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.

In context, which revision of the underlined portion would best combine sentences 7 and 8 (reproduced below)? Docile animals like antelope are easier to catch. A predominance of their bones could suggest that hunters of the time were not capable of regularly capturing more dangerous prey.
  • A. catch, a
  • B. catch, so a
  • C. catch, but a
  • D. catch, for a
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B, "catch, so a," effectively conveys a cause-and-effect relationship between the ease of capturing docile animals and the implications regarding hunters' capabilities. The use of "so" indicates that the prevalence of antelope bones is a direct result of hunters' inability to capture more dangerous prey. Option A, "catch, a," lacks a conjunction that connects the two ideas, making the relationship unclear. Option C, "catch, but a," introduces a contrast that does not exist between the statements, as both sentences support the notion of hunters' limitations. Option D, "catch, for a," implies a reason but does not capture the clear consequence intended in the context.

Other Related Questions

Which of the following sentences contains information irrelevant to the passage as a whole and should be deleted?
  • A. Sentence 4
  • B. Sentence 5
  • C. Sentence 7
  • D. Sentence 9
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Sentence 7 introduces an anecdote that, while interesting, does not contribute to the main argument of the passage. Its narrative focus distracts from the central theme, making it less relevant. Sentence 4 provides essential context that supports the overall message, while Sentence 5 summarizes key points, reinforcing the passage’s purpose. Sentence 9 offers a concluding thought that ties back to the main argument, enhancing the reader's understanding. Thus, only Sentence 7 diverges from the primary focus, warranting its removal for clarity and coherence.
In context, where would the following sentence best be placed? Banana consumption surpassed that of apples only 20 years after they were first introduced to Americans.
  • A. After sentence 3
  • B. After sentence 4
  • C. After sentence 6
  • D. After sentence 7
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Placing the sentence after sentence 4 provides a logical flow, as it builds on the preceding discussion about the introduction of bananas to Americans and their rising popularity. This context allows readers to understand the significance of the banana's consumption surpassing apples. Option A is too early, as it lacks the necessary context about the introduction of bananas. Option C comes too late, as it may disrupt the narrative flow established earlier. Option D is also inappropriate, as it would place the information after a conclusion, making it feel disconnected from the main discussion.
Which of the following is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 3 (reproduced below)? Agricultural activities can disrupt animal's natural habitats.
  • A. (as it is now)
  • B. animal's natural habitat's.
  • C. animals' natural habitats.
  • D. animals natural habitats
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C, "animals' natural habitats," is the best choice because it correctly uses the plural possessive form. Since multiple animals are affected, the apostrophe is placed after "animals" to indicate that the habitats belong to them. Option A retains the original error of using the singular possessive "animal's," which is incorrect when referring to multiple animals. Option B incorrectly adds an unnecessary apostrophe after "habitat," suggesting possession that does not apply here, leading to confusion. Option D lacks the necessary apostrophe to indicate possession, making it grammatically incorrect.
Which version of the underlined portion in sentence 14 (reproduced below) most effectively elaborates on the idea presented at the beginning of the sentence? In spite of his concern over time constraints—the occasion was an important one—he resolved to compose a relevant tribute.
  • A. (as it is now)
  • B. the event would be held in the nation's capital!—
  • C. only two days until the ceremony!—
  • D. the president would hear him recite!—
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A maintains the focus on the significance of the occasion while acknowledging the speaker's time constraints, creating a balanced perspective. It emphasizes the importance of the tribute without introducing unrelated details. Option B diverts attention to the location, which, while noteworthy, does not enhance the understanding of the speaker's internal conflict. Option C mentions the urgency but lacks context about the event's significance, making it less effective in elaborating on the initial idea. Option D highlights the audience but shifts focus away from the speaker's concerns, failing to connect back to the tribute's relevance.