tsia2 reading and writing practice test 1

A placement test used in Texas to assess a student's readiness for college-level coursework in math, reading, and writing.

Constructed in 1889 of thousands of tons of iron, millions visit the Eiffel Tower which is a beloved landmark of modern Paris.
  • A. millions visit the Eiffel Tower, which is a beloved landmark of modern Paris
  • B. millions visit the beloved Eiffel Tower, a landmark of modern Paris
  • C. the Eiffel Tower is a beloved landmark of modern Paris visited by millions of people
  • D. the Eiffel Tower, visited by millions of people and a beloved landmark of modern Paris
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A effectively captures the essence of the Eiffel Tower's significance, emphasizing both its popularity and status as a beloved landmark. The structure of the sentence flows smoothly, maintaining a clear connection between the millions of visitors and the landmark itself. Option B, while similar, places "beloved" before "Eiffel Tower," which slightly alters the emphasis and disrupts the natural rhythm of the sentence. Option C is overly wordy and less engaging due to its passive construction, detracting from the lively image of the tower as a vibrant tourist attraction. Option D, although informative, is less direct and slightly awkward in phrasing, making it less effective in conveying the intended message.

Other Related Questions

Which change is needed in the fourth paragraph?
  • A. In sentence 15, change 'immanent' to 'eminent'
  • B. In sentence 15, change 'dual' to 'duel'
  • C. In sentence 16, change 'inspire' to 'aspire'
  • D. In sentence 17, change 'proceeded' to 'preceded'
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A is the necessary change because "immanent" refers to something inherent or existing within, while "eminent" means distinguished or prominent, which fits the context better. Option B is incorrect; "dual" refers to two parts, whereas "duel" implies a contest between two. The intended meaning likely relates to duality, making "dual" appropriate. Option C is also wrong; "inspire" means to motivate, while "aspire" means to aim for something. The original term suits the context of motivation. Option D misuses "proceeded" (to move forward) instead of "preceded" (to come before), which is not the intended meaning in context.
In context, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 2 (reproduced below)? I first recognize that I am a very stubborn person when I was in grade school and wanted to be able to juggle like my big brother.
  • A. (As it is now)
  • B. In fact, I first recognize that I am a very stubborn person
  • C. I first recognized this trait in myself
  • D. The first time I recognize is
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C, "I first recognized this trait in myself," effectively shifts the verb tense to match the past context of the sentence, indicating a realization that occurred during grade school. This clarity enhances the reader's understanding of the timeline. Option A retains the original phrasing, which creates a tense inconsistency, as "recognize" suggests a present awareness of a past experience. Option B introduces "In fact," which is unnecessary and disrupts the flow, while still suffering from the same tense issue. Option D, "The first time I recognize is," is awkwardly phrased and lacks clarity, failing to convey a coherent thought regarding the past experience.
In context, which of the following would best be inserted after sentence 6 (reproduced below) as an appropriate example? Such problems are expensive for a government to solve, and often a 'solution' that helps one group hurts another.
  • A. The creation of new watering holes for elephants provides temporary jobs for local residents.
  • B. Declaring certain areas off limits to agricultural development can dangerously limit people's food supply.
  • C. Wild animals that prey on domestic livestock are active mostly at night.
  • D. Legislation attempting to transfer responsibility for wildlife to a country's citizens has failed in other parts of Africa.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B effectively illustrates how a government solution, such as restricting agricultural development, can inadvertently harm local communities by jeopardizing their food supply. This aligns with the notion that a solution benefiting one group can negatively impact another. Option A, while relevant, focuses on temporary job creation without addressing the broader implications of resource allocation. Option C provides factual information about wildlife behavior but lacks a direct connection to the theme of conflicting interests among groups. Option D discusses legislative failures but does not exemplify the immediate consequences of a specific government action, missing the focus on direct harm to a group.
Which is the best way to combine sentences 6 and 7 (reproduced below)? The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner. It was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • A. The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner, and the reason for that was because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • B. The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • C. Because the poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner, it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • D. The poet expressed reluctance, because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion, to proceed in this manner.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B effectively combines the two sentences by clearly linking the poet's reluctance directly to the unconventional nature of writing a commissioned poem. This structure maintains clarity and conciseness, allowing the reader to understand the cause-and-effect relationship without unnecessary words. Option A is overly complex and uses "and the reason for that was because," which adds redundancy and weakens the sentence's impact. Option C incorrectly implies that the reluctance is a consequence of the customary practice, rather than the other way around, misrepresenting the relationship. Option D disrupts the natural flow of the sentence by placing "to proceed in this manner" at the end, making it awkward and less direct.