ATI TEAS Version 7 - Reading

The Farallon Islands, or Devil's Teeth, as they are referred to by sailors, are a group of small islands with rocky, barren terrain and treacherous underwater currents, 48 km (30 miles) off the coast of San Francisco, California. Although the islands are small, with a combined total land area of 0.41 km2 (0.16 square miles), they are positioned in a major ocean current, which enables them to house dense populations of birds, rodents, seals, and other water mammals.

The abundance of wildlife first attracted Russian and American fur traders in the early 1800s, who then nearly eliminated the seal population in the area. The islands then became an agricultural resource for San Francisco during the Gold Rush era when egg companies began harvesting bird eggs on the islands. In 1863, violence between rival egg companies erupted on the islands (known as the "Egg War"), which inadvertently attracted national attention and provoked lawmakers to pass legislation to protect and rehabilitate the islands' natural ecosystem.

In 1881, an executive order was passed that decreed egging illegal on the Farallons. This ended private enterprises on the islands and was reinforced in 1909 when President Theodore Roosevelt created the Farallon Reservation to restrict human access and preserve the northern islands. Protection was expanded in 1967 to include all the Farallon Islands, and over time many of the islands' original inhabitants have returned.

The Farallons are now home to the world's largest population of western gulls. Seals have returned, as well as otters and sea lions, which in turn attracts great white sharks. The combination of sharks, underwater currents, and jagged coastline are probably what earned the Farallons their nickname "Devil's Teeth," though it hasn't stopped a few adventurous people from swimming. Four people have completed the 30-mile swim from the islands to San Francisco; the fastest person completed the journey in 14 hours.

Correct Answer:

The islands have sharks, choppy currents, and irregular coastline.

Explanation:

In the final paragraph of the passage, the author speculates that “the combination of sharks, underwater currents, and jagged coastline are probably what earned the Farallons their nickname ‘Devil’s Teeth.’” This clearly shows the basis for the speculation and matches the wording of this answer choice exactly, making it the strongest and most text-supported option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

In 1863, violence broke out on the islands during the Egg War.

This is a historical event related to human conflict, not geography or marine dangers. It is not presented as a reason for the nickname.

Swimming from San Francisco to the islands is very risky.

While the passage does mention the difficulty of swimming, it is not cited as the reason for the nickname "Devil’s Teeth."

They have always been called that by sailors who travel those waters.

Though the nickname is noted as used by sailors, the author does not say it has always been used or that this alone explains the name. Instead, the physical dangers are cited as the likely reason.

Attempted Assassination of Secretary Seward

DETAILS OF THE DREADFUL TRAGEDY

Official

War Department, Washington April 15, 1:30 AM. Maj. Gen. Dis. This evening at about 9:30 PM. at Ford's Theatre, the President, while sitting in his private box with Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. Hamis, and Major Rathburn was shot by an assassin, who suddenly entered the box and appeared behind the President. The assassin then. leaped upon the stage, brandishing a large dagger or knife, and made his escape in the rear of the theatre. The pistol ball entered the back of the President's head and penetrated nearly through the head. The wound is mortal The President has been insensible ever since it was inflicted, and is now dying.

The pretense of having a prescription was shown to the Secretary's sick chamber. The assassin immediately rushed to the bed, and inflicted two or three stabs on the throat and two on the face. It is hoped the wounds may not be mortal. My apprehension is that they will prove fatal.

The nurse alarmed Mr. Frederick Seward, who was in an adjoining room, and hastened to the door of his father's room, when he met the assassin, who inflicted upon him one or more dangerous wounds. The recovery of Frederick Seward is doubtful. It is not probable that the President will live throughout the night.

Gen. Grant and wife were advertised to be at the theatre this evening, but he started to Burlington at 6 o'clock this evening. At a Cabinet meeting at which Gen. Grant was present, the subject of the state of the country and the prospect of a speedy peace was discussed. The President was very cheerful and hopeful, and spoke very kindly of Gen. Lee and others of the Confederacy, and of the establishment of government in Virginia.

All the members of the Cabinet except Mr. Seward are now in attendance upon the President. I saw Mr. Seward, but he and Frederick were both unconscious.

Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War.

Correct Answer:

a) To quickly convey the most important information about a significant event

Explanation:

The presence of multiple headlines at the start of the article is likely intended to capture the reader's attention and quickly communicate key details about a major event, such as the assassination attempt. Headlines help summarize critical aspects of the story, ensuring that readers can quickly grasp the significance of the event and its impact, which is especially important in urgent or breaking news situations.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

b) To sensationalize a front-page news story

This option is incorrect because the passage does not suggest that the inclusion of many headlines is done to sensationalize the event. The goal of providing multiple headlines is more about informing and summarizing, not exaggerating or dramatizing the news for effect.

c) To incite panic in readers

This option is incorrect because the purpose of headlines is typically to inform rather than provoke panic. While the news is undoubtedly shocking, the goal is to quickly and clearly present the facts, not to induce fear or panic in the audience.

d) To fill empty space on the page

This option is incorrect because the inclusion of multiple headlines is not about filling space but about presenting important aspects of the event in a concise manner. The headlines serve a functional purpose, making the article more informative, not just occupying space on the page.

Correct Answer:

Stuck

Explanation:

The word "stuck" appears in the sentence, "Sometimes this island seems stuck in an earlier time." This is an expression of Eva's personal opinion about the timeless or old-fashioned atmosphere of Inis Mor. It is a subjective interpretation, implying that the island feels as though it hasn’t changed much with modern times. This clearly reflects Eva's viewpoint rather than an objective description.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A) Gray

The term "gray" is used to describe the stormy weather during the ferry ride. This is an objective observation of the sky or environment and not a statement of personal opinion.

B) Ancient

"Ancient" is a factual descriptor often used for ruins or artifacts that date back centuries. In this context, it refers to actual historic landmarks on the island. It does not reflect Eva’s personal opinion.

C) Prehistoric

Like "ancient," "prehistoric" is a descriptive term that indicates a time before written history. It is used to accurately categorize the hill fort visited on the trip. It’s not a subjective term or a personal opinion.

Hey there, kitchen utensil aficionados! It's Bob Thurman again, bringing you a brand-new piece of equipment for your home food station! Are you tired of your blocks of premium aged cheddar getting all crumbly when you try to slice them? Don’t you hate leaving your fingerprints in that hard stick of butter? Well, worry no more! From the company that brought you the SmackDice comes the Dairy McGrabs! You no longer have to worry about your firm, sweaty grip destroying your cheeses or your butters. All you have to do is slip on our patented heat-deflecting mitten, complete with plasti-grip palm pad, and slice your smooth dairy products with no threat of them melting or crumbling from your body heat!

Correct Answer:

To persuade the audience to buy the Dairy McGrabs

Explanation:

The infomercial is clearly a sales pitch. It introduces a problem (crumbly cheese, melting butter), then offers a product solution (the Dairy McGrabs), and provides direct instructions on how to use it. The tone is enthusiastic, but the main goal is to convince the reader to purchase the product.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

To amuse the audience with enthusiastic rhetoric

Although the tone is lively and entertaining, the primary purpose is to promote a product, not just to entertain.

To explain how the Dairy McGrabs works

This is a secondary function. The passage does include brief usage instructions, but it’s mainly there to sell the product, not provide a technical explanation.

To express frustration with common dairy food problems

Frustration is used to hook the audience, but it’s a setup, not the main purpose. The primary intent is persuasion through problem-solving.

The Table of Contents lists chapters and subtopics in the order they appear in the book, allowing readers to locate where a specific event—like the Battle of Gettysburg—is discussed. In the absence of an index, it is the most efficient textual feature for quickly finding specific historical topics or events within a textbook.

Correct Answer: Plastic makes life convenient, but its use has so many cons that its use should be reduced.

Explanation:

The passage presents a clear tension between the utility of plastic and its environmental costs. It acknowledges the convenience and durability of plastic but stresses that the vast majority of plastic—about 75%—ends up polluting landfills or the environment. The passage also highlights serious consequences of this pollution, such as the plastic island in the ocean and microplastics entering ecosystems and food supplies. This strongly supports the inference that, although plastic has advantages, its drawbacks are significant enough to warrant reducing its usage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A) The best thing about plastic is that it is recyclable, a renewable resource.

This is incorrect because the passage explicitly states that plastic is difficult to recycle and that recycled plastic often has low value and quality. Also, plastic is not a renewable resource, which further undermines this statement.

C) Most of the plastic that has been produced has been recycled.

This directly contradicts the passage, which says about 75% of plastic remains in landfills or as pollution—implying that most plastic has not been recycled.

D) If we increased production of single-use plastic packaging, more plastic would be recycled.

This is unsupported by the text. In fact, the passage suggests the opposite: that single-use plastics are among the hardest to recycle due to their low quality and value, implying that increasing their production would only worsen the problem.

The Farallon Islands, or Devil’s Teeth, as they are referred to by sailors, are a group of small islands with rocky, barren terrain and treacherous underwater currents, 48 km (30 miles) off the coast of San Francisco, California. Although the islands are small, with a combined total land area of 0.41 km² (0.16 square miles), they are positioned in a major ocean current, which enables them to house dense populations of birds, rodents, seals, and other water mammals.

The abundance of wildlife first attracted Russian and American fur traders in the early 1800s, who then nearly eliminated the seal population in the area. The islands then became an agricultural resource for San Francisco during the Gold Rush era when egg companies began harvesting bird eggs on the islands. In 1863, violence between rival egg companies erupted on the islands (known as the “Egg War”), which inadvertently attracted national attention and provoked lawmakers to pass legislation to protect and rehabilitate the islands’ natural ecosystem.

In 1881, an executive order was passed that decreed egging illegal on the Farallons. This ended private enterprises on the islands and was reinforced in 1909 when President Theodore Roosevelt created the Farallon Reservation to restrict human access and preserve the northern islands. Protection was expanded in 1967 to include all the Farallon Islands, and over time many of the islands’ original inhabitants have returned.

The Farallons are now home to the world’s largest population of western gulls. Seals have returned, as well as otters and sea lions, which in turn attracts great white sharks. The combination of sharks, underwater currents, and jagged coastline are probably what earned the Farallons their nickname “Devil’s Teeth,” though it hasn’t stopped a few adventurous people from swimming. Four people have completed the 30-mile swim from the islands to San Francisco; the fastest person completed the journey in 14 hours.



Correct Answer:

Ocean currents

Explanation:

The passage explains that although the Farallon Islands are small and barren, their position within a major ocean current allows them to support dense populations of birds, rodents, seals, and other water mammals. This shows that the presence of ocean currents plays a crucial role in making the islands a natural home for wildlife.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Human presence

This contradicts the passage. Human activities initially harmed the ecosystem (e.g., seal hunting, egg harvesting), and later efforts were made to limit human presence to help restore the environment.

Abundant land

The passage clearly states that the islands are small, totaling just 0.41 km². There is no mention of abundant land contributing to the animal population.

Lush landscape

The islands are described as rocky and barren, not lush. There is no suggestion that a rich or green landscape supports animal life there.

Correct Answer:

Emus continued destroying crops in the area throughout the 1930s and 1940s.

Explanation:

The passage states that despite the end of military action in 1932, farmers continued to ask for help in 1934, 1943, and 1948, implying the emu problem persisted. Therefore, the logical conclusion is that emus were still destroying crops during those decades, prompting repeated pleas for assistance.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A) From 1932 to 1948, the Australian government battled emus on behalf of farmers.

This is incorrect because the government only engaged militarily in 1932. It refused involvement in 1934, 1943, and 1948, as the passage clearly states.

B) After losing the support of the Australian government, farmers engaged in guerrilla warfare to combat the emus in 1934, 1943, and 1948.

This is unsupported speculation. The passage says emus adopted guerrilla-like tactics, not the farmers. There's no mention of how farmers responded beyond requesting help.

D) After losing the Great Emu War in 1932, the Australian government provided limited military support to farmers in 1934, 1943, and 1948.

This is false. The passage explicitly states the government “declined further involvement” in those years, indicating no military support was provided.

Correct Answer:

The Elkinsville Ecological Society will continue to oppose the northern expansion of the interstate.

Explanation:

The tone and content of the letter from the Chair clearly oppose the proposed expansion, particularly criticizing the politicians’ claim that it is the least environmentally damaging option. The author challenges the legitimacy of those claims and emphasizes that the project includes significant new-terrain construction, indicating the society's ongoing opposition. Therefore, it's reasonable to support the statement that the Elkinsville Ecological Society will continue opposing the expansion.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A detailed environmental study of the northern expansion of the interstate has been conducted by the Elkinsville Ecological Society.

The passage does not mention any environmental study conducted by the society. The author makes an argument against the plan but does not cite or refer to specific studies or data.

Politicians in Elkinsville will win their efforts to approve the northern expansion of the interstate highway.

The outcome of the political debate is not discussed. The passage mentions that politicians support the plan but offers no prediction or evidence that they will succeed in getting it approved.

There are no Elkinsville Environmental Society members among the city's politicians.

This is not addressed in the passage. The author critiques “politicians” in general terms, but there is no information about whether any members of the ecological society are also involved in local politics.