Free MCAT Practice Test 004 – Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

Q6: What does the conclusion of the passage suggest?

A. There is no point in researching fluorescent proteins nowadays.

B. Scientists know nothing about how fluorescent proteins work.

C. Fluorescent proteins were the subject of a Nobel Prize.

D. Further research could be conducted on fluorescent proteins.

The correct answer is D:

Further research could be conducted on fluorescent proteins.

Explanation:

The conclusion is given in the final sentence of the passage and states that the subject is still open.

Q7: Which statement would be supported by the knowledge that out of the women who took part in the socioeconomic survey, 2% were from a minority background?

A. There are not enough minority respondents to make conclusions comparing ethnicity.

B. There are enough minority respondents to draw conclusions based on ethnicity.

C. There is no need to obtain more responses from minority groups.

D. There are enough minority respondents to draw conclusions based on wealth.

The correct answer is A:

There are not enough minority respondents to make conclusions comparing ethnicity.

Explanation:

More responses from minority mothers are needed to make solid comparisons based on ethnicity.

Q8: Does the tone of the passage support breastfeeding?

A. No, the author states that formula is more nutritious.

B. Yes, the author states that breast milk is the only way to provide infants with sufficient nutrition.

C. No, the author implies that there are too many problems associated with breastfeeding.

D. Yes, the author talks positively about breastfeeding.

The correct answer is D:

Yes, the author talks positively about breastfeeding.

Explanation:

In the first sentence, the author states that breast milk is the best form of nutrition and also demonstrates support for breastfeeding through the use of the word “unfortunately” at the start of the second sentence.

Q9: Based on the information in the passage, would a mother with a supportive family environment be more or less likely to continue breastfeeding for a full year?

A. She would be less likely because there are many more influential factors that stop mothers breastfeeding.

B. She would be more likely because lack of support was one of the top three reasons for mothers stopping breastfeeding.

C. It is impossible to say because the survey only looked at mothers who stopped breastfeeding after 4 months.

D. She would be more likely because family would be able to help with feeding.

The correct answer is B:

She would be more likely because lack of support was one of the top three reasons for mothers stopping breastfeeding.

Explanation:

Lack of support was one of the top three reasons mothers said they stopped breastfeeding. Although the survey only questioned mothers who had stopped breastfeeding after 4 months, the results imply that a more supportive environment would make them more likely to continue breastfeeding.

Q10: According to the passage, if the Department of Health specifically wants to increase the minimum length of breastfeeding time, on whom should they focus their campaign?

A. the whole population

B. women from affluent backgrounds

C. women from poor backgrounds

D. minority groups

The correct answer is D:

minority groups

Explanation:

The passage states that minority groups from poor backgrounds tend to breastfeed for the least amount of time and also highlights the importance of cultural differences. These factors imply that minority groups would need to be primarily considered when developing a campaign.

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