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 would most improve sentence 12 (reproduced below)? I am aware that what I see as determination, they sometimes see as a lack of realism.
  • A. Change 'I am aware' to 'I notice'.
  • B. Change 'what I see' to 'the quality that I know'.
  • C. Change 'they' to 'other people'.
  • D. Delete 'sometimes'.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C enhances clarity by specifying "other people," which provides context and distinguishes the speaker's perspective from that of others. This improves understanding of the differing viewpoints on determination and realism. Option A, changing "I am aware" to "I notice," makes the statement less reflective and diminishes the depth of understanding conveyed. Option B's revision to "the quality that I know" complicates the sentence unnecessarily, losing the personal touch that "what I see" offers. Option D, deleting "sometimes," removes the nuance that acknowledges variability in perception, which is essential for conveying the complexity of differing opinions.

Other Related Questions

Abandoned in the attic were an old-fashioned doll, a set of trains, and a trunk full of children's clothes
  • A. Abandoned in the attic were
  • B. In the attic and abandoned,
  • C. Abandoned and in the attic, there was
  • D. It was in the attic and abandoned
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A effectively presents the sentence with a clear subject and verb structure, maintaining a straightforward flow that emphasizes the items found in the attic. Option B disrupts the sentence's clarity by placing "in the attic" at the beginning, which can confuse the reader about what is being described. Option C introduces unnecessary complexity with "there was," making the sentence less direct and more cumbersome. Option D also complicates the structure with "it was," detracting from the focus on the items and their condition. Thus, A remains the most concise and coherent choice.
According to scientists, the seven separate continents of the world in the far distant past, one vast land mass
  • A. the world, in the far distant past
  • B. the world, being in the far distant past
  • C. the world were, in the far distant past
  • D. the world was, in the far distant past
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

In this sentence, clarity and grammatical accuracy are essential. Option D accurately uses "was" to indicate that the continents once existed as a single land mass in the past, aligning with standard subject-verb agreement. Option A is incomplete, lacking a verb that connects the subject to the predicate. Option B incorrectly uses "being," which does not convey the past tense needed for this context. Option C uses "were," which is incorrect as it implies a plural subject, while "the world" is singular. Thus, D is the only option that correctly reflects the historical context and grammatical structure.
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 essential as it corrects a misused term; "immanent" refers to something inherent, while "eminent" describes someone prominent or distinguished, which fits the context better. Option B is incorrect because "dual" (meaning twofold) is appropriate in the context, while "duel" (a contest between two) does not convey the intended meaning. Option C misplaces "inspire" as it suggests motivating someone, whereas "aspire" (to aim for something) aligns with the intended message of ambition. Option D erroneously uses "proceeded," which implies moving forward, instead of "preceded," which correctly indicates something that came before.
Which of the following is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 6 (reproduced below)? Some researchers have cited this evidence as it made an argument that MSA hunters were less skilled than LSA hunters.
  • A. (as it is now)
  • B. evidence and were making
  • C. evidence, having made
  • D. evidence to make
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Option D clarifies the relationship between the evidence and the argument, indicating that the evidence was used to support the claim about MSA hunters. This creates a clear and logical connection. Option A retains the original phrasing, which is vague and awkward, failing to effectively convey the intended meaning. Option B uses "and were making," which introduces unnecessary complexity and shifts the focus away from the evidence itself. Option C's "having made" implies a completed action that does not align with the ongoing nature of the argument being presented.