Which of the following is not an example of something that the author of Passage 1 states might be found in a fairy tale?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The author of Passage 1 mentions trolls, elves, giants, and talking animals as examples of imaginary creatures found in fairy tales. However, witches are not specifically mentioned. Therefore, witches are not an example of something the author states might be found in a fairy tale in Passage 1. Choice B is the correct answer. Choice A, trolls, Choice C, talking animals, and Choice D, giants, are all examples provided by the author in the passage, making them incorrect answers.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The word 'disconfirmed' can be understood by breaking down 'disconfirm,' where 'dis' indicates 'not' and 'confirm' means 'to prove.' Therefore, 'disconfirmed' means 'not proven,' which aligns with the meaning of 'disproven.' In the given passage, it is mentioned that evidence can disprove a hypothesis, not necessarily prove it. This supports the synonymity between 'disconfirmed' and 'disproven.' Choice A ('proven') is incorrect because 'proven' is the opposite of 'disconfirmed.' Choice B ('dissipated') is incorrect as it means to disappear or scatter, not related to disproving a hypothesis. Choice C ('distilled') is incorrect as it means to purify a liquid through heating and cooling, not related to proving or disproving hypotheses.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: An automobile with eighteen wheels contradicts the hypothesis that 'All automobiles have only four wheels.' This contradiction reduces the probability that the hypothesis is true. The hypothesis is not proven by the presence of an eighteen-wheel automobile, nor does it raise the probability of the hypothesis being true. Instead, it directly challenges the hypothesis, leading to a decrease in its probability of being correct.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. This sentence is the best summary statement for the entire passage because it succinctly captures the main idea of the author's discussion about the Bermuda Triangle. It highlights the lack of concrete evidence found by researchers regarding the mysterious occurrences in the Bermuda Triangle, effectively summarizing the overall tone and content of the passage. Choice A talks about the increased odds of accidents but does not capture the essence of the passage. Choice B discusses the navigational regions and the possibility of accidents, which is not the central theme of the passage. Choice C mentions the challenge of defining the Bermuda Triangle's area, which is a detail rather than a summary of the passage.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Choice C, 'The increase in ships from East Asia no doubt contributes to an increase in accidents,' represents an opinion statement made by the author. This statement reflects the author's belief or judgment about the impact of increased ships from East Asia on the occurrence of accidents in the Bermuda Triangle. The other choices, A, B, and D, provide factual information or general statements without expressing a personal opinion. Choice A discusses a potential consequence of a larger Bermuda Triangle, choice B highlights the cultural significance and difficulty in discerning truth about the Bermuda Triangle, and choice D describes the commonly accepted geographical boundaries of the Bermuda Triangle. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer as it represents an opinion statement on the part of the author.