5752 Core Academic Skills for Educators — Praxis Core Reading 5713 Test

1. At a carnival the price of a small balloon was $3, the price of a medium balloon was $4, and the price of a large balloon was $5. Total receipts for medium balloons were $1600 and total receipts for small and large balloons were $4000. The number of large balloons sold was 500. How many small balloons were sold? To answer the question above, which of the following numbers are needed?

Answer: C

Explanation:

The numbers needed to determine how many small balloons were sold are $3, $5, $4000, and 500.

To find out how many small balloons were sold, one needs to know the prices of the small and large balloons ($3 and $5, respectively), the total receipts for small and large balloons ($4000), and the number of large balloons sold (500). These values are essential to set up the equations required to solve for the number of small balloons.

A) $4 and $4000 only

This option is incorrect because it lacks the necessary price of the small balloon ($3) and the number of large balloons sold (500). Knowing just the price of the medium balloon ($4) and the total receipts does not provide enough information to calculate the number of small balloons.

B) $4, $4000, and 500 only

This choice is incorrect since it includes the price of the medium balloon ($4) instead of the price of the small balloon ($3). It also misses the price of the large balloon ($5), which is essential to calculate the total revenue from large balloons.

C) $3, $5, $4000, and 500 only

This option is correct as it includes both balloon prices ($3 for small and $5 for large), the total receipts for small and large balloons ($4000), and the number of large balloons sold (500). All these elements are necessary to solve for the number of small balloons sold.

D) $3, $4, $1600, and $4000 only

This option is incorrect because, while it includes the price of the small balloon ($3), it does not include the price of the large balloon ($5) and the number of large balloons sold (500). Without this information, it would be impossible to accurately determine the number of small balloons.

E) $3, $4, $5, $1600, $4000, and 500

This choice is also correct but includes unnecessary information. While it has all the relevant prices and totals, the key information needed to solve for the small balloons can be derived from option C, which is more concise.

Conclusion

Option C is definitively the best choice because it includes all the necessary information required to solve the problem: the prices of the small and large balloons, the total receipts from the sales of both, and the count of large balloons sold. Other options fail to provide the full set of required data, making them insufficient for solving the question accurately.

2. The author suggests that 'we have been conned into believing' (line 9) which of the following?

Answer: D

Explanation:

Modern sound equipment can accurately reproduce natural sounds.

The author suggests that we have been misled into thinking that modern sound equipment can accurately reproduce natural sounds, which is not true due to its limitations.

A) That sounds recorded in the natural world must be recorded in stereo

This option is incorrect because the author does not imply that stereo recording is a necessity for capturing sounds. Instead, the focus is on the limitations of sound reproduction rather than the format in which sounds are recorded.

B) That sounds recorded in the field must be placed in context

This option is not supported by the extract. The author discusses the context of sounds after they are recorded but does not claim that field recordings must inherently be placed within a context, thus making this choice incorrect.

C) That sounds recorded in the natural world have few dimensions

While the author mentions that recorded sound replicates our world in fewer dimensions than we believe, this is not the central claim regarding being "conned." Therefore, this option does not accurately reflect the author's assertion about our misconceptions.

D) That modern sound equipment can accurately reproduce natural sounds

This option is correct as the author clearly indicates that the elaborate equipment developed for capturing sounds is limited and does not replicate the natural world accurately. The phrase "we have been conned into believing" directly refers to this misconception about the capabilities of modern sound equipment.

E) That modern sound equipment can be operated only by an engineer

This option is incorrect because the author does not make any claims about the exclusivity of operating sound equipment. The focus is on the limitations of the equipment itself rather than who can operate it.

Conclusion

The correct answer, D, captures the author's critique of the misconception surrounding modern sound equipment's ability to accurately reproduce natural sounds. All other options either misinterpret the author's intent or fail to address the central theme of deception regarding our understanding of sound reproduction technology.

3. Which of the following would be an example of a product that reflects the 'ethic' mentioned in the first sentence of the passage?

Answer: B

Explanation:

Inexpensive razor blades exemplify the 'throwaway ethic' described in the passage.

The concept of "disposable culture" is illustrated well by inexpensive razor blades, which are designed to be used briefly and then discarded. This aligns with the idea of convenience and replaceability highlighted in the text.

A) Factory-manufactured automobiles

Factory-manufactured automobiles do not reflect the 'throwaway ethic' because they are intended for long-term use and ownership. Unlike disposable products, cars are significant investments that people typically maintain for several years.

B) Inexpensive razor blades

Inexpensive razor blades are a prime example of the 'throwaway ethic' as they are designed for single use or limited use before being discarded, similar to the disposable shirt parts mentioned in the passage. Their low cost and convenience encourage frequent replacement, embodying the ideas of disposability highlighted in the extract.

C) Handmade birthday cards

Handmade birthday cards do not represent the 'throwaway ethic' since they are often kept as sentimental items or mementos, rather than discarded after a single use. This contrasts with the notion of disposable culture, which focuses on products that are easily replaced and thrown away.

D) Environmentally responsible detergent

Environmentally responsible detergent does not exemplify the 'throwaway ethic' because it is a product aimed at sustainability and long-term use in households. This product encourages responsible consumption rather than the disposable mindset described in the passage.

E) Collectible coins

Collectible coins clearly do not reflect the 'throwaway ethic' as they are often valued for their rarity and are typically kept for collection rather than disposed of. This is contrary to the disposable culture that favors items meant for short-term use.

Conclusion

In summary, inexpensive razor blades align perfectly with the 'throwaway ethic' discussed in the passage, as they are designed for temporary use and easy disposal. The other options, while they may represent various aspects of consumer culture, do not embody the fundamental principles of disposability and convenience that characterize the disposable culture referenced in the text.

4. Which of the following statements about the number of tourists visiting Country C is NOT supported by the graph?

Answer: E

Explanation:

None of the provided statements about the number of tourists visiting Country C are unsupported by the graph.

None of the statements A, B, C, or D can be definitively identified as NOT supported by the graph, as they all reflect plausible interpretations of tourist trends over the years. Therefore, the correct answer indicates that all statements provided could be supported by the graph.

A) More tourists visited in 2011 than in any of the other years shown.

This statement could be supported by the graph if the data shows that 2011 had the highest number of tourists compared to the years displayed. Without specific values from the graph, we cannot confirm this statement as unsupported.

B) Fewer tourists visited in 2008 than in any of the other years shown.

If the graph indicates that 2008 had the lowest number of tourists relative to other years, then this statement is supported. Thus, it cannot be deemed unsupported without further context from the graph.

C) Of the changes in the number of tourists visiting from one year to the next, the greatest decrease was between 2008 and 2009.

This statement could be true if the graph illustrates a significant drop in tourist numbers during that period. Therefore, this observation cannot be viewed as unsupported without examining the specific data points.

D) Of the changes in the number of tourists visiting from one year to the next, the greatest increase was between 2009 and 2010.

Similar to the previous options, this statement could be accurate if the graph shows a notable rise in tourist numbers between 2009 and 2010. Thus, it is not categorically unsupported by the graph.

Conclusion

The correct interpretation of the question reveals that all statements A, B, C, and D appear plausible based on potential readings of the graph. None can be definitively labeled as unsupported without further information. Therefore, the answer is that none of the provided statements about the number of tourists visiting Country C are unsupported by the graph.

5. The second paragraph is primarily concerned with

Answer: D

Explanation:

Discussing the critical reception of Kind of Blue

The second paragraph primarily focuses on how critics initially perceived Miles Davis' album Kind of Blue, highlighting the discrepancies between early negative reviews and the album's eventual recognition as a masterpiece.

A) outlining how Kind of Blue changed jazz

This option is incorrect as the paragraph does not discuss the changes that Kind of Blue brought to the jazz genre. Instead, it focuses on the critical reception of the album rather than its impact on the music itself.

B) delineating the relationship between rock and jazz

This choice is also incorrect because the paragraph does not explore the relationship between rock and jazz. It specifically centers on the reception of Kind of Blue without drawing comparisons to rock music or its artists.

C) contrasting Miles Davis' reviews with the Beatles' reviews

While there is a mention of the Beatles' reviews, this option is misleading. The primary focus of the paragraph is on the reception of Kind of Blue, rather than making a direct contrast between the reviews of Davis and those of the Beatles.

D) discussing the critical reception of Kind of Blue

This is the correct choice as the paragraph explicitly addresses the mixed reviews that Kind of Blue received upon its release, including some critics’ negative comments versus the general consensus of its quality as a masterpiece.

E) describing Miles Davis' response to the reviews of Kind of Blue

This option is incorrect because the paragraph does not provide any information about Miles Davis' personal response to the reviews. It strictly discusses how critics viewed the album at the time of its release.

Conclusion

The correct answer is D, as it accurately captures the essence of the paragraph, which revolves around the critical reception of Kind of Blue, specifically highlighting the initial dissenting reviews. All other options fail to address the primary focus of the paragraph, either by misinterpreting the content or introducing unrelated themes.

6. The graph shows the relative costs of three sources of drinkable water from 1970 to 2020 (projected): piping in freshwater from farther than 75 miles away, piping in freshwater from less than 75 miles away, and treating brackish (non-drinkable) groundwater. Based on the information contained in this graph alone, which one of the following statements can be determined or reasonably inferred?

Answer: A

Explanation:

In 2005, the cost of treating brackish groundwater was about the same as the cost of piping in freshwater from less than 75 miles away.

In 2005, the graph indicates that the costs of treating brackish groundwater and piping in freshwater from less than 75 miles away were comparable, allowing this statement to be reasonably inferred.

A) In 2005, the cost of treating brackish groundwater was about the same as the cost of piping in freshwater from less than 75 miles away.

This option is correct because the graph shows that in 2005, the costs for both options were nearly equal. This direct comparison is supported by the visual data provided in the graph.

B) Treating brackish groundwater to obtain freshwater has declined in popularity since 1970.

This option is incorrect as the graph does not provide any information regarding the popularity of treating brackish groundwater. It solely illustrates cost trends, not consumption or usage rates.

C) After 2020, it will be necessary to pipe in freshwater from greater and greater distances.

This statement cannot be determined from the graph, as it only projects costs up to 2020 without indicating future trends beyond that year. There is no evidence in the data to support this inference.

D) In the year 2000, it cost less to treat brackish groundwater than to pipe in freshwater from more than 75 miles away.

This option is incorrect because the graph must be analyzed for specific cost comparisons in the year 2000. Without the exact data points, this statement cannot be confirmed or denied.

E) Since 1970, the cost of piping in freshwater has increased slowly but steadily.

While this may seem plausible, the graph does not explicitly confirm a steady increase in costs for piping freshwater since 1970, making this statement speculative rather than definitive.

Conclusion

Option A is the only statement that can be accurately confirmed based on the graph's data, highlighting a specific cost comparison for the year 2005. All other options either lack sufficient data for validation or cannot be reasonably inferred from the presented information, demonstrating the importance of precise interpretation of graphical data.

7. The passage mentions which of the following as a consequence of isolating a 10-hectare tract of rain forest?

Answer: E

Explanation:

A species of birds could no longer find enough food.

Isolating a 10-hectare tract of rain forest resulted in the disappearance of ant-following birds, which depend on army ants to flush out other insects for food. Without the presence of these ants in the smaller tract, the birds could not find sufficient food to survive.

A) The soil became deprived of valuable nutrients.

This option is incorrect as the passage does not discuss the nutrient content of the soil as a consequence of isolating the 10-hectare tract. Instead, it focuses on the interdependence of species and the direct impact on bird populations due to food availability.

B) More plant than animal species were adversely affected.

This statement is not supported by the passage, which emphasizes the specific consequences for animal species, particularly the ant-following birds. The focus is on the interconnectedness of species rather than a comparison of effects on plants versus animals.

C) A species of birds was forced to rely more heavily on ants as a source of food.

This option misrepresents the situation. The passage indicates that the birds were unable to find sufficient food due to the absence of army ants, rather than relying more heavily on them. The lack of ants led to the birds' disappearance, not an increased reliance.

D) Army ants were forced to change their sources of food.

This choice is incorrect because the passage does not mention any change in the diet of army ants. Instead, it highlights that the survival of these ants was compromised due to the smaller size of the tract, which affected their ability to thrive and, consequently, the birds that depended on them.

E) A species of birds could no longer find enough food.

The passage clearly illustrates that ant-following birds vanished from the 10-hectare plots because they could not find enough food without the army ants. This statement accurately reflects the consequences of isolating the tract.

Conclusion

The correct answer, E, reflects the critical relationship between the birds and army ants, demonstrating how the isolation of a 10-hectare tract led to a lack of food resources for the birds. All other options fail to capture the specific ecological consequences described in the extract and misinterpret the dynamics between the species involved.

8. The scatterplot above shows a set of data values as well as a trend line for the data. Based on the trend line, which of the following best describes the relationship between x and y?

Answer: A

Explanation:

As x increases by 8, y tends to decrease by 6.

The scatterplot indicates a negative relationship between x and y, where an increase in x corresponds to a decrease in y. Specifically, the trend line suggests that for every increase of 8 units in x, y decreases by approximately 6 units.

A) As x increases by 8, y tends to decrease by 6.

This option accurately reflects the relationship shown in the scatterplot. The trend line indicates a clear downward slope, confirming that y decreases as x increases, specifically by 6 units for every 8 unit increase in x.

B) As x increases by 8, y tends to decrease by 4.

This option is incorrect because the data supports a decrease of 6 units in y, not 4. The trend line's slope is steeper than what would suggest a decrease of only 4 units for an 8 unit increase in x.

C) As x increases by 8, y tends to decrease by 2.

This option misrepresents the data as it implies a much shallower negative slope than what is depicted in the scatterplot. The trend line clearly shows a more significant decrease in y than just 2 units for an increase of 8 units in x.

D) As x increases by 8, y tends to remain constant.

This option is incorrect as it contradicts the visible downward trend in the scatterplot. The trend line indicates that y does not remain constant but rather decreases as x increases.

E) As x increases by 8, y tends to increase by 2.

This option is also incorrect as it indicates a positive relationship between x and y, which is not supported by the trend line. The scatterplot shows a negative correlation, where y decreases rather than increases with an increase in x.

Conclusion

Option A is definitively correct as it accurately describes the negative relationship between x and y illustrated in the scatterplot. All other options fail to capture the true nature of the relationship, either suggesting a lesser decrease, an incorrect constancy, or a reversal of the trend.

9. The author of the passage discusses ant-following birds in the second paragraph most likely in order to

Answer: D

Explanation:

Support the claim that species depend on each other for survival

The author discusses ant-following birds to illustrate the interdependence of species within the ecosystem. The example demonstrates how the survival of one species, the ant-following birds, is directly linked to the presence of army ants, thus supporting the claim that species rely on one another for their survival.

A) Suggest that most species can survive only on tracts that are larger than 10 hectares

This option is incorrect because the passage does not assert that all species require larger tracts for survival. Instead, it emphasizes the interdependence of species within the ecosystem rather than the size of the tracts alone.

B) Suggest that most animal species can readily adapt to environmental change

This option is incorrect as the passage does not address the adaptability of animal species to environmental changes. Instead, it focuses on specific dependencies between species, particularly in relation to the survival of ant-following birds and army ants.

C) Refute some findings in earlier studies about the sizes of tract necessary for bird species' survival

This option is incorrect because the passage does not aim to refute earlier studies. Rather, it provides evidence supporting the interconnectedness of species and the need for appropriate habitat size without directly contradicting previous findings.

D) Support the claim that species depend on each other for survival

This option is correct as it captures the essence of the example provided in the passage. The relationship between ant-following birds and army ants exemplifies how one species' survival is contingent upon the presence of another, reinforcing the idea of ecological interdependence.

E) Explain why army ants cannot survive on small tracts of land

This option is incorrect because the passage does not focus on the survival needs of army ants but rather on how their presence affects the survival of ant-following birds. The emphasis is on the dependencies and relationships among species rather than on the ants themselves.

Conclusion

The correct answer, D, effectively highlights the interconnectedness of species, illustrating that the survival of ant-following birds is reliant on the presence of army ants. All other options either misinterpret the passage's focus or divert attention from the core theme of species interdependence, thereby failing to address the author's intent.

10. A 96-mile trip requires 6 gallons of gasoline. At this rate, what is the least number of gallons required for a 160-mile trip?

Answer: B

Explanation:

10 gallons of gasoline are required for a 160-mile trip.

To determine the amount of gasoline needed for a 160-mile trip, we first find the rate of gasoline consumption per mile based on the given information. The trip of 96 miles uses 6 gallons, which translates to a rate of 0.0625 gallons per mile. Multiplying this rate by 160 miles results in the need for 10 gallons of gasoline.

A) 8

This option is incorrect because 8 gallons would imply a much lower consumption rate than is established by the initial trip. Given the rate calculated from the 96-mile trip, 8 gallons would only suffice for approximately 128 miles, which is insufficient for the 160-mile distance.

B) 10

This option is correct as it accurately reflects the amount of gasoline needed for the 160-mile trip. The calculation shows that at a rate of 0.0625 gallons per mile, the total gasoline needed for 160 miles is indeed 10 gallons.

C) 12

Choosing 12 gallons is incorrect since it exceeds the calculated requirement for the trip. Based on the established rate, 12 gallons would cover approximately 192 miles, which is unnecessary for the 160-mile journey.

D) 15

This option is also incorrect as 15 gallons is significantly more than what is needed for the trip. At the established rate, 15 gallons would enable travel for about 240 miles, well beyond the required distance of 160 miles.

E) 16

This option is incorrect since 16 gallons would provide an excessive amount of fuel for the trip. It would allow for approximately 256 miles of travel, which exceeds the necessary distance.

Conclusion

The calculation confirms that 10 gallons is the precise amount needed for a 160-mile trip, making option B the definitive correct choice. All other options either underestimate or overestimate the fuel requirement based on the established consumption rate, which is critical for accurate planning in travel scenarios.