s financial support of Columbus. Choice D is incorrect because the passage specifically says that Portugal refused to financially support Columbus.
Incorrect
The correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect because while Italy is the first county mentioned in the passage, and an Italian man named Toscanelli supported Columbus’ travel idea, the passage never mentions Italy’s financial support of Columbus. Choice D is incorrect because the passage specifically says that Portugal refused to financially support Columbus.
Question 8 of 8
8. Question
Music can have a significant positive influence on individuals in many different circumstances. Persons who must spend time recuperating in the hospital are frequently soothed by the presence of soft music. Babies are trained to respond to auditory noises through the use of music. Persons going through emotional difficulties such as grief frequently listen to and create music as a means of dealing with issues they are experiencing. Even people who simply need a short respite from the stresses of the day often use music as a calming and coping mechanism.
According to the passage, what can happen when a baby is exposed to music on a regular basis?
Correct
The correct answer is C. The passage suggests that babies who are exposed to music on a regular basis can learn to respond to noises. Choice A is incorrect because the passage explicitly mentions how music can foster auditory training in infants.
Incorrect
The correct answer is C. The passage suggests that babies who are exposed to music on a regular basis can learn to respond to noises. Choice A is incorrect because the passage explicitly mentions how music can foster auditory training in infants.
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