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A day with Humpbacks I sat on the deadlands of Neah Bay, Washington, and watched a mother humpback and her calf slip through the icy Pacific waters. I recognized this humpback by her distinctive tall patterns, as unique to her as my fingerprints are to me. Once, heavy hunting using harpoons decimated populations of humpbacks, but they have since started to recover. As this gray female rises to the surface, she exhales, sending up a spout nearly 20 feet high. She rolls on her side and lifts her scalloped edge flipper in salute, then slaps it on the water. I adjust my lens and take a shot. This is the only type of whale hunting I find acceptable – hunting with a camera! Which of the following statements conveys the main idea of the passage?

A. This particular humpback whale has never been seen previously by the author

B. Humpback whales travel in waters near Washington

C. Cameras and harpoons are both ways of hunting humpbacks

D. Humpbacks while populations are finally recovering after nearly being wiped out.

Answer Explanation:

Choice D conveys the main idea of the passage because it talks about the recovery of humpback whale populations after they were nearly wiped out due to heavy hunting using harpoons.

The passage describes the author's experience watching a mother humpback and her calf, and while there are other details mentioned, the main focus is on the recovery of humpback whales after sustained hunting. The other choices are not the main focus of the passage and are either incorrect or not directly related to the main idea.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Reading

  • Q #1: Beard Superiority Unlike most others who follow along with popular trends, I am able to truly see that the beard is superior to the mustache. First, you have so much more hair and space to work with when styling a beard than you do with a mustache. You can trim and cut a beard into so many styles, the Muttonchop, the Goatee, the Stubble, the Chin Strap. You can even add things to your beard, braids, beads, glitter, and color- the possibilities of what you can add to a beard are endless. There are even professional competitions that surround the stylish nature of beards. Which of the following can be inferred from the evidence given in the passage?  

    A. The writer is a professional barber

    B. Mustaches cannot easily be styled

    C. The writer enjoys having a beard

    D. No competitions exist for the best mustache

    Answer Explanation

    This choice can be inferred from the passage as the writer expresses a positive opinion about beards, highlighting various ways they can be styled and decorated.The passage suggests that the writer finds beards superior and appreciates their versatility and styling options, which implies an enjoyment of having a beard.

    The other choices are not supported by the evidence in the passage.

  • Q #2: Dear Aunt Suzanne, I have a few minutes before I get on the bus from Galway back to Dublin and wanted to tell you how my class trip to Ireland is going. We just spent 2 days on Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands, which are just off the central west coast of Ireland. We took a ferry from Galway, a ride that takes about an hour and was quite gray and stormy. For an island that is only about 12 square miles, there is a lot to do and see on this Mor! After eating steak and vegetable stew and brown bread with butter, we went to the sweater market, where all kinds of woolen products are sold. The Aran Islands are known for their wool because sheep thrive here and generations have used woolen sweaters and hats to survive long cold days of fishing on the open sea. In fact, I learned that each family or clan has its own signature knitting pattern and some are able to tell which family someone belongs to by the pattern of their sweater! The healthy pattern is an interesting combination of twists and braids and I found you a birthday souvenir with a beautiful example. The next day, we rented bicycles and toured the island. We saw ancient rums, a prehistoric hill fort, and a white sand beach. We climbed down to a mysterious rock formation known as the “wormhole,” a rectangular hole in a stone shore that fills with thrashing waves and looks like houses of a terrible serpent. The wormhole will be difficult to find, and when we stopped someone for directions, she only spoke Galect. Sometimes this island seems stuck in an earlier fame. Which of the following additional sources would have a comparable theme to the passage?

    A. An instructional book on knitting

    B. An essay about Irish agriculture

    C. A journal entry about Dublin’s food and weather

    D. A postcard sent from the Aran islands

    Answer Explanation

    A postcard from Aran Islands would have a comparable theme since the passage is about a trip to Ireland but more specifically, Aran Islands.

  • Q #3: Cicada Emergence Cicadas, those intriguing insects that emerge en masse after years of hiding underground, have captured the attention of both entomologists and the general public alike. These remarkable insects, known for their distinct chirping sounds and striking appearances, have a unique life cycle that is both fascinating and cyclical in nature. The lifecycle of cicadas is a testament to the cyclical rhythms of nature. After spending several years in nymph form beneath the earth's surface, cicadas finally emerge during certain years in massive numbers. This phenomenon, known as a "cicada emergence," has become a subject of great interest and anticipation among enthusiasts. Entomologists study the patterns of these emergences, noting the regularity with which they occur. What's even more captivating is the simultaneous surge of public interest that accompanies these cicada emergences. Communities come alive with discussions, articles, and even events centered around these creatures. It's as if cicadas have a way of bringing people together and rekindling their curiosity every few years. The cyclical nature of cicada emergences can't be denied. Just like clockwork, these insects resurface, capturing our attention and reminding us of the beauty and complexity of the natural world. As the years go by and cicadas once again retreat underground, we can rest assured that their return, much like the changing seasons, is inevitable and awaited with eager anticipation. Which of the following perspectives can be inferred from the passage?

    A. Cicadas and public interest about cicadas are global

    B. Cicadas and public interest about cicadas are cyclical

    C. Cicadas and public interest about cicadas are inspirational

    D. Cicadas and public interest about cicadas are inexplicable

    Answer Explanation

    According to the passage, the discussion about cicadas has emerged about as predictably as the cicadas themselves from their underground refuge