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

Marco won a trophy each of the three times he competed in the junior tennis tournament, but still the first prize eluded him.
  • A. eluded
  • B. alluded
  • C. elided
  • D. allied
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

In this context, "eluded" means that the first prize was out of Marco's reach despite his successes, which fits the sentence perfectly. Option B, "alluded," refers to making an indirect reference, which does not apply here. Option C, "elided," means to omit or leave out, which does not convey the intended meaning of something being out of reach. Option D, "allied," means to join or unite, which is irrelevant in this context. Thus, "eluded" accurately captures the sense of a goal that remains unattained despite effort.
Which of the following sentences contains irrelevant information and should be deleted from paragraph 17?
  • A. Sentence 1
  • B. Sentence 2
  • C. Sentence 3
  • D. Sentence 4
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Sentence 3 introduces information that does not directly support or relate to the main topic of paragraph 17, making it irrelevant. It distracts from the central argument and may confuse the reader. Sentence 1, Sentence 2, and Sentence 4 all contribute meaningfully to the paragraph's focus, offering necessary context or details that enhance understanding. Retaining these sentences ensures the flow and coherence of the paragraph, while removing Sentence 3 improves clarity and relevance.
Which of the following is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 13 (reproduced below)? But hunters capable of successfully hunting either aggressive animal should prefer buffalo; since one reaps more food from a larger animal.
  • A. (as it is now)
  • B. buffalo: since
  • C. buffalo,
  • D. buffalo since
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B, "buffalo: since," effectively links the two independent clauses while maintaining clarity. The colon indicates that the second clause explains the reasoning behind the preference for buffalo, enhancing the flow of the sentence. Option A retains the original structure, which creates a comma splice, leading to grammatical confusion. Option C, "buffalo," uses a comma, which incorrectly separates the clauses and disrupts the logical connection between them. Option D, "buffalo since," lacks punctuation, making it less clear that the second part elaborates on the first, resulting in a run-on sentence. Thus, option B is the most precise and grammatically correct choice.
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.