Reading Flashcards

Dog : dog /dawg/ {noun} a domesticated cadid, bred in many varieties. Which form of meaning is illustrated by the example here?

Answer: Denotative

The example provides a dictionary definition of 'dog,' including its pronunciation, part of speech, and a literal description. This type of meaning, which refers to the literal or primary sense of a word, is known as its denotative meaning. Connotative meaning, in contrast, refers to the associated feelings or ideas a word suggests.

Where in a passage is the summary usually found?

Answer: Within the last paragraph

A summary typically provides a concise overview of the main points and conclusions of a text. In most academic and formal writing, this synthesis and restatement of key information is found within the last paragraph, which serves as the conclusion. This placement allows the author to reiterate their argument or findings effectively.

What kind of source is a picture in a textbook regarded as?

Answer: Secondary

A secondary source is an account or interpretation of primary sources. A picture in a textbook is typically a reproduction or representation of an original image or object, used to illustrate or support the textbook's narrative or analysis. The textbook itself is a secondary source, and the images within it serve a similar function, making them secondary in this context.

Which of the following sources of information is the most slanted?

Answer: An online forum discussing the best ways to study for the TEAS

A 'slanted' source is one that is biased or presents information from a particular viewpoint, often without full objectivity. An online forum discussing study methods is highly likely to be slanted because it comprises individual opinions, personal experiences, and anecdotal evidence, which are inherently subjective and can lack factual verification or balanced perspectives. Other options generally aim for more objective or factual reporting.

What kind of source is a prehistoric artifact?

Answer: Primary

A primary source is an original document or physical object created at the time under study, offering direct evidence. A prehistoric artifact, such as a tool, pottery, or artwork from a past era, is an original item from that period. Therefore, it serves as direct evidence for historical or archaeological study, classifying it as a primary source.

What of the following constitutes a tertiary source?

Answer: Both a and b

Tertiary sources compile, index, or summarize information from secondary sources. Both an almanac and an encyclopedia fit this description, as they provide broad overviews, summaries, and factual data drawn from numerous other sources rather than presenting original research or direct analysis of primary materials. Therefore, both 'a' and 'b' are correct examples of tertiary sources.

What kind of text most closely resembles an academic essay?

Answer: Expository

An academic essay primarily aims to explain, describe, or argue a particular point or topic, often supported by evidence and analysis. This purpose aligns most closely with an 'expository' text, which is designed to inform, explain, or clarify. Narrative texts tell stories, procedural texts give instructions, and technical texts provide detailed information, but expository best captures the explanatory nature of academic essays.

A student is doing research for a term paper on nursing. Where should a student look first when searching online for reliable, peer-reviewed information?

Answer: Online database

Online databases, such as academic or library databases, are specifically curated to provide access to scholarly articles, journals, and research papers. These resources are typically peer-reviewed, meaning experts in the field have vetted the information for accuracy and credibility. This makes them the most reliable source for academic research, unlike general search engines or online encyclopedias which may contain unverified information.

The ship moaned in the storm as she battled the ocean's waves. What kind of metaphorical expression is this?

Answer: Personification

Personification is a literary device where human qualities or actions are attributed to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. In the sentence, the ship is described as 'moaning' and 'battling,' which are actions and emotions typically associated with humans. This technique gives life to the ship and creates a more vivid and engaging image for the reader.

What is the name of the source that contains a number of maps?

Answer: Atlas

An atlas is a collection of maps, usually bound into a book or presented as a digital resource. Its primary purpose is to provide comprehensive geographical information, including physical features, political boundaries, and thematic data. Therefore, it is the definitive source for finding a compilation of maps.

Which of the following best sums up the author's perspective?

Answer: The increase in popularity of diesel cars in the United States is clearly due to increasing gas prices.

To identify the author's perspective, one looks for a statement that expresses a clear viewpoint, opinion, or argument rather than just a fact. This option presents a strong causal claim, asserting that the increase in diesel car popularity is 'clearly due to increasing gas prices.' This definitive link between two factors represents a specific interpretation and argument, characteristic of an author's perspective.

You come across a vocabulary term with a superscript while reading a textbook. You want to find out more about it. Where should you start looking?

Answer: The textbook's footnote

A superscript in a textbook typically indicates a footnote, which provides additional information, clarification, or a source citation at the bottom of the page. Footnotes are specifically designed to elaborate on or reference content marked with a superscript in the main text. Therefore, to find out more about a term marked with a superscript, the footnote is the most direct and intended place to look.

What kind of source is a diary?

Answer: Primary

A diary is considered a primary source because it is a firsthand account written by someone who directly experienced or observed the events described. It offers an immediate, personal perspective from the time period it was created. Primary sources are original materials that have not been interpreted or analyzed by others.

Which passage type is most likely to have dialogue?

Answer: Narrative

A narrative passage tells a story or recounts a sequence of events, often involving characters and their interactions. Dialogue, which is the spoken exchange between characters, is a fundamental element of storytelling and is therefore most commonly found in narrative passages. It helps to advance the plot, reveal character, and make the story more engaging.

In a textbook, which section should you look to get the definition of a term?

Answer: Glossary

A glossary is a list of specialized terms with their definitions, typically found at the end of a book or textbook. Its purpose is to provide quick and easy access to the meanings of important vocabulary used within that specific text. Therefore, when looking for the definition of a term within a textbook, the glossary is the most appropriate section to consult.

Which argument would the opponent's character be addressed by the major evidence?

Answer: Ad Hominem

An *ad hominem* fallacy is a type of argument that attacks the character, motive, or other attribute of an opponent rather than addressing the substance of their argument. The term 'ad hominem' literally means 'to the person' in Latin. Therefore, if the major evidence addresses the opponent's character, it aligns perfectly with the definition of an *ad hominem* argument.

What text elements frequently appear outside the main text?

Answer: Both a and b

Sidebars are blocks of text set apart from the main body, often providing supplementary information, related facts, or interesting anecdotes. Footnotes, indicated by superscripts, offer additional details, explanations, or source citations at the bottom of a page. Both elements serve to enhance the main text but are presented separately from its continuous flow, making them 'outside the main text'.

When you see a citation in a paper, you may be curious about the original source. Where should you start looking?

Answer: Bibliography

A bibliography (also known as 'Works Cited' or 'References') is a list of all the sources an author has consulted or cited in their work. When you see a citation in a paper, the bibliography provides the full details of that source, allowing you to locate and examine the original material. It serves as a comprehensive guide to the research underpinning the paper.

From a primitive form of exercise to a sophisticated leisure and competitive sport, swimming has evolved. Swimming is a demanding sport that calls for extensive training because it works almost all of the muscles in the body. In competitions, swimmers compete to cover a specified distance in the shortest amount of time using a particular swimming stroke. Additionally, swimmers train to increase their stamina and capacity for long swims. It is interesting to consider how swimming will develop for people in the future, either advancing into a progressive purpose or regressing to a primal mode of movement, because swimming has developed into a highly intricate competitive sport where one incorrect technique can disqualify a participant. What word or phrase best describes the structure of this passage?

Answer: An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future implications.

The passage begins by tracing swimming's evolution from a 'primitive form of exercise' to a 'sophisticated leisure and competitive sport.' It then narrows its focus to the specific demands and techniques of competitive swimming. Finally, the passage expands its scope to consider 'how swimming will develop for people in the future,' explicitly discussing 'future implications' like advancing or regressing, thus fitting the described structure.

From a primitive form of exercise to a sophisticated leisure and competitive sport, swimming has evolved. Swimming is a demanding sport that calls for extensive training because it works almost all of the muscles in the body. In competitions, swimmers compete to cover a specified distance in the shortest amount of time using a particular swimming stroke. Additionally, swimmers train to increase their stamina and capacity for long swims. It is interesting to consider how swimming will develop for people in the future, either advancing into a progressive purpose or regressing to a primal mode of movement, because swimming has developed into a highly intricate competitive sport where one incorrect technique can disqualify a participant. Which of the following scenarios would result in swimming as predicted by the author?

Answer: Humans settling on the moon use swimming techniques to move through space.

The author speculates about swimming's future, asking if it will advance into a 'progressive purpose' or regress. The scenario of 'Humans settling on the moon use swimming techniques to move through space' represents a highly advanced, novel, and 'progressive purpose' for swimming, aligning with the author's forward-looking speculation about its evolution beyond current forms. This option best reflects a significant future implication.