Practice TEAS Test Reading Related

Review Practice TEAS Test Reading related questions and content

The loss of barrier islands through erosion poses a serious challenge to many communities along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. Along with marshes and wetlands, these islands protect coastal towns from major storms. In the past seventy years, Louisiana alone has lost almost 2,000 square miles of coastal land to hurricanes and flooding. More than 100 square miles of wetlands protecting the city of New Orleans were wiped out by a single storm, Hurricane Katrina. Due to this exposure of coastal communities, recent hurricane seasons have proven the most expensive on record: annual losses since 2005 have been estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars. This unfortunate trend is likely to continue, since meteorological research shows that the Atlantic basin is in an active storm period that could continue for decades.

Which of the following choices represents the best label for this passage?

  • A. definition essay
  • B. cause/effect essay
  • C. comparison essay
  • D. persuasive essay
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The passage provides factual information and details about the loss of barrier islands due to erosion and its impact on coastal communities. It focuses on defining and describing the issue rather than analyzing causes and effects, making it best classified as a definition essay. Choice B, cause/effect essay, would require a deeper exploration into the causes and effects of the erosion. Choice C, comparison essay, would involve comparing different aspects or scenarios, which is not the focus here. Choice D, persuasive essay, aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint, which is not the purpose of this passage.