tsia2 reading and writing practice test 2

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

Select the best version of the underlined part of the sentence. If you think the original sentence is best, choose the first answer.
He was an outstanding public speaker he was also a talented writer.
  • A. He was an outstanding public speaker
  • B. He was an outstanding public speaker,
  • C. An outstanding public speaker,
  • D. An outstanding public speaker and
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B is the only choice that correctly uses a comma to connect two independent clauses. The sentence requires a comma before the conjunction "he" to clarify that two distinct ideas are being presented. Option A lacks the necessary punctuation, making it an incomplete thought. Option C is a fragment, as it does not form a complete sentence and lacks a verb. Option D is also a fragment; it starts with a noun phrase but does not complete the thought, leaving the reader without a full understanding of the statement. Proper punctuation is essential for clarity and coherence in writing.

Other Related Questions

The author of Passage 1 would probably say that the claims in the last sentence of Passage 2 ("Someday notice") are
  • A. disappointing and inaccurate
  • B. stimulating and insightful
  • C. optimistic but vague
  • D. alarming but truthful
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Passage 1 likely emphasizes a critical perspective on claims that lack substantiation, making option A—disappointing and inaccurate—the most fitting choice. This aligns with a viewpoint that values factual accuracy and clarity. Option B, stimulating and insightful, misrepresents the author's likely skepticism towards unsupported claims. C, optimistic but vague, suggests a positive outlook that contrasts with the author's critical stance. D, alarming but truthful, implies an acceptance of the claims' validity, which contradicts the author's probable disapproval of inaccuracies. Thus, A best captures the author's likely viewpoint.
The author includes and defines the words "gargouille" and "gurgulio" primarily to
  • A. describe the physical appearance of gargoyles
  • B. connect the name and function of gargoyles
  • C. establish the geographical origin of gargoyles
  • D. suggest the artistic and cultural value of gargoyles
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The inclusion and definition of "gargouille" and "gurgulio" serve to connect the names of these figures with their function as water spouts, emphasizing their practical purpose in architecture. Option A is incorrect as the definitions focus more on the names rather than physical descriptions. Option C is not supported, as the terms do not specifically indicate geographical origins but rather their meanings. Option D suggests a focus on artistic value, which is not the primary intent of defining these terms; the emphasis is on their functional role rather than their cultural significance.
According to the passage, why did the Peshtigo Fire receive little news coverage?
  • A. The damage from the Peshtigo Fire was not as widespread as the damage from the Great Chicago Fire
  • B. Because it was a forest fire, the Peshtigo Fire really did not affect too many people
  • C. The Peshtigo Fire happened on the same day as a fire in a much bigger city
  • D. Residents of Peshtigo never reported that the fire had occurred
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The Peshtigo Fire received little news coverage primarily because it coincided with the Great Chicago Fire, which captured the media's attention due to its larger urban impact. Option A is incorrect; while the damage was significant, the timing overshadowed it. Option B misrepresents the fire's impact, as it affected many residents despite being a forest fire. Option D is inaccurate; residents did report the fire, but their voices were drowned out by the focus on Chicago, highlighting the influence of media priorities rather than a lack of acknowledgment.
The passage indicates that John Neville was
  • A. the creator of the whiskey tax
  • B. working for the government
  • C. pardoned by the government
  • D. a friend of George Washington's
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

John Neville was indeed working for the government, specifically as a tax collector during the Whiskey Rebellion, which highlights his role in enforcing federal tax laws. Option A is incorrect; he did not create the whiskey tax but was involved in its implementation. Option C is misleading, as there is no indication in the passage that he was pardoned by the government. Option D is also wrong; while Neville may have had connections, the passage does not confirm him as a friend of George Washington. Thus, his official capacity as a government worker is the most accurate representation of his role.